True Power 330, 380 or Smart Power 400

pinkchry · Post by **pinkchry** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 4:30 pm

Hi, I have an SL400 and was wondering if a True Power 330 will fit the bill. I know that Mike says that total wattage consumed is only 150W, but will a 330W be enough for my needs (Athlon XP, 2 hds, hdtv card etc)

Thanks
Swami

Post by **Ralf Hutter** » Wed Jan 22, 2003 6:43 am

Yes, either the True330 or the True380 will work fine and both are quieter than the SL400.

Have you considered the Nexus or the Seasonic as alternatives? They're even quieter than the TruePowers.

jinu117 · Post by **jinu117** » Sun Jan 26, 2003 6:27 pm

If you don't mind the void of warranty I would recommend getting Antec true power and modding it (put additional resistance in fan control). Even quieter than Zalman at that point and you know there is decent cooling going on (2 fans) as well as surety of having nice power output.
Its the route I went to.
One thing with Zalman on my system is that when my RAID goes into action, the PSU will emit buzzing noise... it might be lacking power (in minor way as it still runs). Maybe 400W version they have in manual would be better but I am quite happy with my modded Antec now.

JohnMK · Post by **JohnMK** » Mon Jan 27, 2003 10:38 am

Exactly how much quieter (appreciable), in a room of moderate to low ambient noise, is the Seasonic vs. the TruePower series?

jinu117 · Post by **jinu117** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 1:18 am

For my untrained ear, I can discern the sound difference up to 6 ft at middle of night. After that, it is a wash. (keep in mind my computer is extremely silent now exception of HDD)
If there is any ambient noise (right now there really isn't as I can hear the wall mounted electric clock tickling 10ft away). Quite frankly, I live in apartment and can't hear the computer until 10PM or so unless I am within a foot of it.
With the modified Antec... the noise level is not discernable until I get within a foot of it.

Post by **MikeC** » Fri Jan 31, 2003 9:53 am

Exactly how much quieter (appreciable), in a room of moderate to low ambient noise, is the Seasonic vs. the TruePower series?

It is significant, especially at a nominal working position -- for example ~3-4' with the PC under the desk. Depends partly how reverberant your room is. Also how big. You'd be surprised how little noise diminishes in typical interior spaces -- compared to outdoors. In my small hardwood floor office, I can easily hear the difference between the 2 models anywhere in the room.