An SLI PSU

[LifeStealer]

OK, I know this is ANOTHER PSU thread but I've exhausted every other source I have to decide and I couldn't do it. I'm looking to build a mid-range SLI rig and I do not want to buy a PC&P (Seen to many threads about the 510 blowing up while researching). Everything I've read has pointed out that I need to have at least 30amps on the 12v lines and 2 12v lines are better than just one. I've read a few posts about people using the OCZ 520 at 33amps 12v and it not being able to keep up with an SLI setup. I've seen a few people using 500w Ultras even, but they weren't oc'd. The enermax is 18a x 2 for 36amps on the 12v lines but I've heard the enermax amperage rating is actually high because they are using the lowest temp range output to rate it (As opposed to the normal output at room temp). I've read about Fortorn being one of the best PSUs but only being rated at 30amps has me a little unsure of it. Although I've also read about Fortorn rating their PSUs at 25-30% less than what they actually perform at. The silverstone I'm unsure of as well but then again I've also heard decent things about them.

All PSUs are PCI-E/ATX 2.0 compliant except the OCZ wich has PCI-E and the 24-pin connector already.

This has been the hardest part of building my new system. I've never had so much trouble in one area picking out parts, litterally spending over ten hours reading through forums and websites just for the PSU.

Enermax
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-103-457&depa=0

OCZ
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-152&depa=0

Fortorn
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-934&depa=0

Silverstone
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-163-107&depa=0

 

[cyto]

Originally posted by: LifeStealer

OK, I know this is ANOTHER PSU thread but I've exhausted every other source I have to decide and I couldn't do it. I'm looking to build a mid-range SLI rig and I do not want to buy a PC&P (Seen to many threads about the 510 blowing up while researching). Everything I've read has pointed out that I need to have at least 30amps on the 12v lines and 2 12v lines are better than just one. I've read a few posts about people using the OCZ 520 at 33amps 12v and it not being able to keep up with an SLI setup. I've seen a few people using 500w Ultras even, but they weren't oc'd. The enermax is 18a x 2 for 36amps on the 12v lines but I've heard the enermax amperage rating is actually high because they are using the lowest temp range output to rate it (As opposed to the normal output at room temp). I've read about Fortorn being one of the best PSUs but only being rated at 30amps has me a little unsure of it. Although I've also read about Fortorn rating their PSUs at 25-30% less than what they actually perform at. The silverstone I'm unsure of as well but then again I've also heard decent things about them.


If you are going to build a midrange SLI rig, then you don't need all that amperage. Even Asus lists on the mobo specs that for a high end machine with two 6800 Ultra cards, that you should have greater than 25 amps and 500+ watt psu. For a midrange system with two 6600GT's, you would need 17 amps or more with a 350+ watt psu. Btw, it is Fortron, not Fortorn.

 

[WaxHaX0rS]

I plan on getting this for my SLI:
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=17-103-924&depa=0
I have some nervousness about it, but I think it'll be fine. I don't know for sure... so if it blows up don't blame me, heh.

 

[LifeStealer]

Originally posted by: WaxHaX0rS
I plan on getting this for my SLI:
http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=17-103-924&depa=0
I have some nervousness about it, but I think it'll be fine. I don't know for sure... so if it blows up don't blame me, heh.

Won't handle 6800's from user experiences.

 

[WaxHaX0rS]

Links?

 

[LifeStealer]

Originally posted by: cyto

Originally posted by: LifeStealer

OK, I know this is ANOTHER PSU thread but I've exhausted every other source I have to decide and I couldn't do it. I'm looking to build a mid-range SLI rig and I do not want to buy a PC&P (Seen to many threads about the 510 blowing up while researching). Everything I've read has pointed out that I need to have at least 30amps on the 12v lines and 2 12v lines are better than just one. I've read a few posts about people using the OCZ 520 at 33amps 12v and it not being able to keep up with an SLI setup. I've seen a few people using 500w Ultras even, but they weren't oc'd. The enermax is 18a x 2 for 36amps on the 12v lines but I've heard the enermax amperage rating is actually high because they are using the lowest temp range output to rate it (As opposed to the normal output at room temp). I've read about Fortorn being one of the best PSUs but only being rated at 30amps has me a little unsure of it. Although I've also read about Fortorn rating their PSUs at 25-30% less than what they actually perform at. The silverstone I'm unsure of as well but then again I've also heard decent things about them.


If you are going to build a midrange SLI rig, then you don't need all that amperage. Even Asus lists on the mobo specs that for a high end machine with two 6800 Ultra cards, that you should have greater than 25 amps and 500+ watt psu. For a midrange system with two 6600GT's, you would need 17 amps or more with a 350+ watt psu. Btw, it is Fortron, not Fortorn.

Those systems are running at 0 o/c. Like I said, I need at least 30 amps. I plan on running two 6800 oc's

 

[LifeStealer]

Originally posted by: WaxHaX0rS
Links?

Aww come on man I've already spent 10hours on this... fine give me some time

http://www.bleedinedge.com/for....php?p=53822#post53822

One at least..

Another on the OCZ
http://www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6449

 

[WaxHaX0rS]

I've probably spent close to that looking too, maybe not quite 10, but I would like to know if my PSU is going to burn out or not.

 

[WaxHaX0rS]

Thanks, it's a start. I'll have to look a little bit more myself later. Those are overclocked heavily though, I don't know if the overclocking consumes SIGNIFICANTLY more power or not, I'll see.

 

[LifeStealer]

Hotter it gets the more power it requires

 

[Algere]

I've also done some PSU researching of my own - shopping for a PSU too. So I'll add what I've gathered

The enermax is 18a x 2 for 36amps on the 12v lines

According to Enermax specs, it's 32amps total for the +12V lines

All PSUs are PCI-E/ATX 2.0 compliant except the OCZ wich has PCI-E and the 24-pin connector already.

The (newer?) 600 watt OCZ Powerstream is ATX12V 2.01 compliant.

Fortorn
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-934&depa=0

A review I read had comments about the Blue Storm's less than stellar 12V rail & suggested sticking with Fortron's other 500+ watt PSU.



For SLI, Enermax is releasing a dual PCIe (SLI) ready PSU for their Noisetaker series & for another PSU line which resembles their Whisper series.


P.S. One other thing although not directly related. Xoxide/Maxpoint has a rebate (expires today) for the Enermax in your link for $84-85 AR + shipping (e.g. UPS). The rebate also applies to Enermax's 600 watt model.

 

[LifeStealer]

Originally posted by: Algere
I've also done some PSU researching of my own - shopping for a PSU too. So I'll add what I've gathered

The enermax is 18a x 2 for 36amps on the 12v lines

According to Enermax specs, it's 32amps total for the +12V lines

All PSUs are PCI-E/ATX 2.0 compliant except the OCZ wich has PCI-E and the 24-pin connector already.

The (newer?) 600 watt OCZ Powerstream is ATX12V 2.01 compliant.

Fortorn
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-934&depa=0

A review I read had comments about the Blue Storm's less than stellar 12V rail & suggested sticking with Fortron's other 500+ watt PSU.



For SLI, Enermax is releasing a dual PCIe (SLI) ready PSU for their Noisetaker series & for another PSU line which resembles their Whisper series.

The enermax without PFC has 18a x 2 rails. The one with PFC has the 32.

The OCZ 520 has been revised and has PCI-E and a 20+4 pin like the enermax.

Only reviews I could find on the blue storm were of the 400w variety.

 

[Algere]

The enermax without PFC has 18a x 2 rails. The one with PFC has the 32.

+12V Total 23A 27A 29A 32A 35A

Linky

The OCZ 520 has been revised and has PCI-E and a 20+4 pin like the enermax.

Which one? Modstream or Powerstream (or both?).

Only reviews I could find on the blue storm were of the 400w variety.

Same here, must've had in my head 400=500 watt when I said other 500+ watt version.

 

[Algere]

Will add that Enermax has a very high power efficiency rating which possibly exceeds that of Fortron & OCZ. If lower electricity bills is something to consider.

 

[mauiblue]

Originally posted by: LifeStealer

OK, I know this is ANOTHER PSU thread but I've exhausted every other source I have to decide and I couldn't do it. I'm looking to build a mid-range SLI rig and I do not want to buy a PC&P (Seen to many threads about the 510 blowing up while researching).

Huh?!?!?!:Q. That's news to me. I've only heard rave reviews of the PC Power & Cooling PSU 510. I wouldn't mind seeing these posted threads of these most excellent PSU "blowing up" first hand.

Other than that, I'll take the above quote with a grain of salt.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: mauiblue

Originally posted by: LifeStealer

OK, I know this is ANOTHER PSU thread but I've exhausted every other source I have to decide and I couldn't do it. I'm looking to build a mid-range SLI rig and I do not want to buy a PC&P (Seen to many threads about the 510 blowing up while researching).

Huh?!?!?!:Q. That's news to me. I've only heard rave reviews of the PC Power & Cooling PSU 510. I wouldn't mind seeing these posted threads of these most excellent PSU "blowing up" first hand.

Other than that, I'll take the above quote with a grain of salt.

Yeah dude, I don't know what your talking about. If PC P&C PSUs are blowing up, there can't be much hope for other PSUs.

 

[BentValve]

Another postitive for Enermax is they are already on their second generation of dual 12V rail PSUs so if you get a V2 its likely more refined...dont confuse SFMA 2 with V2 though.




This is a V1...
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-103-457&depa=0 is a good choice.

You know its a V2 if you see the 80% efficient rating verses 70% on the V1s.

Here is the V2 for a few bucks more...

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...T=Power+Supply+for+Cas


Dont get hung up on the 12V ratings...15A+ per rail should be plenty for a dual 6800 Ultra SLI rig.

Though if I had an SLI rig with dual Ultras id just spend the little extra and get the flagship Noisetaker..
http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=100364

 

[BentValve]

Of course if you want a sharp looking PSU as well then I can highly recommend the PSU I use, its a 480 watt Enermax Coolergiant V2 480watt V1s were gold colored.
The finish is beautiful on this PSU..though keep in mind that its about an inch longer than most PSUs to accomodate the blower fan. I know some cases have a PSU cage that limits the size.

My rails stay @ 12.2 V 24/7 under any load...its extremely stable.




Edit: BTW its also quiet!!

 

[figfiddle]

Originally posted by: BentValve
Of course if you want a sharp looking PSU as well then I can highly recommend the PSU I use, its a 480 watt Enermax Coolergiant V2 480watt V1s were gold colored.
The finish is beautiful on this PSU..though keep in mind that its about an inch longer than most PSUs to accomodate the blower fan. I know some cases have a PSU cage that limits the size.

My rails stay @ 12.2 V 24/7 under any load...its extremely stable.




Edit: BTW its also quiet!!

I just built my SLI system and have the OCZ 520W ps. They have revised it with native 24-pin and pcie.
Don't believe what you read. I bet most of these people really don't have sli rigs or have them hooked up the wrong way. This ps could run 2 sli systems if it had to.

 

[figfiddle]

In fact I have the asus a8n manual in hand and can post the ps requirements if you would like me to.

 

[BentValve]

Originally posted by: figfiddle

Originally posted by: BentValve
Of course if you want a sharp looking PSU as well then I can highly recommend the PSU I use, its a 480 watt Enermax Coolergiant V2 480watt V1s were gold colored.
The finish is beautiful on this PSU..though keep in mind that its about an inch longer than most PSUs to accomodate the blower fan. I know some cases have a PSU cage that limits the size.

My rails stay @ 12.2 V 24/7 under any load...its extremely stable.




Edit: BTW its also quiet!!

I just built my SLI system and have the OCZ 520W ps. They have revised it with native 24-pin and pcie.
Don't believe what you read. I bet most of these people really don't have sli rigs or have them hooked up the wrong way. This ps could run 2 sli systems if it had to.

You dont have to tell me that I was offering my .02 to the OP , I am not in the market for a PSU...to be frank OCZ will have to earn my respect and its will take several years to do that not just a few sparkling reviews.

 

[figfiddle]

Originally posted by: BentValve

Originally posted by: figfiddle

Originally posted by: BentValve
Of course if you want a sharp looking PSU as well then I can highly recommend the PSU I use, its a 480 watt Enermax Coolergiant V2 480watt V1s were gold colored.
The finish is beautiful on this PSU..though keep in mind that its about an inch longer than most PSUs to accomodate the blower fan. I know some cases have a PSU cage that limits the size.

My rails stay @ 12.2 V 24/7 under any load...its extremely stable.




Edit: BTW its also quiet!!

I just built my SLI system and have the OCZ 520W ps. They have revised it with native 24-pin and pcie.
Don't believe what you read. I bet most of these people really don't have sli rigs or have them hooked up the wrong way. This ps could run 2 sli systems if it had to.

Sorry Bent I quoted the wrong person.

You dont have to tell me that I was offering my .02 to the OP , I am not in the market for a PSU...to be frank OCZ will have to earn my respect and its will take several years to do that not just a few sparkling reviews.

 

[shinotenshi]

In all my research i only saw one thread ever about a PC&C burning in out, and it look like it was the users error. none of the other psu mentioned in this thread are even in the same class as the 510. if you want to say it lound, thats fine, but come on give me a break, the OCZ guys will tell themselves there psu's arent in the same class as PC&C.

 

[BentValve]

PC&P may be great but things have changed alot and today's modern gaming PC is hogging up more power than ever.

On a dual 6800 Ultra rig , lets say OCed we are talking almost 150watts at max load just to the cards!
(going by Xbit labs measurements which are probably the most accurate of whats out there IMO.


IMO a guy would be crazy not to use a dual 12V rail PSU for this application.

 

[0roo0roo]

maximum pc has a psu lineup... neopower coolermaster and pc power and whatever came up tops