Antec power supply identification>?

[davemaster]

Since these threads are discussing antec power supplies (mostly). I hope I can get some info on my old ps that is (amazingly) still working after something like 5+ years. I don't remember the exact month or year I purchased it. I do know it was made before PCI express came out cause it has no cables for it. Here is what it says on the side cover:

Antec true 550
+5v 40a, +12v 24A, +3.3v 32A, -5v 0.5A, -12v 1.0A, +5SB 2.0A

Date B06
App B1
Serial number #21231808

Was this a decent ps? When was it made? Should i expect it to give out any day now? (showing no symptoms of failure yet)

[starfury1]

Re: Antec power supply identification>?

well others could best advise on what caps may be in it.
(or search the posts then look)

seems some of their models are ok design wise just crap caps used.

you may be lucky in that you have (as gonzo puts it) good flow of air though it keeping the caps cooler, also you may not be too demanding on it system wise

heat really is the enemy of any caps with most things and PSU can cook then nicely

you can if you want pull it and check the caps (being very careful).
or see if you can seen them through the vents
(enough photos round here to show you what to look for)

maybe just blow the dust out of it now and again to help keep it a bit cooler.

A preemptive recap probably really wouldn't hurt at that age regardless.

But you will know when its on its last legs as you will probably start getting system freezes and reboots
(I personally wouldn't want one to go that far, thats also barring failed caps on MB which can give the same syptoms)

it could, due to your conditions last a fair while longer thats anybody's guess really.

I have an old enermax that still going strong 5 years plus and I have seen a few posts on dead ones that were gone in 3 so it can really depend on the situation the supply is in

well if most of the threads say they got crap caps chances are yours are too...you just may have been lucky so far

anyway wait and see what others have to say

Cheers & welcome

[davemaster]

Re: Antec power supply identification>?

Well being that its so old and well out of warranty I decided to take the cover off and take a good look at it - low and behold I spotted a bad cap on the secondary side (bulging top) and - you guessed it - it was a cap made by fuhjyyu. All the caps on the side are the same brand so they will probably all fail soon - /sigh. I could not find any name on the primary caps. I guess I can't complain, 5+ years of good service even with the crappy brand caps is not that bad at all. and it is showing no signs of failure I can detect even with the bad cap. It was never abused, run about 50 hours/week, every few monnths blown out with compressed air to get rid of the dust. and it was kept in a well ventilated case. I have no grounds to complain at all.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Antec power supply identification>?

"Antec True 550" is exactly the model.
It was also called "TruePower 550" vs just "True550" but it's the same model.
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=20550
That series was replaced by the TP2 (TruePower 2) series that had all the same problems.

It will normally be loaded with Fuhjyyu's and the fact it's still working indicates you had very good cooling.

Finding replacement caps for the output filters can be tough because the originals are 10mm diameter and no reliable brand makes direct replacements that size.

You will either have to go down in uF to get 10mm or try to fit a 12.5mm where a 10mm was (which ain't always easy!).

.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Antec power supply identification>?

Never done a TP but from what I've seen the caps layout is similar to TP2.

You should replace the output filter caps, the caps by the +5vsb transformer, and the 47uF (I think it's 35v) tucked in there between the transformers and the heatsink.
-
Basically anything 6.3mm or bigger (except the 2 big beer can caps.)
.

[starfury1]

Re: Antec power supply identification>?

Basically anything 6.3mm or bigger (except the 2 big beer can caps.)

I like that bonze