I've been searching for obtainable power supplies from Vancouver and have only come across a few. The ones I've found are the Seasonic SS-300FS, Nexus NX3000, and the Zalman ZM300A-APF. Which one would be the best choice in terms of noise quality? Currently I'm running the stock antec sonata 380 PSU and find it to make a clicking noise that is quite audiable. I don't want to mod it with another fan as I don't want to void the warranty just yet since I can give my current PSU to another computer. I was wondering about the Seasonic power supply I named. Is there going to be much difference between the one I listed and a Seasonic SS-300FS APFC PSU? I don't know where to find the APFC version in Vancouver. Right now it seems like the Nexus is the best one to get. I can order a Q-Technology PSU, but don't want to shell out the money for a SilenX as it's not available in Canada. Please advise. TIA.

If you're in the Vancouver area, you're most likely <1hr drive away from Pt. Roberts. Pt. Roberts is the key to getting stuff conveniently from the States. Don't rule out the states! Don't let the border stop your from getting boutique silencing gear like the SilenX!

Get it shipped to here: http://www.thelettercarrier.com They will sign for you and even call you when it's arrived. Very cheap rates. Many 5mu991in9 opportunities. Very cheap. Can you tell I'm a satisfied user?

The Seasonic APFC PSU is slightly noisier (because of ball bearings) than the sleeve bearing one, but both are considerably quieter than the Antec. The Nexus3000 is quieter than eiither of these. They are all available from New Type computers in Vanc. at prices that might actually be better than in the US. (Frontier Computers also carries these brands.)

Hmm. Getting things shipped to a rented mailbox huh? I'll have to look into that one.

Would the sleeve bearings die out much faster than the ball bearings? I think I'll probably get the Nexus powersupply since I can easily obtain it. It's supposed to be rated at under 20dbA, so it should be good enough. I hope.

Thanks for the tips guys.

yeah, the nexus is very quiet, and they're available in Vancouver at decent prices so...

Nexus is a fine choice. And it's not a rented mailbox. The folks @ thelettercarrier sign for the shipment and store it in their warehouse. All you do is drop by and give your name, shell out a few US bucks and that's it.

I say no to sleeve bearings unless it's a long-life variant like hydrowave (panaflo), sintec (papst), hypro (adda et al.) or equivalent.

I've used the letter carrier many times and although its a good service, i wouldn't go to the trouble of driving 30 mins each way from the city and dealing with importing for just one PSU. If something is available in canada i recommend buying it here even if it means paying another $5-15.

The Nexus is not APFC. The Seasonic APFC is a bit louder, but it is very easy to replace the fan on that one (has connector), not so easy on the Nexus.

Anybodu knows of a similar service on the East coast? I live in Montreal and Plattsburgh NY is about 1h away. Thanks.

You can call the 2 places I mentioned in this thread to see if they offer a similar service.

http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewtopic.php?t=3517