power supply question

[johnh123]

I'm looking at a power supply and trying to make some sense of it. It is a no-name, 450W supply.

The specs are as follows:

+3.3, 26A
+5, 35A
+12, 15A

Are these numbers any good, or should I stay away?

 

[CheesePoofs]

They aren't very good. For any new system, you want at least 20 amps on the 12v rail. but if you're running an older system, it could work fine.

 

[ddviper]

ya the amps should b much higher than 15, thats way too low

 

[johnh123]

OK- another question- how many case fans do I need - i'll have a winchester 3000 with a 6600gt and 3 hard drives-

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Yes, 15 Amps is anemic. I have a 480W job that may be failing and it has 18 Amps. From now on, I don't buy PSU's unless I can get at least 30 Amps on the 12V rail.

How many case fans? How many do you need, that is?

That depends on your case, buddy! If you can achieve the same or higher airflow with fewer fans, then the arrangement that gave you that advantage is "strategically superior fan-deployment."

If you can find a way to fit larger, slower fans with higher airflow to your case, then you are better off for less noise and more CFM's of airflow. You can reduce the noise further by more fans running at slower rpms, but the most efficient solution minimizes noise and fan-related power-consumption while maximizing airflow.

 

[Mucker]

4-80mm.......2 front and 2 back
2-120mm...1 front, 1 back

If you live in a cool climate probably less, but personally I would run with the most your case will accept and buy a fan controller to please your ears....

m

 

[Operandi]

Quality is more important then quantity, you don't have to buy more power then your going ot use. Something with 350 watts and 18amps on the 12v rail is enough for most systems. Start looking at good names; Seasonic, PCP&C, Antec, Zalman ect.

Originally posted by: BonzaiDuck
Yes, 15 Amps is anemic. I have a 480W job that may be failing and it has 18 Amps. From now on, I don't buy PSU's unless I can get at least 30 Amps on the 12V rail.

At least 30 amps? That?s 360 watts for one rail alone, completely ridiculous.

 

[ribbon13]

My custom PSU has 122a on the 12v line. But it runs 2 436W TECs.