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PSU confusion

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  #1  
Old 06-25-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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Location: New Jersey
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PSU confusion

Alright, so I'm sure some are aware I've been wandering around looking for stuff for my computer.

And I know what I need, but i've come to the part where I dont know what to get.

I've been searching NewEgg for PSU's that are in the range of 50-60 dollars that has at least 450W and 32 amps on the 12V

Now, some of them seem sot have 2x 12v's which are 18a each, and I dont know if that's good for my upcoming video card. The requirements for it are 450W and 32A on the 12V. I've found one that has 34A on the 12V somewhere, but I cant find it, I do see alot of PSU with 2 12vs with weaker Amps.

Do I add both 12v's? For example.This PSU that I found has:

+3.3V@30A, +5V@50A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@1A, +5VSB@2.5A

Does that mean 36A in total?? And can somebody give me a good explanation on Rails and Amps and PSUs in general?



EDIT:

I found the one I wanted, but i still want a lesson or explanation on the different between 2 rails and one. What's better and what's not. etc. This is what i was looking for.

Last edited by BlindObject; 06-25-2007 at 09:28 PM.
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  #2  
Old 06-25-2007
Boogityboo04's Avatar
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I don't really have time to explain about rails right now, but I will recommend that you not get that PSU. Spend $20 more and get a PSU from a reputable brand. No matter how powerful they say it is, it probably won't last long if its cheap.
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  #3  
Old 06-25-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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Location: New Jersey
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Wanna point me out to a good one?

Is this good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817148010


Guys, I need this ASAP. :'(

Last edited by BlindObject; 06-26-2007 at 12:32 AM.
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  #4  
Old 06-27-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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I really need this guys :'(
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  #5  
Old 06-27-2007
Grafficks's Avatar
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Yes, 18A + 18A is 36A in total.
The idea of having dual +12V rails in a PSU was good because it more effectively distributes the power. There are many power-hungry components to a PC, and having them all hog the same +12V rail was not efficient. With dual rails (or triple, even quad), the power is split to each of the components. For example, one of them supplies power to the CPU, while the other powers the video card.

However, controversy erupted about this using multiple +12V rails in a PSU, and now we have the PSU industry leader, PC Power & Cooling, setting a new standard and ditching the dual-rail PSU design.

They explain it better than me..
Go here and read #8:
http://www.pcpower.com/technology/myths/


And as for that PSU you linked to, I would suggest staying away from Apevia (Aspire) PSU's. They are on the "Bad" list of PSU brands. The good PSU manufacturers include Antec, Enermax, Thermaltake, OCZ/PC Power&Cooling, Seasonic, and FSP, to name a few.
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  #6  
Old 06-27-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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Location: New Jersey
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Awesome, but would my video card get enough power with a dual 12v rail?

my newly video card coming is a ATI radeon x1950gt...
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  #7  
Old 06-27-2007
dustin_ds3000's Avatar
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u should get a PSU with Modular Cabling if your going to spend over $60
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  #8  
Old 06-27-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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I think 60 is my tops.
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  #9  
Old 06-27-2007
dustin_ds3000's Avatar
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well check this out

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=3551

this is the same PSU i have now, i had it for two months now and no problems

and for the help explain PSU's go here

http://www.overclock.net/power-suppl...psu-guide.html

Last edited by dustin_ds3000; 06-27-2007 at 02:00 AM.
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  #10  
Old 06-27-2007
kpo6969's Avatar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grafficks
Yes, 18A + 18A is 36A in total.
The idea of having dual +12V rails in a PSU was good because it more effectively distributes the power. There are many power-hungry components to a PC, and having them all hog the same +12V rail was not efficient. With dual rails (or triple, even quad), the power is split to each of the components. For example, one of them supplies power to the CPU, while the other powers the video card.

However, controversy erupted about this using multiple +12V rails in a PSU, and now we have the PSU industry leader, PC Power & Cooling, setting a new standard and ditching the dual-rail PSU design.

They explain it better than me..
Go here and read #8:
http://www.pcpower.com/technology/myths/


And as for that PSU you linked to, I would suggest staying away from Apevia (Aspire) PSU's. They are on the "Bad" list of PSU brands. The good PSU manufacturers include Antec, Enermax, Thermaltake, OCZ/PC Power&Cooling, Seasonic, and FSP, to name a few.
WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!
That psu is only 23amps. Do yourself a favor and read this and look at the chart:
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=205763
I don't think your going to find a 32amp psu in your price range, but good luck!
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  #11  
Old 06-27-2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlindObject
Wanna point me out to a good one?

Is this good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817148010


Guys, I need this ASAP. :'(
23amps
You wanted 32amps
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  #12  
Old 06-27-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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Location: New Jersey
Member since: May 2007, 111 posts
23? Where did you get that from?

Output:

+3.3V@28A, +5V@30A, +12V@34A, -5V@0.3A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2A

Also, that chart is very helpful, I'll be researching it...alot.

Also, I dont understand WHERE each rail is. For example what voltage is the 4pin molex? How do I indentify each one?

Here guys, this is the video card.



Do you see how it has 2x 4 molex? Would i be able to put any 4pin in there?

Last edited by BlindObject; 06-27-2007 at 12:38 PM.
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  #13  
Old 06-27-2007
Grafficks's Avatar
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Oh I see...

You take the the wattage output of all the +12V rails combined, and divide that by 12 for the real amperage..
Thanks for that useful link, kpo6969.

BlindObject,
As listed in that link, that Apevia Concord ATX-MR500W you linked to indeed only has 23A when the correct calculations are done.
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  #14  
Old 06-27-2007
BlindObject's Avatar
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Location: New Jersey
Member since: May 2007, 111 posts
Umhmm...

Well, what will be able to run it?

I found this one also...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817128005

And, do I MUST connect both of the 4pin molex inputs? Or could I just use one?
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