I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply(not compatible with PCI-E)

Works well even if installed where it won’t fit
Used this “Coolmax I-500 500W ATX 12V V2.0 Power Supply (not compatible with PCI-E)” PSU to get an old Athlon II based PC quicly back up and running. Original PSU is SFX form factor and is one of those briefly manufacured around 2005 or so and having a very high current rating on the 3.3V and 5V rails. The now-failed original had ratings of 3.3V @ 22A and 5V @ 30A. A modern replacement SFX form factor PSU of suitable ratings seems to be unavailable – even the premium high power 800W or 1000W SFX PSU’s don’t supply anywhere near this much current on the 3.3V and 5V rails.This Coolmax PSU is ATX form factor (big) and should not and does not fit the subject PC’s SFX form factor (small) case. It was therefore strapped to the side of the PC’s case, and the case’s cover left off. The Coolmax-provided cables were sufficiently long to reach the motherboard. This jury-rigged external PSU setup is working well. All output voltages are right on spec, and the Coolmax PSU runs cool, even though the Coolmax’s 5V rail is rated at somewhat less current than that of the original PSU. The original PSU will be repaired and reinstalled as time permits, but until then, the old PC will chug on, powered by the externally-mounted Coolmax.

Great power supply
I use the supply for a regulated test supply on my workbench. Perfect!

Great Power Supply, Some addons needed!
I have an Inspiron 530 that i wanted to upgrade the Graphics card for (to use for CAD and Gaming, etc.), but the issue was that the Power supply was at 350W and i did not want to risk frying my computer(Yes, that can happen if you dont have enough power). I had a budget of $210, and i got the Sapphire Radeon R7 260X(Which is an amazing GPU by the way, check it out). The graphics card was about $150 and i needed something that could fit in my budget. Being priced at approximately $31, this was a perfect fit for me. At $193, i got 2 day shipping and got the parts.HOWEVER: When i was installing this, i got a bit confused on the parts. It has multiple Peripherals, and only 2 SATAs. Now, The 2 SATAs i used for my 2 hard drives, but my DVD drives were unpowered, so they would not work. Be sure to look at the box, and it will tell you all the parts you need. So i ordered 2 adapters for Male SATA to Female Peripherals, at $4 a piece. Add another $8 to the original $193, you end up with $201.When using the product: This Power supply is off the rockers. The fan is so quiet, i can barely tell that the Computer is on. It has 380W Dedicated to all other accessories like Graphics Cards, etc. The system i have only uses 120W out of the 500W total. This thing is absolutely perfect, and when matched with the Sapphire Radeon R7 260X, this system can be used as an ultimate Desktop.My Specs:Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33 GHz4.00 GB DDR2 RamWindows 8.1 ProSapphire Radeon R7 260X- 2GB GDDR5, with DVI, HDMI, and Display Port(Comes with DVI to VGA Adapter)Dell Inspiron 530 Model Case(2009 Built)If you are looking to upgrade your power for gaming,etc. Then pair this with the Graphics card i mentioned. But ultimately, This Power Supply has got to be the best power supply i have ever bought(The only one ive ever bought as well :D). $31 Well spent on a great piece of equipment!!4 Stars rated since i had to buy the Peripheral Adapters.

Great product & Power cable included too & Recommend this product
Great product&Power cable included& Easy to install& Very useful and functional & If you want the PC power supply to turn on to test it Connect the green wire on the harness to the black wire & then your PC press play will turn on

These power supplies are perfect for older computers. They have way fewer parts inside and don’t heat up as their original counterparts from 20 years ago. They’re also much lighter as a result, but I think they will have greater longevity, producing less heat, and using newer components. Very satisfied and will likely buy more, to retrofit a retro PC collection, where the PSU’s are beginning to fail of old age.I’ve read many comments about bad or burning up power supplies, and I guess there’s a high proportion that shares factory defects, but mine is absolutely fine. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe the failure will take place down the line, in which case, I’ll update the review. I intent to use there with pre-pentium era retro machines. Those draw under 150W, so I’m not really stressing the power supply at all. I do not doubt the fact that the real power rating is 250W max (and not 500W, like the box claims). Just keep it under a lite load. For serious projects, buy rated PSU’s for double the price. Don’t expect miracles in this price category.

I have ordered many of these now and have only had one minor problem once. I once got one that did indeed work as it should, however the bearing in one of the fans was not what it should be. I got a free replacement and free return kit for the one that didn’t work and have ordered many of them since then, and never had an issue with them.

This PW was crap…. Dead on arrival , I was told by my tech guru “don’t ever buy this again”