OCZ POWERSTREAM 520WATT ATX COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY REVIEW

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Please feel free to post your questions here:

Review can be found here:

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/ocz520/

Pricing on this power supply can be found here:

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=12261476
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mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Nice review! So nice, in fact, that I gotta have one.

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

I actually asked myself the same two questions about modular cables and knobs.

Modular would be nice, for sure, but I don't really see it as necessary for that PSU. Figure it's geared toward tweakers with high-end systems, that will probably use most of those connectors easily. Personally, I have a modular PSU, and I use all but one string of Molex connectors.

Knobs for the voltage would be nice, but seeing as it's on the back of the machine, you raise two problems. One would be broken/damaged voltage pots if you mistakenly grab the case and lift it while pushing on the knobs. The other would be accidentally moving one or more of them while fishing around in the back of the case for a loose connection. The recessed knobs are safer, and really, once set, you shouldn't need to touch them, I'd think.......and in any case, you'd probably have a screwdriver or two out for the upgrade you're doing anyway.

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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

This is true, but for the price, a modular approach might be something to look into.

Comparing this power supply with others in the same wattage does indeed yield quite price difference.

The knobs were only a suggestion. But really, anything can go hypothetically wrong with any product, anyone installing this PSU should be careful or they shouldn't have it installed.
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[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 11:44 am Post subject:

also if they go modular with a psu they have to cut the wattage rating down for the unit.

An interesting read about power supplies can be found HERE
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[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 2:26 pm Post subject:

after looking at the unit it looks a lot like the AthenaTech units I got for my DX builds. They have the same braided and plastic covered PCI-E leads. The same twisted leads and same mirror finish. The Athenatech units don't have the adjustable rails though nor the green LED fan. But the way the leads are done they look very similar. They are probably made at the same plant.
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johndoe · TweakNOOB Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 1

Hi Nathan,

just been reading the review though this thing had already been on my winter shopping list, along with an a8n sli premium, opteron 170 or 165 (just switched to opteron from x2 3800+ last night) and 2 gigs of ocz platinum eb pc4000. already have an x800xl that i'm gonna add to the rig

so anyways, i kinda don't agree with you about your gripe with the screws and knobs thing. think about it, this is for safety reasons. supposing one of your young cousins or a neighbor's kid or somebody comes along, sees those cute little knobs and decides to give them a twist here, a turn there - next thing you know, bang! there goes your pair of 7800 GTs or GTXs or whatever the hell they call their high end cards these days that you had been running in SLI

capice ? Very Happy

doc18 · TweakNOOB Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 161

ohhh wow. love that psu. maybe when i feel like uprgrading again

awesome job on the review, though nate. i also noticed that ocz did windings throughout all the branches to reduce emi. they certainly paid attention to detail to make sure it was the best they could produce.
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Totally agreed there. If you're allowing somebody under the age of.......well, anybesides yourself.......acccess to the backside of your gear, you need to rethink your options. Like, maybe teach your kids not to mess with your electrical (and dangerous) gear?

Weaz has a good point about the modular. I was trying to think why PC Power and Cooling and a few others chose not to go that route, but I was having a brain fart.

Yes, for some reason, having the plugs that close to the actual PSU innards requires you to lower the wattage overall. Read his post, it explains it pretty well.

Not that I plan on giving up my NeoPower anytime soon, but I accept the limitations, as well.........if I ever go beyond what I have now, I know what I'm getting.

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