OK, so how many PSU watts do I need for an Athlon 64?

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: PumpActionWalrus
I would go with a good 450, I dont know why everyone says go with a 350,2 hard drives, two opticals, a decent card, a64 is going to use more than that

Not to mention that he's running five optical drives :Q

 

[Xatrix]

Thanks so much for posting that power supply calculator!

Your Recommended Minimum Power Supply is 386 Watts!!*

 

[uOpt]

Originally posted by: Dopefiend

Originally posted by: PumpActionWalrus
I would go with a good 450, I dont know why everyone says go with a 350,2 hard drives, two opticals, a decent card, a64 is going to use more than that

Not to mention that he's running five optical drives :Q

Stupid games requiring the CD in the drive.

Not more than one run at any time, but I am afraid that the power-on currency flow peak will have a real impact and I need to prepare for that.

Looking at the numbers, the Seasonic PSUs offer much more actual power on the individual lines, especially the 12 volt one.

If it is correct that new graphics cards which have an extra PSU connector (like my 5900XT) draw 12, not 5 volts, this is the route to go.

In fact, the Seasonic 300 Watts silent one offer more power where I need it than most ofther vendor's 450 watts. Plus it is said to be very silent, a plus for me.

 

[CraigRT]

you don't NEED 22W on the +12V AFAIK, I had a Vantec ION 400W PSU running my system for a little while without a problem. and it was rated at 14A on the +12V

it also was only a $100 Canadian unit.

 

[rforum]

Just a note from personal experience. I just built my first computer - an MSI Neo Platinum with an Athlon 34000+. I bought a Nexus 350W (+12V-> 16A) because I liked the idea of a quiet computer. When I turned the computer on for the first time the fans spun for about 1/4th second and computer shut down immediately - wouldn't stay on any longer. I installed an Antec 430 (+12V->26A) and the computer started up immediately with no other changes. Was using 2 hard drives, 1 CD/DVD, Zalman CPU cooler, Radeon 9800 Pro. So if someone says 12V rails don't matter don't believe it.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: MartinCracauer

Originally posted by: Dopefiend

Originally posted by: PumpActionWalrus
I would go with a good 450, I dont know why everyone says go with a 350,2 hard drives, two opticals, a decent card, a64 is going to use more than that

Not to mention that he's running five optical drives :Q

Stupid games requiring the CD in the drive.

Alcohol 120%?

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: rforum
Just a note from personal experience. I just built my first computer - an MSI Neo Platinum with an Athlon 34000+. I bought a Nexus 350W (+12V-> 16A) because I liked the idea of a quiet computer. When I turned the computer on for the first time the fans spun for about 1/4th second and computer shut down immediately - wouldn't stay on any longer. I installed an Antec 430 (+12V->26A) and the computer started up immediately with no other changes. Was using 2 hard drives, 1 CD/DVD, Zalman CPU cooler, Radeon 9800 Pro. So if someone says 12V rails don't matter don't believe it.

no one ever said your system would boot up and work just fine with a crappy powersupply??

how could you possibly know the reason your system worked fine with the antec and not with the generic has anything to do with the 12v rail?

 

[rforum]

Visit the MSI forums! As many have noted, +12V rail is critical for Athlon 64. There is a sticky note about the importance the adequate power on that rail. If you don't wish to believe it that is your problem!!!

 

[Boonesmi]

i just checked your nexus 350w powersupply... no wonder it didnt work, its only got 25amp on the 5v rail!!!

that is waaaayyyy low

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: rforum
Visit the MSI forums! As many have noted, +12V rail is critical for Athlon 64. There is a sticky note about the importance the adequate power on that rail. If you don't wish to believe it that is your problem!!!

yes it is critical for the athlon64, but even at full load the cpu uses at most 8amp, which is why 15amp total (on a high quality powersupply) is enough

 

[rforum]

You may want to educate yourself. From MSI forum:

POWER SUPPLIES

No single component in a computer system is more important than the Power Supply.
With the advent of AMD's Athlon64 series of processors, this subject has to rank at the top
when it comes to component selection. In an effort not to influence or possibly mislead potential PSU buyers, it is felt that we should only provide the necessary requirements that are needed for these newer processor/motherboard combinations. Absolutely of utmost importance is amperage ratings - and especially on the +12v line. A suggested safe minimum of 24a on the +12v rail. There have seen some members that are satisfied with their 18 or 20amps on +12v....but as they add components to their systems, the requirement will likely change - and a bigger supply may be needed to power their system. While you don't need more than you will use, having a buffer that allows you to do some upgrades without having to change your PSU in the near future is always a good investment.

Please review this excellent article from ExtremeOverclockers.com It will provide you with valuable technical information and has some great tips for choosing the right power supply for your system!

http://www.extremeoverclocking...er_Supply_Guide_2.html

 

[skene]

I've got a seasonic 300W tornado PSU in my system and am having no problems. I've got an AMD 64 3000, 1 gig ram, 2 hard drives, 1 optical drive, a lan and firewire PCI cards, and a crazy power hungry Geforce 6800 LE. Check the video forum about the vid card, it's basicaly a 6800 ultra and running at 410/1240 and probably draws ~100 watts on it's own.

I haven't had any power problems running prime95, 3Dmark03, and playing MP3's at the same time to test stability. So I'd say a seasonic psu will work well for you. It's pretty much silent too.

 

[rforum]

Hopefully this link works.

http://www.extremeoverclocking...er_Supply_Guide_2.html

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: rforum
You may want to educate yourself. From MSI forum:

POWER SUPPLIES

No single component in a computer system is more important than the Power Supply.
With the advent of AMD's Athlon64 series of processors, this subject has to rank at the top
when it comes to component selection. In an effort not to influence or possibly mislead potential PSU buyers, it is felt that we should only provide the necessary requirements that are needed for these newer processor/motherboard combinations. Absolutely of utmost importance is amperage ratings - and especially on the +12v line. A suggested safe minimum of 24a on the +12v rail. There have seen some members that are satisfied with their 18 or 20amps on +12v....but as they add components to their systems, the requirement will likely change - and a bigger supply may be needed to power their system. While you don't need more than you will use, having a buffer that allows you to do some upgrades without having to change your PSU in the near future is always a good investment.

Please review this excellent article from ExtremeOverclockers.com It will provide you with valuable technical information and has some great tips for choosing the right power supply for your system!

http://www.extremeoverclocking...rtic...ly_Guide_1.html

those numbers take into count that many people will be using generic powersupplies. my whole point is that if you use a high quaility powersupply you can easily get by with 15amp on 12v (which is proven again, and again)

most likely why your system wouldnt boot with the nexus 350 is because of your radeon 9800pro not getting enough from the 5v rail. video cards use some 12v also, but primarly run off the 5v rail. and your nexus has very very low 5v

 

[Boonesmi]

i think your link needs to be updated 🙂

ive tested both the radeon xt and the nvidia 6800 ultra. just from the 4pin molex connector on the card (not counting the power draw from the agp slot) both card draw a significant amount of 12v and 5v power

 

[Boonesmi]

that link you provided is pretty interesting though, i gotta bookmark it 🙂

one thing to remember

20amp on 5v = 100w
20amp on 12v = 240w

and on that chart its showing 10 items that run off of the 5v line, and its showing 8 items that run off 12v line (granted the biggest power drainers are there, like the cpu)

 

[rforum]

I'm certainly no expert on power supplies. Your point about the 5V line is well taken and could certainly have been my initial problem. I just wanted to point out that as far as the 12V rail and Athlon 64's are concerned it is perhaps better to be safe than sorry and have to buy another power supply.

 

[Markfw]

Well between effeciency, noise, upgradeability and all, my favorite is the Antec True Power 430.

 

[dguy6789]

Simple answer: Get any sparkle, forton, or antec 350Watt psu and youll be fine guarenteed.

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Simple answer: Get any sparkle, forton, or antec 350Watt psu and youll be fine guarenteed.

dont forget enermax 🙂

 

[cybercelt]

I got this in June, It's got a dual 12volt rail, however the amps on each rail are 16 and 15. Does this mean I'm fubared, if I want to run it with a MSI board and 3500+ chip? I'm not clear on all things PSU.


Enermax CoolerGiant 480 Watt PSU



EG485P-VHB
(G/W)SFMA/SFM
Frequency 47Hz ~ 63Hz
Inrush Current Limiting 80A /230V and 40A/115V max. during cold start
Hold up time 17ms at 115VAC or 230VAC, full load
DC Output Rating
DC Output Rippe & Noise Tolerance Current(Min./Max.)
+3.3V 50mV ±5% 0.5A/34A
+5V 50mV ±5% 0.3A/40A
+12V 1 120mV ±5% 0.5A/16A
+12V 2 100mV ± 5% 0.5A/15A
-12V 120mV ±10% 0A/0.8A
+5Vsb 50mV ±5% 0A/2.5A
+3.3V & +5V 280W
Total Power 480W
Over Voltage Protection +5V: 5.5V~7.0V
+3.3V: 3.76V~4.3V
+12V1 & +12V2: 13.4V~15.6V
Over Load Protection 110~160% of max load
Over current Protection +3.3V: 55A (max)
+5V: 48A (max)
+12V1 & +12V2: 20A (max)
Over Temperature Protection 90 ? for heat sink
Under Temperature Protection 0 ? for heat sink( ± 2 ? )
Operating Temperature 0 ? ~ 40 ?
Storage Temperature -40 ? ~ 70 ?
Humidity Operating: to 85% relative humidity, non condensing at 25 ?
Storage: to 95% relative humidity, non condensing at 50 ?
M.T.B.F. Greater than 100K hours at 70% of full rated load; 230VAC / 50Hz input; 25 ? ambient
EMC EN55022 Class B,
EN6 1000-4-2 Class B, EN6 1000-4-3 Class A, EN6 1000-4-4 Class B,
EN6 1000-4-5 Class B, EN6 1000-4-6 Class A,
EN6 1000-4-8 Class A,
EN6 1000-4-11 Class B,
FCC Part 15 & Part 2, CNS 13438 Class B
Safety Approval UL (Level 3), cUL (Level 3), TUV, CB
Cooling 7cm axial fan*1, 8cm axial fan*1, centrifuge fan (Blower)*1
Dimensions W150*H86*D167(mm)




Enermax CoolerGiant 480 Watt PSU

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: cybercelt
I got this in June, It's got a dual 12volt rail, however the amps on each rail are 16 and 15. Does this mean I'm fubared, if I want to run it with a MSI board and 3500+ chip? I'm not clear on all things PSU.


Enermax CoolerGiant 480 Watt PSU



EG485P-VHB
(G/W)SFMA/SFM
Frequency 47Hz ~ 63Hz
Inrush Current Limiting 80A /230V and 40A/115V max. during cold start
Hold up time 17ms at 115VAC or 230VAC, full load
DC Output Rating
DC Output Rippe & Noise Tolerance Current(Min./Max.)
+3.3V 50mV ±5% 0.5A/34A
+5V 50mV ±5% 0.3A/40A
+12V 1 120mV ±5% 0.5A/16A
+12V 2 100mV ± 5% 0.5A/15A
-12V 120mV ±10% 0A/0.8A
+5Vsb 50mV ±5% 0A/2.5A
+3.3V & +5V 280W
Total Power 480W
Over Voltage Protection +5V: 5.5V~7.0V
+3.3V: 3.76V~4.3V
+12V1 & +12V2: 13.4V~15.6V
Over Load Protection 110~160% of max load
Over current Protection +3.3V: 55A (max)
+5V: 48A (max)
+12V1 & +12V2: 20A (max)
Over Temperature Protection 90 ? for heat sink
Under Temperature Protection 0 ? for heat sink( ± 2 ? )
Operating Temperature 0 ? ~ 40 ?
Storage Temperature -40 ? ~ 70 ?
Humidity Operating: to 85% relative humidity, non condensing at 25 ?
Storage: to 95% relative humidity, non condensing at 50 ?
M.T.B.F. Greater than 100K hours at 70% of full rated load; 230VAC / 50Hz input; 25 ? ambient
EMC EN55022 Class B,
EN6 1000-4-2 Class B, EN6 1000-4-3 Class A, EN6 1000-4-4 Class B,
EN6 1000-4-5 Class B, EN6 1000-4-6 Class A,
EN6 1000-4-8 Class A,
EN6 1000-4-11 Class B,
FCC Part 15 & Part 2, CNS 13438 Class B
Safety Approval UL (Level 3), cUL (Level 3), TUV, CB
Cooling 7cm axial fan*1, 8cm axial fan*1, centrifuge fan (Blower)*1
Dimensions W150*H86*D167(mm)




Enermax CoolerGiant 480 Watt PSU

that powersupply will work no problem!!! 😀

and having 2x 12v rails is a good thing, not a bad thing (with 31 amp on 12v total)

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

MSI recommends 25 amps on the 12V for their mobos don't know how true it is or how it changes for other companies. I've read stories about peoples problems being fixed switching to 25+ amp PSUs. Personally, I went with a Enermax with 36 amps on all rails so I never had to worry...

 

[uOpt]

In case anyone is interested in the outcome:

I wanted to get the Seasonic, but newegg pissed me off with shipping costs, so I drove to Microcenter who had an open-package Zalman 400.

I drove home, installed that Zalman, which must weight twice as much as every other power supply I have - and nothing happens, the stupid AMD64 still doesn't run, same symptoms as with the old PSU.

After an hour of fiddling I found that while I disconncted all harddrives and optical drives, I did not disconnect the floppy and, needless to say, that one was obviously causing a shortcut. Now the thing is running.

I cannot hear the Zalman, and to my positive surprise I can't hear the AMD64 supplied fan either, right now my GPU ventilator is king of the hill. Overall I am amazed how much more of their homework AMD did with this Athlon 64 package compared to my Athlon XP package.

%%

BTW, the old non-working PSU was actually a Sparkle, not some no-name thing as I was assuming. However, the 3.3/5/12 volt amps are 14, 30, 12. If you get the Seasonic also rated at 300 watts then you get 28, 30, 18. Twice as much at 3.3 and 1.5 times as much at 12, for the same marketing value. I am not impressed with this Sparkle part.