I am moving my system from my Antec Overture and looking to get a new PSU. I have considered reusing the one from my Overture (450W SmartPower 2.0 ATX12V v2.01). But I would like a PSU with active PFC and I don't want to spend more than $70.00. So my best option is the THERMALTAKE TR2 420W Power Supply ATX12V V2.0 from NewEgg. I have been looking at some other PSU's that have more power but no PFC. One I am looking at is the XG Vigor 500W. So how important is PFC really, am I just buying into a feature that has no value or am I on the right track? Or should I stick with my current PSU?

Here is my system:
Mobo: DFI NFII Ultra Infinity
CPU: AMD Athlon 2500 Barton 333FSB
Memory: 1G (512 x 2) Buffalo 2.5 CAS
Video: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

Hard Drives:
Samsung SP 1614 160 GB SATA Drive
HP 18.2G ST318406LC SCSI Drive (Cheetah)
2 Quatum Atlas4's 9.1G LVD SCSI Drives (RAID 0)

Optical: NEC ND-1300 DVD +/- RW
TVTuner: Happauge WinTV PVR-250

JS Power Supply Calculator - Calculates 360W Minimum

Thanks in advance for any help,
Mobo

The idea that PFC somehow makes the PSU better/more stable & therefore does the same for your PC is a myth - what it does is to smooth out what goes back into the mains power supply, meaning you don't get those nasty 45 degree lines interfering with your TV picture

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonny English The idea that PFC somehow makes the PSU better/more stable & therefore does the same for your PC is a myth - what it does is to smooth out what goes back into the mains power supply, meaning you don't get those nasty 45 degree lines interfering with your TV picture

The main use of the system in question is for watching TV on my 27" Tube HDTV and to be honest I get the best picture in the house with it. Even compared to my JVC 32" HDTV where some channels have a bit of interference yet no problem with the one connected to my PC.

Welll... it saves money (less power consumption) plus there is less heat production... both very
good arguments, imho...

Btw... here in Europe most PSU's have Active PFC... if you buy an "auto switching" PSU you can
use it everywhere... so... why not order one from the EU?

TDR

Here is a good link that gives the skinny on active PFC:
http://www.dansdata.com/gz028.htm

Thank you sir, that was excellent information. Found some similar stuff on the web but not as good as the link you provided. I think I am norrowing my choices for a PSU. Also checked into dual +12v and found pretty much the same info about it as I did PFC.

Thank you very much.

So given your age did you mod ENIAC when you were my age?

I was already beyond that.

Quote: Originally Posted by Whatsamobo Thank you sir, that was excellent information. Found some similar stuff on the web but not as good as the link you provided. I think I am norrowing my choices for a PSU. Also checked into dual +12v and found pretty much the same info about it as I did PFC. Thank you very much. So given your age did you mod ENIAC when you were my age?

He looks good for his age, doesn't he? BTW, his avitar is his real picture.

I need to shave, but I've always had that pronounced nose.

An interesting read, BigAkita! Certainly set some things straight....

TDR