Hey all, I am doing a computer build for my dad. I have all the components figured out, Im throwing in an AMD athlon x2 4400+ processor, BIOSTAR A780G M2+ SE AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard, 4 GBs Patriot Viper memory, samsung 500 gb HD, and an ASUS CD/DVD drive. Im planning on using a Apevia Micro ATX desktop case for it all. (all these are what im planning, they could change based on what he wants) here is the issue I am having, the power supply. my parents have an intercom system in their house, and the last time i did a build for my 13 year old brother, the casegears 480 watt PSU I used with that causes interference with the intercom system. its not a big deal since he rarely uses it, however the one Im building for my dad will be on a lot. the case comes with an apevia 500 watt PSU, base line PSU, only 1 12v rail, but its all he needs in the above system. if this PSU causes interference with the intercom system, does anyone have any suggestions on how to overcome this issue or a 5-600 watt PSU that won't cause interference if this one does? I know my coolermaster 750 watt PSU in my system won't, but they don't need nor want to fork out the money for a PSU like that. any input would be appreciated.

If the power supply caused interference with other devices, in this case the intercom system, then the power supply was faulty, the intercom is faulty (or wired incorrectly/not properly grounded), or the house wiring is faulty!

I don't know where you live but I recommend every home owner and apartment dweller have and use an AC Outlet/Ground Fault Indicator Tester. Your local home improvement store will have one for your type outlets. These are used to ensure the outlets are properly grounded (Earthed) and the hot and common are correctly wired.

And don't be fooled by the hype about multiple rails for 12V. That "fad" is passing, with a move back to fewer, or just one rail that is capable of full power full time. See my recent post on this very topic here.

yeah ive heard about that new fad, done some research into it, looks like a good principle, though Im old fashioned. I guess it could be faulty wiring in the house in theory, but im not sure. My old HP never caused that issue, nor my new one, yet my other brothers high end PSU did, and so did this one, and Im pretty sure the PSU itself is good, it runs the computer smoothly no issues and I tested it thoroughly. its not the first PSU to cause such interference. it seems like 50/50 here what causes it and what doesnt, however you might be right about the wiring as my computers have always been upstairs, wherein both computers that caused interference were located in downstairs rooms that were added later on.

PSUs have high-speed switching devices in them too, which means they emit some RFI, radio frequency interference. If the intercom is old, I suspect is does not have current standards for "shielding" or it may not have a good solid ground either. Perhaps the intercom's wires in the walls are right behind the computer.

In either case, I would get a checker and use it in every outlet in the house. It might save a life.

I talked to my dad, and he says hes tested all the wiring downstairs and it came up fine. I assume since the PSU is working that theres nothing wrong with that. its a Casegears 480 watt. now my other brother had a high end PSU in one of his systems that did the same thing, but hes also had several that havent, my dad has an old compaq downstairs he ran for awhile that didnt have that issue, and upstairs ive had an HP 250 watt one and a coolermaster 750 watt PSU that didnt cause the issues, and it was in a room right upstairs. its just weird that some PSUs cause the issue but not others. and their in different rooms.

Well, not all PSUs are created equal. The budget models would not have RFI under as tight of control.

That was what I was thinking, which was why I was wondering if anyone had a recomendation for a decently priced PSU that would have the RFI under a little better control this isnt a high end gaming machine im building I dont need any 7-800 watt 150 dollar PSUs, something quality in the 40-50 dollar range, somewhere around 5-600 watts maybe?

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

1. Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
2. Efficiency,
3. Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).