Modular PSU that much better?

[tyler50]

thinking of getttig this PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...AIN#detailspecs

 

It's a 700w, 80%efficiency, single 12v rail w/ up to 50A and modular cabling as well. I found anoth single 12v rail w/ 60A from Coolermaster w/ an addtl 100w (800w total) but it's not modular. Is going modular worth losing 100w and 10A less?

[InCrYsIs]

thinking of getttig this PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...AIN#detailspecs

 

It's a 700w, 80%efficiency, single 12v rail w/ up to 50A and modular cabling as well. I found anoth single 12v rail w/ 60A from Coolermaster w/ an addtl 100w (800w total) but it's not modular. Is going modular worth losing 100w and 10A less?

 

 

The only thing I can say is I will never go back to a non-modular power supply. It makes a big difference for air flow and the ability to work on your machine.

 

Check these out

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139010

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817153122

Edited February 16, 2010 by InCrYsIs

[tyler50]

cool, tyvm for the reply. yeah, everything I've read says it's mostly about the air flow. thanks again.

 

 

asweome, thanks for the links!

Edited February 16, 2010 by tyler50

[potatochobit]

modular is only for making the computer look clean and making it easier to work inside

 

if you never plan to open your computer again after building it you do not need a modular power supply

[minigeek]

heres another good psu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...6-059-_-Product

 

modular is only for making the computer look clean and making it easier to work inside

 

if you never plan to open your computer again after building it you do not need a modular power supply

 

good cable management=better airflow, so its not all about looking neat

[potatochobit]

most computer users do not need to worry about that, though.

 

btw, if you took a hammer and cracked a hole in the front of your case you would get even better air flow. and you can do this for free instead of having to pay extra for a modular power supply. of course I am exaggerating, however, my corsair PSU is not modular and the airflow cannot be improved simply due to the fact that i did not buy a cheap case and the power cables are routed behind the mother board. so with regards to the airflow your case is what actually is causing the restriction problems and this usually occurs when someone puts an aftermarket PSU in a small OEM case with the PSU at the top.

[tyler50]

cool, thxs all for the input. I was thinking of going w/ this case in lieu of the hammer through the front of the case lol:

 

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...&CatId=1510

 

fans on the front, top and side w/an exhaust of course on the rear. Lower PSU mount too. $130 not too bad a price. Although I can't see being able to fit the MoBo w/ Noctua NH-D14 CPU fan in this case.

[InCrYsIs]

cool, thxs all for the input. I was thinking of going w/ this case in lieu of the hammer through the front of the case lol:

 

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...&CatId=1510

 

fans on the front, top and side w/an exhaust of course on the rear. Lower PSU mount too. $130 not too bad a price. Although I can't see being able to fit the MoBo w/ Noctua NH-D14 CPU fan in this case.

 

 

I am using that case and I must say it is the best I have ever used.

[wevsspot]

Nice choice on the case!

 

Modular vs. non-modular = personal preference anymore......

 

With the mods you do have that additional break/connection in the power leads which could cause extra resistance, loss of voltage etc. but in the high quality units that isn't as big an issue as it is with lower quality units. Personally, I stick with non-mod PSUs because I usually end up using about all the leads anyway, and I'm a stickler about cable management etc.

 

But to each their own.

 

Our local PSU expert (Paul) could probably give you a really good technical summary of why one might be preferred over the other - so I'll leave that to the experts

[Union Of V]

If given the choice, I'd go for modular, but it's not something worth spending some extra

[tyler50]

nothing fancy, just want to be able to expand and upgrade in the future if needed.

Edited February 16, 2010 by tyler50

[Great_Gig]

I personally go for fixed cable PSU's and Corsair brand. I have had quite a few PSU's in the last few years, Enermax, Silverstone, non branded and Corsair. It is as wevsspot says mostly down to personal choice and a lot depends on the limitations of your case and configuration. I have room to stow the cables away so they don't interfere with airflow, but small cramped cases, or those full of components can have a problem with cable management. Modular PSU's can use a few more watts than non-modular ones, don't ask me why, they just seem to. Some Corsair HX models have been reported by users so have a very slight audible hum, which is not heard in non-modular units. Again this is negligible and reported by Silent PC users who are fanatical about any noise in the case...... gamers won't ever worry about this, as it won't be heard over the fans!

 

My priorities for buying a PSU are build quality, a good warranty, silent operation and energy efficiency - Corsair ticks all these boxes and the TX models are cheaper than the HX, they use slightly less power and are a little quieter. But it's marginal!

 

As with any purchase, read reviews, ask questions and make a choice For me it's non-modular and Corsair.... for others it's got to be modular.

Edited February 16, 2010 by Great_Gig