OCZ ModStream 520W Power Supply

Remember the TV ad that went something like, "The worst thing you can do is start your car"? Every time you push your computer's power button, something akin to starting your car takes place. In the case of the combustion engine, cold, thick oil sitting at the bottom of the drain pan can't suddenly shoot into the engine block and properly lubricate all internal parts. The time lag when waiting for the pressure to build does increase wear in the cylinder walls.

Those cheap power supplies, some 235 watt, some 300 watt or more have a similar effect on your motherboard (MB) every time the power button is pushed. If they were of the "linear" configuration, the mainboard wouldn't get such a shock of 5, -5, +12, and –12 (and others) volts. You see, switching power supplies are some of the weakest components, if not the weakest, in that precious box that is such a source of frustration and entertainment.

If you're old enough to remember the days of the 286 machine, you may recall the huge, heavy power supply that resided within (and the real ball bearing fan) and an unusually well constructed case. If it ever fell on your foot, an emergency room had better be close by. Many of those old computers came with linear power supplies. Some of which still work after 15 or more years, while Joe Blo's 250 watt, 3 year old generic unit "popped" and caused a frazzled user to run down to the nearest retail store to inquire about another small metallic 250 watt wonder.

The OCZ ModStream Power Supply

While we have never worked with any OCZ based products for reviews until now, I remember them as a strong memory company that started in 2000 providing the fastest memory solutions on the market. They did very well with their DDR/RDRAM products; critics we're even starting to categorize them as the leading memory brand for the hardware enthusiasts.

Not just two years ago, if somebody would have asked me what kind of company OCZ is, I would without doubts classify them as a memory maker. Today that same question could lead to several answers. Already making themselves a good name with the hardware enthusiasts, OCZ is very seriously leading its path with several different offerings.