5.25" Drive Bay PSU?

blanketyblank

Golden Member
Jan 23, 2007
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I was at Bestbuy yesterday, and spotted what looked to be an incredible PSU innovation.
It's a PSU that adds on 450W to your existing PSU for a normal system! What this means to me is that now I can upgrade video cards and go triple crossfire without fear of running out of juice.
I am really curious how these things work, but I don't really want to be a guinea pig. Anyone tried these or seen a professional review on them?
Visiontek isn't really known for its PSU's, so I am concerned about both sound and quality of these units. I'm also curious how it even gets power in the first place since I don't think it would require a power cord to the front of your computer.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1203815034249

found manufacturer's link. The pics a little too small to tell, but it seems like it is plugging into the existing PSU. How does that work??
http://www.visiontek.com/produ...ly/VT_powersupply.html
 

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
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These PSUs only provide 12V for use on video cards. Generally they come with one or two PCI-e power connectors. Some have 4. They have there own power cord that is connected to a PCI back plate to power the PSU. Then a cable goes between the 24pin main connector of the main PSU and the motherboard. So that when the system is turned on the aux PSU turns on at the same time. They are great if your current PSU is unable to handle a video card upgrade. Problem is they cost nearly as much as a new PSU so its really not worth the money for them. Its best to spend a little extra and get a single good PSU to support your system.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
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Originally posted by: blanketyblank
Anyone tried these or seen a professional review on them?

part 1
part 2

I think the Visiontek might be the same as the Ultra... If jonnyGURU pops in I'm sure he'd know.

I own an FSP Booster x3. Used it with a pair of 8800 GTS and it worked. Someone tried using mine to help power two 8800 GTX and it didn't work (cards kept throttling or something).

Anyone want to buy a Booster x3 for cheap?