dual 12v rails or single...

[AnotherGuy]

Hi all... I am looking at an Enermax PS... but almost all the newer models of it are dual 12v rails of 18A and 17A... and the same thing is for most of other good brand PS...

I would like to be able to overclock a little more from what im getting right now... (2.34Ghz) with my a64 3000 winnie... and from many MSI owners I have heard the 12v rail must be loaded with amps if u want to OC...

I would like to know what u guys says from ur experiences... are the new dual 12v rails also good for OC or should i stick with just single rail better???

 

[imported_Kensai]

Mainly, the more amps on the 12V rail, the better for OCing. But dual rails should give you more stability.

 

[ribbon13]

If noise bother's you I would reccomend avoiding the Enermax models with 2 fans. What's your budget? I reccomend a Seasonic S12.

 

[AnotherGuy]

My budget is about $70-80 not more than that... and am looking at smthn at least 460W and up... I found a very good deal for an Enermax 480 W only 75, heres the link
http://www.3gplaza.com/estore/control/C...r3G/productdetails?id=34336&srccode=PW I know its not a well known store but on Newegg same model is like 20 bucks more...

ribbon ur the first person who doesnt recommend an Enermax coz of noise... where that come from.... many plp use Enermax

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
If noise bother's you I would reccomend avoiding the Enermax models with 2 fans. What's your budget? I reccomend a Seasonic S12.

I have used a few Enermax P/S in the past and loved them for their efficiency and stability but I have to agree the dual fan set-up makes for some noise. In a recent thread I started in which I was asking for suggestions on certain components it was pointed out to me that the Seasonic S12-400 that Ribbon recommends is a very nice P/S. It is available over here at PCAlcemy for $82.95 ($2 cheaper than it was last week). I ended up going with this Fortron Source AX-500A at Newegg because I wanted a P/S with dual 12V rails. I ruled out my tried and true Enermax P/S for the noise factor. I have read good reviews on the Fortron Source and the Seasonic. Both are probably good choice although some may prefer the Seasonic.

You are interested in a good dual 12V rail P/S though so the Fortron Source AX-500A may work for you.

It's rated at 30A on the 3.3V rail, 28A on the 5V rail, 15A each on 12V1 and 12V2, 0.5A on -12V and 2.0A on 5V standby.

If you want to read more about it Tom including it in a recent (02-28-05) P/S roundup over here. At the very worst the article may give you some other candidates.

Greg

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
ribbon ur the first person who doesnt recommend an Enermax coz of noise... where that come from.... many plp use Enermax

In a quiet PC, you are trying to eliminate as many fans as possible. A PSU with a single 120mm fan will ALWAYS be quieter than a unit with two 80mm fans. A 120mm fan can spin slower and quieter, while moving the same amount of air as a faster-spinning, noisier 80mm fan.

For quietness, definitely Seasonic over Enermax.

 

[AnotherGuy]

hmmm u guys just ruined all my plans... I was so set on those Enermax.... they got some nice 33A on their single 12v.... thats why i wanted them...
Still noise is not my primary concern... but I dont want to not be able to sleep if i leave my comp on... thats stupid... the current PS with 2 fans that i got is pretty silent... I cant hear it over my 2 120mm case fans... so i donno how much noise r u guys talking about..

I was also liking the OCZ 450w from Monarch... 59 after 20 mail in rebate... even 79 is a good price ( i never collect mail in rebates... too lazy) it has a single 12v @26A and its atx 2.0 not the old version that is in Newegg.. what u guys think of that? Remember my primary goal is to be able to OC easily... maybe even after i get a high end Vidcard.
My plans r already ruined anyways... so pls keep the suggestions coming...

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Fisher999
...the Seasonic S12-400 that Ribbon recommends is a very nice P/S. It is available over here at PCAlcemy for $82.95 ($2 cheaper than it was last week). I ended up going with this Fortron Source AX-500A at Newegg because I wanted a P/S with dual 12V rails. I ruled out my tried and true Enermax P/S for the noise factor. I have read good reviews on the Fortron Source and the Seasonic. Both are probably good choice although some may prefer the Seasonic....

...If you want to read more about it Tom including it in a recent (02-28-05) P/S roundup over here. At the very worst the article may give you some other candidates.

Greg

Before I forget, one thing to keep in mind is that the Seasonic utilizes ACTIVE PFC and the Fortron Source only PASSIVE PFC. Actually I've never used a power supply that had anything other than passive PFC (Power Factor Correction) but I understand that ACTIVE PFC utilizes a circuit to correct power factor, is able to generate a theoretical power factor of up to 95%, markedly diminishes total harmonics, automatically corrects for AC input voltage (like 110V/220V), and is capable of a full range of input voltage.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
hmmm u guys just ruined all my plans... I was so set on those Enermax.... they got some nice 33A on their single 12v.... thats why i wanted them...
Still noise is not my primary concern... but I dont want to not be able to sleep if i leave my comp on... thats stupid... the current PS with 2 fans that i got is pretty silent... I cant hear it over my 2 120mm case fans... so i donno how much noise r u guys talking about..

I was also liking the OCZ 450w from Monarch... 59 after 20 mail in rebate... even 79 is a good price ( i never collect mail in rebates... too lazy) it has a single 12v @26A and its atx 2.0 not the old version that is in Newegg.. what u guys think of that? Remember my primary goal is to be able to OC easily... maybe even after i get a high end Vidcard.
My plans r already ruined anyways... so pls keep the suggestions coming...

That price on the Enermax EG495P-VE SFMA is a good one, look how much it costs over here at NewEgg !!! Have you dealt with Computer3G before? Are they a reliable vendor? Here's another P/S you may want to consider. It's this OCZ Modstream450 over here at NewEgg. I here it's a good P/S, has incredible cabling (check out the pics) and is within your price range. And I have dealt with NewEgg over 15 times since 2001 and have spent several thousand dollars with them - you can't go wrong with NewEgg. Only problem with the OCZ is that is a single 12V rail P/S and you want a dual rail !?!?!?!?!?

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
My budget is about $70-80 not more than that... and am looking at smthn at least 460W and up... I found a very good deal for an Enermax 480 W only 75, heres the link
http://www.3gplaza.com/estore/control/C...r3G/productdetails?id=34336&srccode=PW I know its not a well known store but on Newegg same model is like 20 bucks more...

I'd stay away from Computer3G, I just went to resellerratings and they have a POOR feedback rating over here.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
Still noise is not my primary concern... but I dont want to not be able to sleep if i leave my comp on... thats stupid... the current PS with 2 fans that i got is pretty silent... I cant hear it over my 2 120mm case fans... so i donno how much noise r u guys talking about..

I had a Thermaltake Not-So-Silent-Purepower 420 like yours... It moans like a friggin' Frankenstein. Gave me a month of sleepless nights before I wised up and switched to a Seasonic Super Tornado.

If you can't hear that Not-So-Silent Poopower 420 over your 120mm case fans, those must be some real loud case fans! :laugh:

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Mainly, the more amps on the 12V rail, the better for OCing. But dual rails should give you more stability.

I concur

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
hmmm u guys just ruined all my plans... I was so set on those Enermax.... they got some nice 33A on their single 12v.... thats why i wanted them...
Still noise is not my primary concern... but I dont want to not be able to sleep if i leave my comp on... thats stupid... the current PS with 2 fans that i got is pretty silent... I cant hear it over my 2 120mm case fans... so i donno how much noise r u guys talking about..

I was also liking the OCZ 450w from Monarch... 59 after 20 mail in rebate... even 79 is a good price ( i never collect mail in rebates... too lazy) it has a single 12v @26A and its atx 2.0 not the old version that is in Newegg.. what u guys think of that? Remember my primary goal is to be able to OC easily... maybe even after i get a high end Vidcard.
My plans r already ruined anyways... so pls keep the suggestions coming...

We're jumping on each other. Right after I posted for you to consider the OCZ modstream 450 I see that you have already posted suggesting it. LOL
Yes the price for it over here at MONARCH is very good. Have you ordered from Monarch before? I'v been told there pretty good.
I'd check out www.resellerratings.com BEFORE I'd order from ANY vendor with whom I had not previously dealt but that's just my paranoia.

Greg

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Promethply

Originally posted by: Kensai
Mainly, the more amps on the 12V rail, the better for OCing. But dual rails should give you more stability.

I concur

Kensai:

Do I remember that the dual 12V P/S utilize one of the rails JUST for the CPU alone?

This would certainly contribute to stability when overclocking I would think!

Greg

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
I had a Thermaltake Not-So-Silent-Purepower 420 like yours... It moans like a friggin' Frankenstein. Gave me a month of sleepless nights before I wised up and switched to a Seasonic Super Tornado...

Wisdom:

You harped on the Seasonic Tornado at a thread I posted but I have since heard MANY people say their Seasonic Tornado's were as LOUD as a TORNADO so who do you believe

 

[AnotherGuy]

FIsher thanx for the quick input....

I have read many reviews and discussions about this dual versus single rail for overclocking.... and the disscusions never ended... But from what i remember more plp kind of agreed in Single rail is better for OC... so I wanted to see what u guys here at AT think about this issue.... as im preparing to buy a new PS.

So NO i dont want a Dual rail.... unless its highly recommended... As for the Newegg bussines I am very aware of it and have bought may times myself... but I can get that OCZ Modtsream for $79 free shipping at Monarch... and save $8 from Newegg... sorry but Newegg is not my coussin

So the s12 Seasonic seems to be relle quiet but I see its a dual rail with 15A and 14A... which doesnt seem so much for OC... to tell the truth the only items i been looking lately was this OCZ Modstream 450w... and an Enermax EG465P-VE 460w for $71... I am afraid i might have to go with the OCZ...

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: Fisher999
You harped on the Seasonic Tornado at a thread I posted but I have since heard MANY people say their Seasonic Tornado's were as LOUD as a TORNADO so who do you believe

Don't take my word for it.

Post over at Silent PC Review's forums and the PC Quieting experts there will attest to the quietness of the Seasonic PSUs (the current ones, anyway).

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
FIsher thanx for the quick input....

...I can get that OCZ Modtsream for $79 free shipping at Monarch... and save $8 from Newegg......So ... I am afraid i might have to go with the OCZ...

Somehow I don't think you will go wrong if you go with the OCZ. And $8 is $8 so I understand why you want to go with Monarch.
It's just that I have such faith in NewEgg that I tend to deal with them exclusively now. I may sometimes pay a few more dollars but I sleep at night, lol.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth


If you can't hear that Not-So-Silent Poopower 420 over your 120mm case fans, those must be some real loud case fans! :laugh:

I have them adjustable... from total silent... to high... I keep em just able to hear my computer is running and stuff is spinning ( worried for good airflow ) at around 50% of max noise.

when they are silent... i guess what i hear might be the PS but relle nowhere close to annoying... maybe just noticeble...


btw my cpu fan is a 90 mm Enermax fan and i dont consider it loud (with adjustable speed as well)

p.s. Fisher, Monarch is also relying... I dealt with them before... then i dont care if it comes a day later or not... no rush for me.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth

Don't take my word for it.

Post over at Silent PC Review's forums and the PC Quieting experts there will attest to the quietness of the Seasonic PSUs (the current ones, anyway).

No offense intended Wisdom; people tend to remember the past and maybe the "vibes" I was getting were from people who used Seasonic Tornados from the past.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
... p.s. Fisher, Monarch is also relying... I dealt with them before... then i dont care if it comes a day later or not... no rush for me.

I hear ya AnotherGuy ! I've had other people hear refer me to Monarch and I've checked them out at resellerratings.com and they are doing VERY well over there so I would have NO hesistation to give them a try myself. I might even do so this week.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth

Originally posted by: Fisher999
You harped on the Seasonic Tornado at a thread I posted but I have since heard MANY people say their Seasonic Tornado's were as LOUD as a TORNADO so who do you believe

Don't take my word for it.

Post over at Silent PC Review's forums and the PC Quieting experts there will attest to the quietness of the Seasonic PSUs (the current ones, anyway).

Wisdom: I have been reading a lot of P/S posts today (and have read some online reviews of Seasonic) and I am beginning to see a trend - they are effecient and quiet power supplys. I apologize if I offened you in any way. I may even purchase an SM-12 430 from PC Alchemy for $82.95 and put my UNOPENED Fortron Source AX-500A p for sale.

 

[Insomniak]

Give me a single 12v rail with beefy amperage over dual rail any day.

 

[SVT Cobra]

Go with the OCZ ModStream. I have gotten an awesome OC out of it, anyway i have the 520w version and i have had no problems and the rails are stable and have quite enough juice. You won't be disappointed.

 

[theMan]

there is a new pc power and cooling turbocool 850W Sli power supply. it has 4 12v rails at 17amps each. is that good?