Cheap PSUs...

[Jay123]

So I have a cheap PSU that came with a cheap CIT case I bought for my Uncles PC, however I used an old Antec PSU in his build. So now I have this cheap 500W PSU going spare. I am considering building a cheap HTPC for myself used just for downloading, storing and playing media. I can't see the overall power draw of the system being any higher than 300w at peak. I know cheap PSUs are notorious for breaking (even setting alight) but if it isn't under any pressure will it be fine?

[Origommi]

i believe it will be fine as your not pushing it to near maximum of its potential.

[Andi]

they are not only notorios for braking, they can kill your other hardware too :D 

[Jay123]

they are not only notorios for braking, they can kill your other hardware too :D

I know, I should probably just buy a nice 500/400W PSU

[ARod]

It really depends where the "cheap" PSU is coming from.  If it's provided with a case....I'd probably look elsewhere.  If you're salvaging from a regular mass manufactured system like a Dell or HP then you're OK; just keep the max load to no more than 90% of what the PSU is rated for.

[Cryo Kaiser]

I dont see the problem with it. "cheap" might just be a over exaggeration because my little bro is using an OEM dell computer 300w and i put a radeon 5670 and the min requirements is 400w. If your using it for an HTPC i don't see any problem with it. Like the one guy said. if your not maxing it 24/7 you should be fine.

[joelthezombie15]

It probably wont be bad but i wouldnt do it if i were you

[Wats]

Keep it for when you need a spare. Or sell it.

 

Use a quiet psu for your htpc, you'll like it

[Jay123]

Just going to keep it as a spare to use temporarily if my actual PSU dies.

[Quaker]

Some cheap PSUs work quite well. It really depends upon the manufacturer and how well things are designed. Some problems with 'cheap' PSUs:

- they are often highly overrated and can't actually deliver the stated current.

- they often lack good input filtering, so they are susceptible to powerline spikes and noise.

- they can be borderline on voltage settings & regulation - but most components can handle a bit of over/under voltage.

- they are in-efficient.

- they sometimes contain cheap components - particularly capacitors - that can fail with much sparking and smoke.

 

In many case though, especially if they are connected through a good filtered power bar, they can operate a low end computer quite fine for many years. I had a server running 24/7 for several years that used a basic generic 300watt supply that came with a cheap case (and without a power bar).