Building a computer? Need advice/suggestions? Come here!

[Warsaw]

How many systems have you built using cheaper PSU's? I've built 8 or 9 systems with cheaper PSU's because the client I was building them for wanted to keep costs down as much as possible, 3 or maybe 4 of those have crapped out in 2-4 years of usage. Out of the other PC's I've built, admittedly only 6 or so, with good quality PSU's none have crapped out (again though, two of them are only a year or two old).

The PSU is a very critical component, it's never happened out of the ones I've had that have failed but a failed PSU can fry the rest of your components as well. It's also something that you can't really replace with a cheaper version when it goes out either, so better to spend an extra $30-$50 initially.

I've built 6 or 7 computers, all using the PSUs that came with the case (because I don't usually buy a separate PSU). Mine is the only one with an expensive after-market PSU. The problem is that it's usually not an extra $30-$50, it's an extra $50-$80 for a desirable PSU. As long as it has a high comment to egg ratio with five eggs, it's fine.

Like I said, he could just buy a Rosewill and save money. They are good PSUs and they have generally excellent reviews.

[TeeKup]

I could go for these.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817152028

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817339001

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817822003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817101048

This one has great reviews while still being cheap.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817339022

The Hec Orion has gotten great reviews while still being dirt cheap. If I go with that it will put my grand total at 510.71.

[ThePlague]

Freelancer just doesn't like buying anything under $100.

This is the PSU I bought, but with the promo code it went down to $99. Or you could go with this one, which was my fallback.

Spending a lot on a PSU is worth it, because that's one of the crucial parts you can keep when you upgrade in a few years.

[TeeKup]

I stand corrected.

My grand total would be 492.41 before shipping. I think I'm going to go with this.

[Cortexian]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139027
(free shipping, $49.99 after $10 rebate)

If you don't do this I'll come and do something to you TeeKup!! Something very very not-gay!!

[TeeKup]

Potentially using this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817152035

[Cortexian]

Cleaning off thermal paste.

Isopropanol.

It's 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and the rest is water.

Is this appropriate?

[Warsaw]

Rubbing alcohol works just fine. I do it all the time.

[Cortexian]

I ran out of rubbing alcohol but I have this stuff.

Since most rubbing alcohol is 70 - 90% this 99% should be fine as well?

[Donut]

i think thats what i used. alcohol evaporates pretty quickly anyway, and a concentration change from 90% to 99% isnt going to hurt anything


you know, unless fire gets involved.