Member Avatar for NiTeHaWk4787

Hey this or next week im ordering:

AMD 3500+
MSI Neo2 Platinum
Nvidia 6800GT
1024 Corsair XMS RAM
Seagate 200GB 7200rpm
Random fans/lights

I'm trying to find a PSU that isn't like 100$ but gives good power. What's the difference between this Thermaltake 480W and this Antec 480W?
Thermaltake is 30$ cheaper but the numbers look similar.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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Good points from and : a power supply is one of those parts where a small extra cost can buy much more reliability and cleaner power. Below is a concise checklist and practical guidance to pick a PSU that will keep a system like the one in the original post stable without re-stating product links already shown.

What to check on the spec sheet and label:

  • Look for the continuous current available on the +12V rail(s). Modern CPUs and GPUs draw almost entirely from +12V, so amps on that rail matter more than the raw wattage number.
  • Prefer a unit that specifies continuous (not peak) ratings and lists protections (OVP, OCP, SCP, UVP). Active PFC and a stated efficiency rating are good signs.
  • Build quality signals: Japanese electrolytic capacitors, decent fan and wiring, and a clear rail distribution chart are positive indicators.
  • Connector count: make sure it has the correct CPU auxiliary, enough drive connectors, and the proper GPU power plugs your card needs.

Practical buying rules:

  • Estimate your system peak draw and buy a PSU with about 20-30% headroom above that peak. Don’t trust vague “up to” numbers—look for continuous output specs.
  • Favor brands/OEMs with independent reviews and multi-year warranties. If budget forces a cheaper unit, at least confirm the +12V continuous rating and check real-world reviews.

Quick troubleshooting tips if instability appears:

  • Symptoms of an underpowered/weak PSU include reboots under load, failure to POST with the GPU installed, and voltage sag on +12V under load.
  • Test by running with minimal components, swapping a known-good PSU, or measuring voltages under load. If possible, buy from a seller with a solid return policy so you can exchange if problems show up.

This keeps the decision practical: quality and correct +12V amperage matter more than a headline wattage or a low price.

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Member Avatar for Rueful Rogue

You get what you pay for. The Model TRUE480 has better specifications all around and would appear to be a more robust design. You'll note that on the Model W0013, several items are marked "not specified", which means they probably don't want you to know, or don't have good things to tell you. Since the Power Supply is the heart of your PC, I'd spend the extra money.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

The Antec is definitely a higher quality unit, but if funds are restrictive then the Thermaltake could be considered adequate. Thermaltake PSUs are not low quality, that's for sure. they're just not as good as the Antec ones. Reliability and stable performance comes at a cost, I'm afraid, and the higher the cost the more you can expect to be able to rely on them.

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