• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Power supply no-no?

J

jjjojo420

Junior Member
Was wondering, is it dangerous (i.e. has potential to break) to use a power supply that has a fan on top (as well as one in the back) in a case that doesn't have a top exhaust? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
The extra fan is actually meant to face downwards so it can pull air past the CPU. If your system doesn't produce much heat, then you don't have to have a secondary exhaust fan on the case, but it usually does help reduce the case temperatures. What are your system's specs, what CPU and video card and how many drives?
 
Thanks for the ultra-quick info mechBgon!

My system is AMD64 3000+ 512K, nvidia 6800 128mb (requires 1 molex for power), 1 HDD (but plan to add one more shortly) and 2 DVD/CD's. I'd also like to add a couple of black-lite tubes, so the more connections, the better 🙂
 
That's a nice rig 🙂 If it were me, I'd get an auxiliary exhaust fan. If your case doesn't have a hole for one, then really you deserve a new case. Here's one I got, comes with a 120mm three-speed exhaust fan: Antec SLK3000B, $46 shipped (I apologize if you're not a U.S. resident and can't order from Amazon). Some people don't like a door over the drives, me included, but it's removable if you don't mind it being less aesthetically-pleasing that way.

The photo guide linked in my signature shows an almost-identical case model getting torn down and built. The SLK3000B is different in that it has no power supply, it does have the side vents, and it's black.
 
Thanks! and thanks again for the info. I really dig that site you put together, excellent illustration images and step-by-step's.

I do in fact have a case (albeit cheap one) with an exhaust & fan in the back, as well as an intake on the side. I'm replacing the power supply because it is just waaaay too noisy. Since you mention that the fan is supposed to go on the bottom, I was thinking about this:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=270009

or this:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=370441

The Thermaltake is a lot cheaper, but it doesn't do that nifty thing with controlling the case fans' speed. Any advice? 🙂 Many thanks in advance.
 
I'm biased against ThermalTake, so I might not be the right guy to be asking :evil:

The situation today is that motherboards are beginning to use 24-pin main plugs instead of 20-pin, and although you can use a 20-pin plug in a 24-pin mobo socket, I like the idea of using all the power delivery lines.

At the same time, most 24-pin power supplies have dual 12-volt "rails," and some say it's better to have a very strong single 12-volt rail than two medium-power 12V rails, particularly for overclocking.

So... here's a possible compromise: Enermax Whisper II EG465P-VE FMA(24) This one has a 33-amp single 12V rail but a 24-pin main plug. Enermax also has very similar dual-12V designs, so if you want single-rail, pay close attention to the details as you shop around.

I like my Antec TruePower 2.0 480W but I would've gotten a 550W one if it had been in stock at the time. The 2.0 models use a single 120mm fan and are a dual-12V-rail design.
 
Ok great, I've not had any experience with Thermaltake in any capacity, so I'll take your word for it. Antec seems to have a really good rep, as do Enermax. I had no idea there were such a great amount of details you should pay attention to with regards to a PSU purchase! The Enermax looks pretty reasonable and the reviews say it's quiet, so I'll probably go for that.

Hey, thanks again mechBgon for all your help and info.
 
wow you system is identical to mine... now all you have to do is unlock your vid card 16/6 instead of 12/5 and overclock your cpu and vid card.. by doing that i went from a meager 8000 in 3dmark03 to 12000 in 3dmark03.

Unlocking the pixels and texture units was the single biggest performance boost ive ever gotten. note, not all 6800s can be unlocked
go to guru3d.net and get rivatuner and try it. it doesnt hurt to try
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top