Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

[solderman]

Sorry, I'm not psu savvy, there are so many of them out there.

I need to replace 350 watt psu in a computer I am working on. Got a choice between 2 different Sparkle PSU's from Newegg. Not worried about the price, I just want to know which one of these is the best. I know one is an 80 Plus model. Is that a big advantage?

Here is links to the 2 different psu's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103515


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103029


Thanks in advance

[999999999]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

It's not a big advantage, but it is a small advantage.

The real question is whether either is the best for the $, and we don't know what the host system is like, for example how many 5V or 12V amps it needs. Since you're only looking for 350W PSU, it's doubtful the 80+ efficiency differene will matter so much as it would with a larger PSU, but part of the latter PSU's price rise is also the APFC feature.

I'm suggesting that if you dont' need APFC, for that $50 your best bet might be a higher capacity SPI/Sparkle/Fortron (if that's the brand you want) instead of just what they have for 350W models. Higher capacity models tend to have larger transformers (= lower ripple, shorter recovery time) and larger capacitors, though in some uses the size of caps matters less than the brand, and I don't know what's in one of their "Hi-Q" models, if it differs from the SPI/Sparkle/Fortron named/labeled product of same generation otherwise.

[acstech]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

I guess the one I would get:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104952

A little more capacity for about the same money.

Or...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104901

Equivalent capacity for less money than the SPI unit.

Notice the similarity in the PN between the SPI and the FSP units...

[geforcefly]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

I used to have a ATX350-PA until I put it in a Dell Dimension 4600 to replace its failing PSU (random shutdowns, BIOS blaming on thermal event). Good PSU. If memory serves me right there are no dreaded Fuhjjyus in these units.

[acstech]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

If it's anything like the ATX-400PA then it's Teapo's.

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3975

[dood]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

Sparkle power supplies are made by FSP, so between the two, just look for the best price. My opinion would be to go with a 400 watt or higher, just for reserve capacity.

[dood]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

Oh, and throw out that little dinky 80 mm fan...

Go with one with a 120mm

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953

[acstech]

Re: Which Sparkle PSU would you get?

My thinking was:

1. The ATX-400PA puts out more amps on most rails than the ATX-400PN.
2. I've sold several ATX-400PA's, and I can say they move a good amount of air while remaining very quiet.
3. I've found PSU's with an 80mm fan easier to recap than units with 120mm fans, due to more space being available.
4. The ATX-400PA costs less.

But to each his own.