I'm a little late to this party and unfortunately don't have much to add to the original topic however:
I've been using an Antec Smartpower 2.0 500W for over a year now. Not once has it run hot enough to warrant the 2nd fan to startup - if it works at all :chk:
Now for my Smartpower issues. :doh:
First off, I've got very few complaints about this PSU. It's modular, plenty of cables and extra connectors etc, and even has sleeved cables. Heck I still use the box to store instruction manuals and CD's or whatnot. Not once have I had a random shutdown or freeze up relating to power.
Now when I first installed this PSU (for my 1st build no less) it powered everything right up and has been a workhorse for about 14 months now. My only quarrel was a low pitched whine that came from the PSU whenever it was turned on - but barely audible over the PC itself (Not a quiet rig). It has never not made this noise.
Recently however (within the last 4-6 weeks), when the system sits idle or the CPU is not running intensely; like if I'm just browsing the web, a very loud, high pitched squeal starts going. First it was only when I used the scroll wheel on my mouse, next it was intermittent stopping and starting while pages would load and programs would open. Finally it has become constant, stopping only when the PC is under load (ie games or CAD). The low whine still is always there, but this new squealing has prompted me to buy a new PSU (Rosewill Stallion 450W on the way via UPS - We'll see if a new PSU will 'fix' things).
I've also reconnected all my hardware to the PSU in order of importance, so my GPU is first, then a couple fans. This other line has my HDD's first then a couple fans etc. (I thought having the fans first in the circuit could be causing me to lose power to primary devices, wasn't the case). Checking the BIOS hardware monitor showed voltage was normal. I don't have a gauge to check the lines directly.
Most recently now, my bezel side (front) USB ports cut power to my keyboard and mouse, causing me to unplug them and put them back, which always worked until power cut out again. If I put them in the rear USB ports, they work fine consistantly. I believe this is unrelated because of stress on the cords from being in awkward positions. But it could also foreshadow power problems or mobo starting to die (noooooooo!).
Google internet search has showed this to be a common problem with PSU's in general, not just Antec; but, where ever Antec was mentioned, so too was 'Smartpower 2.0'. It seems the SmartPower line may be the worst of the Antec model lines. Always seems to be bad capacitors in the PSU, occasionally somebody will say its a fan. The problem could also lie in the Mobo capacitors or MOSFETs (whatever those are). I'm certain it isn't anything VISIBLE on the mobo. I havn't cracked open the PSU too look around at all.
Anyhow thanks for reading all of this, and any input would be appreciated. Although most of my system is a generation old now, it shouldn't need replaced for another year yet. Any PSU calculator I've used states I shouldn't need more than 430W (havn't done the math myself) Here's my specs:
Asus p4p800SE
P4 Prescott 3.06Ghz 800MB FSB w/HT
Seagate Barracuda 250GB 7200RPM - Sata
Western Digital 160GB - Sata
Asus CD-RW
Sony DVD-ROM
BFGTech Nvidia Geforce 7800GS AGP OC
Antec SmartPower 2.0 500W
Soundblaster Audiogy 2 ZS
a NIC card (I want to say it's US Robotics)
4 - 120MM LED fans
2 - 80MM fans
Razer DiamondBack mouse & Saitek Eclipse Keyboard (assuming they draw more power than less flashy counterparts)
Thanks again - enoc
