Choosing the Right Power Supply

[zero260]

Hey,

I read your post, thnx so much. I was acatully one of those ppl who didn't really think that power supply was that big of a deal. Like my last computer I just bought a generic one, and that was a mistake.

Well, I'm actaully building a new computer now. The specs are as follows:

CASE: Aero Cool Jetmaster Mid Tower ATX
MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9 NVIDIA nForce4 4X (Socket 939)
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3000 (Socket 939)
MEMORY: PC3200 400MHz 1 Gig (2x512 Meg) 184pin DDR SDRam
VIDEO CARD: eVGA e-geForce 6800 GT PCI-E 16x 256 Megs GDDR3
HARD DRIVES: Western Digital 80 Gig HD @ 7200RPM + Maxtor 40 Gig HD @ 7200RPM
OPTICAL DRIVE 1: Creative 52X CD-ROM Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE 2: DVD-RW
OPTICAL DRIVE 3: CD-RW
+ a Floppy Drive

I will be looking to do a lot of high end games on this machine and I am looking for a power supply to suit my needs. So far I am looking at a COOLMAX 450W SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY (model CT-450) vs. the Enermax Whisper 431W Power Supply (model EG465P-VE)

Here are the links to the PSUs

COOLMAX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159002#DetailSpecs
ENERMAX: http://www.exhardware.com/reviews.php?Id=57&Page=1

The thing is that your Enermax power supply is going to cost me a bit more than the Coolmax power supply. However, I am willing to pay the extra cast IF its needed, but ONLY if its needed. So what do you think. Can you give me an opinion as to which power supply is better suited for my needs

Also, if you think that none of these power supplies are good for me and I should go in a whole new directions completely... let me know what power supply you think I should go with instead, thnx

 

[Thunder]

Under no surcomstanses could I recomend the Coolmax PSU.

+3.3V@28A,+5V@45A,-5V@0.5A,+12V@18A,-12V@0.8A,+5VSB@3A

The +12V is way to low for that setup. I would also hesitate to recomend that Enermax PSU, it has only 20 amps on the +12V, and thats a bit low. I suggest you find a PSU with 25 amps atleast on the 12V rail. This is wery important for the system stabillity.

BTW...wrong mobo...choose MSI

 

[zero260]

I would also hesitate to recomend that Enermax PSU, it has only 20 amps on the +12V, and thats a bit low.

Actaully the Enermax PSU I listen there has 33A on the +12V rail

 

[Frankenputer]

That review must be of the previous version of the 465P-VE (Whisper). I have the 465P-VE (WhisperII) and it has 33A on the +12V rail and a total max output of 460W. See my signature.

 

[Thunder]

In that case, go for the Enermax

 

[zero260]

That review must be of the previous version of the 465P-VE (Whisper). I have the 465P-VE (WhisperII) and it has 33A on the +12V rail and a total max output of 460W. See my signature.

Did they actaully release a new updated PSU or did they just change the number on their previous model? Because both of them have the same model number

 

[Frankenputer]

I guess Enermax just made a new revision but just kept the same numbering/lettering. On Enermax's website, my PSU is listed under the whisperII series. I didn't see any mention of WhisperII on the box. My PSU actually has a knob on the back for controlling one of the 2 fans to reduce noise, thus the Whisper designation I guess.  There are several models in the 465P series depending on features, active PFC or not, fan cotrol knob or not, etc. I believe the 465 PSU with 33A on the +12V rail has been out for quite a while now, at least over a year, probably longer.

 

[ap1978]

Is this a good PSU for a K8N Diamond, Geforce 6800 Ultra SLI system?
http://www.hipergroup.com/products/hpu-4b580.html

 

[Apple renegade]

Hi,

It certainly looks nice.
What counts are the amps on 12v, it doesn't say, I can't tell.

How about this one:
http://www.databutikken.com/no/default.php?artId=ASP520WBLA
http://www.databutikken.com/no/default.php?artId=OCZMS520W
Either 1 will be OK

 

[Waldo 6000]

I don't know anything about anything, but judging from this webpage, you can't just add 12v1 and 12v2 together.
It seems to suggest that the actual combined rating is less than the sum of the two combined - am I being stupid again or have I shown a glimmer of hope??

 

[Grayone]

Waldo
That is correct.  Some power supplies have a power source for each of the 12v rails on a dual rail system and others use the same power source for both rails. ( One way the total 12v amps is the sum of both rails and the other may equal the amps on either rail or slightly more.)  That is why detailed specs are needed to determine a good power supply from a weak one.

 

[Nicias]

I am building a HTPC.? I am looking for a powersupply. Here is what I plan on putting in it:

K7N2GM2-LSR
Sempron 2500+
DVD-/+RW
Western Digitial 320GB HD
Hauppauge PVR-150 PCI card
512 PC 2700 RAM

I may want to put in a second capture card later, and maybe a second HDD.

What sort of power do I need on 3.3/5/12V sources?

(TIA)
-Nicias

 

[Grayone]

Hi
There are quite a few power supplies from the major manufacturers enermax-antec-ocz-akasa that will take care of your needs.  I would recommend a minumum of 30 amps on the 3.3and 5v rails with 20 amps or more on the 12v rail to allow for your future needs.  Get the best that you can afford since its reserve equals insurance against future needs.

 

[Nicias]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at Antec and found some good PSU's. However, the cases I am looking into fall into two catagories:

1) Antec's Aria
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129146&ATT=Cases+Computer+Cases&CMP=OTC-d3alt1me
This has a custom PSU: 300W, 27/26/18A at 3.3/5/12V. That is slightly less then you suggest, but a standard PSU won't fit.

2)Various other mATX cases, these mostly come with STX PSU's, I can't seem to find STX PSU's from major companies. However, I have found some references which say I *may* be able to swap in an ATX PSU for the STX one that comes with the box. How plausible does this sound?

Again TIA,
Nicias

 

[Grayone]

Take a look at some other cases.  The antec power supply will probably drive what you have now but are you going to be satisfied next month with what you have?  Better video cards-more memory- faster processor all require more power.  Also consider that micro atx cases lack the air flow of a mid tower or a full size case which can result in higher operating temps.  (Just some things to consider before your purchase-the final decision is yours)

 

[Nicias]

I don't think that I will want more RAM or a faster Processor. The only thing I plan on adding is maybe another harddrive or a second capture card, however I am considering flexibility, so I will look at other cases. My reason for going with the microATX cases is because this machine will be living in a stereo cabinet, and so the size available is a limiting factor (18"Wx9"Hx17"D.) 

What about swaping the ATX in for an STX is that possible?

-Nicias

 

[Grayone]

I am not familiar with the STX style power supply.  You can compare dimensions and wiring locations to check if it is possible.

 

[marsh240sx]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Antec TP series and SP series.  Looking at the specs they seems about the same.  Is there any major difference that would affect system stability? 

I currently have the Antec SP500w, and with all the junk I have in my system I'm thinking its time to go bigger. 
Its odd how it works great for a few weeks and then I come home and it wont boot, like I see it post and everything is good on the Status lights but no video, move around some connectors and it boots again, then repeat.  Thinking its starting to wear out.

Anywho, just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Smart Power and True Power models. 

 

[tnt1]

One more thing to try to consider is heat. More heat inside the PSU equals less power. Many of the inferior power supply companies will show ratings even for continuous power at a temperature that is lower than you can exepct to see in a real world application. Also if you have poor ventilation in your case or have a high room ambient temperature you will lose some power.

As mentioned some very well respected brands plus I will add a few more PC Power and Cooling, Antec, Enermax, Seasonic, Corsair (currently rebranded Seasonic), Tagan, Fortron, OCZ, and Silverstone.

If you want to save a few bucks on a Power Supply try a CoolerMaster (Real Power or iGreen Power models) or a Xcilio. These two CoolerMasters are rated at their continuous power not peak according to the manufacturer. 

A high quality 450w Power Supply will be better than a poor quality 650w power supply.

 

[henrythe9th]

Hello has anyone tried out the 
MSI TurboStream 600W ATX 12V V2.2/ EPS 12V/ BTX 600W Power Supply 90 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817701004
I know its dual rail, but its a EPS with the 8pin connector I need for my msi server mobo. I've allready purchased it so I hope its a goody!!!
henrythe9th