The Big Giant Power Supply Thread

[davidhammock200]

Please post a proper sig, so we have some idea as to what we are dealing with! :cool:

[himmerz]

kk soz my bad, hav done so now

[TRIaXOR]

I've not had any issues with my Enermax Liberty 620W and hopefully will never have unlike my old Colors(h)it 550W :sad:

[himmerz]

i will probs go core duo and avoid dfi when getting my next mobo then cos i luv my hiper psu it connects like a knife in hot butter to power connectors

 

[davidhammock200]

For DFI mobos, consult the Official DFI-Street PSU Guide:

http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showpost.p...853&postcount=2

 

Updated 3-5-07

 

Dave's Short PSU List

I had to make this

As you will see all PSU's recommended for highend systems are Single +12V Rail PSU's.

 

This has now become necessary for several reasons:

 

PSU manufactures are now assigning the rails on their multi-rail (3 or more +12V rails) PSU's in whatever fashion pleases them.

 

Motherboard manufacturers are now requiring additional power connectors, beyond the standard ATX & P4/EPS connectors.

 

Sometimes the interaction of these unique rail assignments & additional power connectors results in mobo/PSU incompatibility.

 

All of these problems are of course caused by the ever higher power demands of ever more powerful GPU's.

 

Most Dual +12V Rail PSU's are not effected as one rail "should always" be used exclusively to power the CPU via the P4/EPS connector, however Dual Rail PSU's that follow the specs can not power highend SLI systems.

 

Therefore all PSU's recommended for highend systems now need to be Single +12V Rail PSU's.

 

Please note that the Seasonic built Corsairs & Antecs (HE & Trio) are, regardless of advertising,

Single +12V Rail PSU's, in that there is no per-rail current limiting, meaning that any +12V rail can pull whatever +12V amperage is available. This is also true of the Seasonic M-12's.

The Corsairs are built to higher standards than the Antecs.

 

From PC P&C's Power Supply Myths Exposed!: http://www.pcpower.com/technology/myths/

 

8. ARE MULTIPLE 12-VOLT RAILS BETTER THAN A SINGLE 12-VOLT RAIL?

 

With all the hype about multiple 12-volt rails (ads claim that two rails is better than one, five is better than four, etc.), you’d think it was a better design. Unfortunately, it’s not!

 

Here are the facts: A large, single 12-volt rail (without a 240VA limit) can transfer 100% of the 12-volt output from the PSU to the computer, while a multi-rail 12-volt design has distribution losses of up to 30% of the power supply’s rating. Those losses occur because power literally gets “trapped” on under-utilized rails. For example, if the 12-volt rail that powers the CPU is rated for 17 amps and the CPU only uses 7A, the remaining 10A is unusable, since it is isolated from the rest of the system.

 

Since the maximum current from any one 12-volt rail of a multiple-rail PSU is limited to 20 amps (240VA / 12 volts = 20 amps), PCs with high-performance components that draw over 20 amps from the same rail are subject to over-current shutdowns. With power requirements for multiple processors and graphics cards continuing to grow, the multiple-rail design, with its 240VA limit per rail, is basically obsolete.

 

PC Power and Cooling is once again leading the industry. All of our power supplies now feature a large, single 12-volt rail. The design is favored by major processor and graphics companies, complies with EPS12V specs (the 240VA limit is not a requirement) and is approved by all major safety agencies such as UL and TUV.

 

From Silverstone: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-da750.htm

 

"With the knowledge that single +12V rail power is the next generation power supply, SilverStone Technology introduces Decathlon series, offering enthusiasts more choices with single rail power selections to handle their system."

PC P&C Turbo-Cool 1KW-SR [single +12V Rail] (+12V@72A) (The Best of the Best of the Best!)

Specs: http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduc...&view=techspecs

$499: http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduc...KWSR&view=about

 

SILVERSTONE Olympia OP1000 1000W [single +12V Rail]

Up to +12V@80A

Specs: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-op1000.htm

From: $335: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Silver...nline&scoring=p

 

Zippy PSL 6850P 850W [single +12V Rail] (+12V@60A)

Specs: http://www.zippy.com.tw/P_PRODUCT_DETAIL.a...br=3&lv_rfnbr=2

Gaming Specs: http://www.zippy.com/P_product_detail.asp?...6850P(G1)-PCIE4

From $322: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

 

PC P&C Silencer 750W [single +12V Rail] (My #1 Choice for Uber SLI/CF with any current GPU's!)

Up to +12V@60A

Specs: http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduc...&view=techspecs

$199: http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=S75QB

 

Silverstone Decathlon DA750 750W [single +12V Rail]

Up to +12V@60A

Specs: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-da750.htm

From $178: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

 

SilverStone Olympia OP750 750W [single +12V Rail]

Up to +12V@60A

Specs: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-op750.htm

From $149: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Silver...nline&scoring=p

 

Corsair HX 620W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.] (My #1 Choice for Highend SLI/CF!)

Up to +12V@50A, +5VSB@3A

Specs: http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/HX_power_supply.html

From $129: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

Can the Corsair 620HX Power Supply Handle 8800 GTX SLI: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/462/1/

I have personally tested this PSU & I highly recommend it for highend systems with all current video cards.

 

SilverStone Olympia OP650 650W [single +12V Rail]

Up to +12V@54A

Specs: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-op650.htm

Fron $127: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Silver...nline&scoring=p

 

Antec TruePower Trio 650W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.]

Up to +12V@52A

Specs: http://www.antec.com/specs/TP3_650_spe.html

From $103: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Antec%...nline&scoring=r

 

Corsair HX 520W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.] (My #1 Choice for everything else!)

Up to +12V@40A, +5VSB@3A

Specs: http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/HX_power_supply.html

From $97: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Corsai...nline&scoring=p

I have personally tested this PSU & I highly recommend it for highend systems with any single video card.

 

Antec Neo HE 550W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.]

Up to +12V@42A

Specs: http://www.antec.com/specs/NeoHE550_spe.html

From $89: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Antec+...nline&scoring=p

 

Antec TruePower Trio 550W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.]

Up to +12V@42A

Specs: http://www.antec.com/specs/TP3_550_spe.html

From $80: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Antec%...nline&scoring=r

 

Antec Neo HE 500W [Performs as a Single +12V Rail PSU.]

Up to +12V@38A

Specs: http://www.antec.com/specs/NeoHE500_spe.html

From $74: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Antec+...nline&scoring=p

 

VANTEC ION 2 VAN-460N ATX12V/ EPS12V 460W[/b] [single +12V Rail] (Perfect for Older (+5V CPU) Systems)

Output +3.3V@28A; +5V@30A; [email protected]; +12V@30A; [email protected]; [email protected]

Specs: http://www.vantecusa.com/p_ion2460.html

From $60: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

This is my #1 Recommendation for older PC's where the CPU is powered by the +5V rail.

 

XCLIO GOODPOWER 500W[Dual +12V Rails](Best Bang for the Buck!)

Specs: http://www.xclio.com/htm/products-PSU-Goodpower500w.htm

$52: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817189005

I have personally tested this PSU & I highly recommend it for mid-range systems.

 

Enhance ENP-5150GH 500W [Dual +12V Rails]

Specs: http://www.enhanceusa.com/series.php?series_id=4#115

From $67: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

If the XCilo GoodPower 500W is not available, this is a good alternative for midrange systems.

 

XClio 450BL ATX 450W [Dual +12V Rails] (Best Bang for the Buck!)

Specs: http://www.xclio.com/htm/products-PSU-450BL.htm

$38: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817189003

Review: http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews...lio_450W_1.html

I have personally tested this PSU & I highly recommend it for low to mid-range systems.

 

Enhance ENP-5140GH 400W [Dual +12V Rails]

Specs: http://www.enhanceusa.com/series.php?series_id=4#43

From $54: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Enhanc...nline&scoring=p

If the XCilo 450W is not available, this is a good alternative for low to mid-range systems.

 

FSP Group (Fortron Source) BoosterX 3, 300W SLI Graphic Power Supply

Dedicated Multi-GPU Graphic Power Supply Unit

Specs: http://www.fspgroupusa.com/FSPNEWS/BOOSTERX3.asp

From $66: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?sourceid...nline&scoring=p

If you have a good PSU, but need more power for SLI,

just put this +12V (only) GPU PSU in an empty 5.25" bay!

 

Jason's (EOC) Reviews: http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/articles.php#13

 

jonnyGURU's Reviews: http://www.jonnyguru.com/reviews.php

 

Legit Reviews: http://www.legitreviews.com/articles/power_supply/

 

Nvidia SLI Certified: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_buil...d_powersupplies

 

For more information: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/show...02&page=1&pp=20

 

Updated 3-5-07

 

Dave

 

For DFI mobos, consult the Official DFI-Street PSU Guide:

http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showpost.p...853&postcount=2

[Astennu]

What do You guy's think about the coolermaster PSU's.

 

I'm Now using a Coolermaster Realpower 550 Watt SLi. But i'm having some stability issues dont know if its the cpu. So i'm gonna install a corsair today to test is. But i'm looking for a new PSU with the new 8P PCI-E Connectors.

 

I love the coolermaster PSU's in power usage. They consume's less power then other psu's. It seems they have a high efficiency. But the website tells me the PSU ( Coolermaster Realpower Pro 850/1000 ) Have 6 12v Rails. And from the post above its seems to be a bad thing.

 

http://www.coolermaster-europe.com/index.p...l%20Power%20Pro

 

Would you guy's reccomand This PSU ? I want a PSU that can power 2xR600 cards and the new AM2+ mobo's with quadcore barcelona. ( My up-comming setup )

[davidhammock200]

What do You guy's think about the coolermaster PSU's.

 

I'm Now using a Coolermaster Realpower 550 Watt SLi. But i'm having some stability issues dont know if its the cpu. So i'm gonna install a corsair today to test is. But i'm looking for a new PSU with the new 8P PCI-E Connectors.

 

I love the coolermaster PSU's in power usage. They consume's less power then other psu's. It seems they have a high efficiency. But the website tells me the PSU ( Coolermaster Realpower Pro 850/1000 ) Have 6 12v Rails. And from the post above its seems to be a bad thing.

 

http://www.coolermaster-europe.com/index.p...l%20Power%20Pro

 

Would you guy's reccomand This PSU ? I want a PSU that can power 2xR600 cards and the new AM2+ mobo's with quadcore barcelona. ( My up-comming setup )

I do not recommend any Coolermaster PSU's & efficiency ratings are published.

 

I'm sorry to say that at this time we do not really know how much power a pair of R600's are going to pull,

therefore our only safe corse of action is to recommend the PC P&C 1KW-SR, as PC P&C guarantees its performance.

 

Good Luck,

Dave

[Astennu]

Double posted Sorry.

[Astennu]

Well i have tested The Corsair 620 Watt VS my Realpower. And The System is rock sollid now. Coolermaster had some cold boot problems.

 

But the Power usage from the System with the coolermaster PSU was 185 Watt and with the Corsair is used 210 Watt. Quite a difference.

 

I saw my Coolermaster Had a Peak of 18-20-10-A on the 12v rails. But it can only do 12-12-6 all the time.

 

For the corsair its 18-18-18 Peak so i guess it also had a Max of 12. So i guess i should be looking for a PSU with one Big rail and the 8P PCI-E connectors. I know the new Enermax Galaxy and Liberty's already have that new Connector. But they also have split 12V rails :'(

 

Can Anyone Tell me What the next image means:

 

 

620 VS 520 Watt both have 3x 12v @ 18a Max. But what is the continues output of theses 12v rails ? Corsair is talking about a combined power of 50A thats still 600 Watt.

 

And what are the bad things about the Coolermaster Realpower Pro PSU's of 850 and 1000 watt ? To weak 12v lines ? They are rated @ 6x18A Max output. The Corsair i have now had 3x18A Max. But the 850 watt coolermaster only has 230 watt more and 3 more 12v lines. + 12vx18A=216 Watt per line 216x6= 1296 Max for the 12v only. So the values they give are not to be trusted.

 

Same With the P&C 750 Watt. It has 60a 12v raild thats 60x12= 720 Watt for the 12v rail only. I think thats a peak value. But i dont think that coolermaster 850 can peak 1300 watt on the 12v only.

 

And then the next thing:

 

Triple 12V Rails provide independent reliable power to the CPU, video card and other components with a combined rating of 50A (40A on 520W) maximum! Advanced circuitry design that automatically enables power sharing between the triple +12V rails in an event of overload on any single +12V rail.

 

Is this even possible ? And if it is it seems logical other PSU's like the Galaxy and Realpower Pro would also have something like that.

 

And What do you guy's think about this new PSU: Galaxy DXX 1000 CrossFire

 

http://www.enermax.com.tw/english/product_...ay1.asp?PrID=70

 

It already has 2x8p PCI-E connector + 18P cpu connector and 4x6P PCI-E. The R600 will need 1x6P and 1x8P PCI-E. ( That was the latest info. Or ATi has changed the PCB and Power requirements to it can run on 2x6P )

 

But This PSU has 5x12V rails of 24A Rail 1 and 2 are combined to 408W (34A) And Rail 3-4-and 5 are combined to 492W(41A).

[davidhammock200]

The Corsair 620W has "up to" +12V@50A.

 

The PC P&C 750W Quad has "up to" +12V@60A.

 

The Silverstone OP 1000W has "up to" +12V@80A.

 

Yje Corsair is powering your PC, the Coolermaster is not, the Corsair is 80%+ efficient.

[Astennu]

True. My Coolermaster can power it but not @ cold Boot after 10 min it runs good. But yes i think the corsair is more stable. Could explane the power usage.

 

But What about those 3 rails of the Corsair. Is it possbile they are linked ? So can i see it as a Big 12v rail ?

 

Because in a other post you had a Quote from P&C that said that a singel 12v Rail in better then 4 weaker 12v lines.

 

And What are your thoughts about That Enermax Gallaxy DDX Crossfire PSU ?

 

Sorry For all the question. But i'm trying to figure out how i can identify a good PSU by myself and what is better to buy. Because P&C says more 12v Lines are Bad. Corsair says that they ave separate lines that can be linked if more power is needed. So i dont know what's good or bad. And whats true.

 

And i see ppl replacing Seasonic PSU's for OCZ and solving there problems but the Antec and Corsair PSU's are build by Seasonic : And the Corsair is highly reccomanded. They bought a wrong Seasonic PSU ?

[davidhammock200]

The Corsairs, Antec HE's & Trio's & the Seasonic M12's are in reality single +12V rail PSU's,

as there is no "per rail" current limiting.

 

These are all very good PSU's & are highly recommended.