kony wrote:
> <cbfalconer@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>> Avoid the lowest cost PSUs which tend to be quite overrated,
>>> generally most people can use a median priced unit unless
>>> their system was particularly well endowed, but some
>>> prettied-up generics also sell for more than they're worth,
>>> name brands can help but first you'll need to consider the
>>> specific parts in the system.
>>
>> Or you can measure it by using the wattmeter method I outlined in
>> another thread.
>>
>> I suggest people build suitable test loads. You can use 12V
>> automotive bulbs for the 12V supply, but you may have problems
>> finding suitable 3.3v and 5V bulbs. Now make a breadboard with a
>> suitable number of bulb sockets wired in parallel.
>>
>> When someone offers an XXX watt PSU, load up sufficient bulbs to
>> dissipate XXX watts, distributed between the various lines
>> according to the mfg spec for max load. Connect, turn the PS on,
>> and wait. I predict 90% of PSUs will self destruct in 30 min or
>> less. So do this test at the sellers location, before buying. If
>> it passes, buy it. :-)
>
> There would definitely be quite a few PSU that fail such a
> test, particularly those which came free-with-case, but
> there are a couple of other problems in particular.

The main point of the post was that automotive, or other, bulbs
make a relatively cheap load, and sockets allow you to adjust the
values. Did you ever price high wattage low ohms resistors?

--
Chuck F (cbfalconer at maineline dot net)
Available for consulting/temporary embedded and systems.
<http://cbfalconer.home.att.net>