Power Supply Recommendations

[WhipperSnapper]

I could use some recommendations for a power supply for my upcoming new rig. It will have either an Athlon 64 or an Opteron and possibly an SLI motherboard. I figure I should get one that's rated for at least 500 watts and of good, heavy quality. I'm looking to spend no more than $100 shipped.

What I find really frustrating is that many power supply listings at e-tailers don't specify exactly what kinds of connectors the PSU has; I'd like to know how many 4-pin molexes and SATA plus it has, etc. Even manufacturers' sites don't provide that kind of information, as though it's a big secret.

Earlier I had contemplated doing a dual-Xeon setup and concluded that this Sparkle (single rail, 36A on the 12 volt) would be a good one, but I wonder if it would have all of the connections I would want for a modern system with SATA hard drives capable of SLI:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103478

What would be better for the system I'm contemplating--single rail or dual rail? People on the 2CPU forums seemed to think that a high amperage single-rail psu would be best.

 

[evilharp]

Forget "dual-rail". Intel created the spec, and then abandoned it. A good single rail psu will be more than sufficient.

As for connectors and specs, look for reviews on line. Some sites detail cable length (P180 users need this info) and connectors, as well as wattages/amperages per line.

As for recommended brands, well, everyone has an opinion. If you are going SLI, definately get more than 500w. Look for "SLI approved" on the label/package (indicates 2 pci-e video connectors).

Recommended brands: Seasonic, PC Power and Cooling, Fortron, Antec, etc.......

 

[Zepper]

Check the pictures in the galleries for the items you're interested in on Newegg. They are doing some good pictures now on the PSUs as far as the connector array goes. And that is at least partly due to my suggestions.
. And single rail has always been the way to go. Split rail was a bad idea that only got traction because Intel was behind it (the old adage, "Question authority", still stands one in good stead) and the PSU makers found they could make more money off them... Unfortunately now it is more difficult to find good, inexpensive single rail units. The Sparkle FSP550-60PLG is one of the better ones (has been ~$85. on one site) - and then there is always the Zippy HP2 series which are top-shelf in every way. You can usually get fairly cheap adapters to cover the connectors a single rail PSU lacks - may be more difficult or have to be custom made on split rail due to the way the power is divided.
. On PSUs in particular Newegg may not have the best bottom-line price (or even the best selection of some brands) so it's worthwhile to shop around.

.bh.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: evilharp
Forget "dual-rail". Intel created the spec, and then abandoned it. A good single rail psu will be more than sufficient.

This is a fairly conclusive statement. Would you mind explaining your rationale and\or offering some supporting data?

The methodology for dual-rail PSU's is still valid, regardless of Intel's support. Beyond this, if dual 12v rail PSU's were a dying standard, looking through a list of PSU and their specs would indicate that manufacuers hadn't heard news yet. Nearly all PSU's are dual rail now.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Confused about Dual 12V lines? Here's the FAQ!
The significance of dual 12v rails

http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewtopic.php?t=23916

Just thought I would throw my 2 cookies worth in...

Another question if dual rails were so important you would think the leading PSU maker PCPC would have dual rail systems advertised.
Yet only the 850 and 1ks PSU`s do they even mention more than 1 rail and they do not use the term dual at all....hmmmm

Not on any of there other PSU`s do they even mention dual rails!!

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Yet only the 850 and 1ks PSU`s do they even mention more than 1 rail and they do not use the term dual at all....hmmmm

The important thing is the they do indeed offer multi 12v rail PSU's. Also, PCP&C produces fine units, but they aren't the only PSU manufacturer. I think it's important that this be mentioned.

Not on any of there other PSU`s do they even mention dual rails!!

That's because the 510 and Turbo-cool models aren't multi 12v rail units. This being the case, why would they mention dual rails? In the case of the 850 and 1000 SSI models, the specs plainly state that they're multi 12v rail PSU's, at least at FCPU.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Yet only the 850 and 1ks PSU`s do they even mention more than 1 rail and they do not use the term dual at all....hmmmm

The important thing is the they do indeed offer multi 12v rail PSU's. Also, PCP&C produces fine units, but they aren't the only PSU manufacturer. I think it's important that this be mentioned.

Not on any of there other PSU`s do they even mention dual rails!!

That's because the 510 and Turbo-cool models aren't multi 12v rail units. This being the case, why would they mention dual rails? In the case of the 850 and 1000 SSI models, the specs plainly state that they're multi 12v rail PSU's, at least at FCPU.

You missed my point entirely.....
Up until the advent of the 850 and the 1kw; PCPC didnt even make a "dual" rail...
so far so good.....
If "dual" rail was actually better and safer in anyways don`t you think the leading top of the line PSU maker would have a dual 12v rail system of some kind?

As it is even the 850 and the 1 kw are not listed as "dual" in any forum.
They purposely go out of there way not to use such terminology.....

You have to admit it would be nice to get PCPC take on the single vs dual rail issue....

 

[Pabster]

PC P&C doesn't have to say a word. Their fine products do all the talking.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Pabster
PC P&C doesn't have to say a word. Their fine products do all the talking.

Exactly correct!!
Thus I ask once again....
Whats the big deal over dual rails?
If it was such a big deal or if there was an advantage in using a dual rail system or if it was a safety issue; does it not make sense that PCPC would have dual rail PSU`s out the old kazooo??

As was stated so elosuently by my esteemed coleague-

Originally posted by: Pabster
PC P&C doesn't have to say a word. Their fine products do all the talking.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
You missed my point entirely.....

No I didn't. I addressed exactly what you said.

Up until the advent of the 850 and the 1kw; PCPC didnt even make a "dual" rail...
so far so good.....

In other words, they responded to the market. So far so good?

If "dual" rail was actually better and safer in anyways don`t you think the leading top of the line PSU maker would have a dual 12v rail system of some kind?

I'm starting to think that you don't get your own point here. Even great companies make mistakes. What matters is how they respond to those misjudgements. PCP&C responded by offering dual rail units, didn't they?

As it is even the 850 and the 1 kw are not listed as "dual" in any forum.
They purposely go out of there way not to use such terminology.....

Any forum? What do forums have to do with it? Smart folks are going to hunt up reviews and pour over specs to make their decisions, not take the word of forum monkies. Go out of their way? Come on dude, their new flagship units HAVE dual\multi rail. And like I said, the specs at the place I'm most likely to buy one says so, plainly.

You have to admit it would be nice to get PCPC take on the single vs dual rail issue....

In my case, they missed a sale because the 510 wasn't dual rail. I plan on popping for a 1k the second I can justify it though. What do you mean by "take on?" They should mount a whisper campaign against dual rail units? That would be an utter waste of time and counter-productive for a well-respected company like PCP&C.

 

[JEDIYoda]

actually I seriously doubt they offered multi rails on there 810 and there 1 kw models due to listening to the needs of customers.....
I imagine it would be hard to put 68 amps on one 12v rail....
810 SSI--
+12V1 @ 17A
+12V2 @ 17A
+12V3 @ 17A
+12V4 @ 17A
+12V1,V2,V3,V4 = 54A (62A pk.)

yet the 1 kw has--
+12V1 @ 16A
+12V2 @ 16A
+12V3@ 36A
+12V1,V2,V3 = 66A (70A pk.)

I seriously doubt its a matter of listening to customers as much a matter of how many amps a single 12v rail using the parts thery are using could handle!!

I guess when your the Industry leader you don`t need to explain or jump on any and all bandwagons or fads that come along just to make a sale!!

 

[HardWarrior]

I quess it's okay to be a fanboy, there are worse things, but you've taken it a bit too far dude.

 

[Snowice]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
I quess it's okay to be a fanboy, there are worse things, but you've taken it a bit too far dude.

QFT

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
I quess it's okay to be a fanboy, there are worse things, but you've taken it a bit too far dude.

QFT

Forgive me if this qualifies as a stupid question, but what does "QFT" mean?

 

[Snowice]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
I quess it's okay to be a fanboy, there are worse things, but you've taken it a bit too far dude.

QFT

Forgive me if this qualifies as a stupid question, but what does "QFT" mean?

QFT

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
I quess it's okay to be a fanboy, there are worse things, but you've taken it a bit too far dude.

QFT

Forgive me if this qualifies as a stupid question, but what does "QFT" mean?

QFT

Okay.

 

[Zarubable]

actually everything EvilHarp and Zepper and Yoda and Pabster said are all very true!

I would say why do they need to provide links?
When its plain as day that some people are not as well read as others.

Your arguments and comments concerning the validity of 2 rails as oppsed to one are of what I would call a uninformed person.

I am not trying to make anybody mad. But when people don`t understand or cannot intelligently deal with the trith why does it seem they start calling people names?

sad, huh

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Zarubable
actually everything EvilHarp and Zepper and Yoda and Pabster said are all very true!

I would say why do they need to provide links?
When its plain as day that some people are not as well read as others.

Your arguments and comments concerning the validity of 2 rails as oppsed to one are of what I would call a uninformed person.

I am not trying to make anybody mad. But when people don`t understand or cannot intelligently deal with the trith why does it seem they start calling people names?

sad, huh

Whuh? What "truth?" Do you mean the one where the ultimate, infallible God-company, PCP&C, would produce multi rail PSU's if there was any value in them? That isn't truth, it's a contradiction because they DO produce multi rail units. In all honesty Z, you should have stayed out of this if you didn't have anything to offer besides a big steaming cup of butt-kiss. You might find that actually reading a thread before commenting is useful as well.

 

[Zarubable]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Zarubable
actually everything EvilHarp and Zepper and Yoda and Pabster said are all very true!

I would say why do they need to provide links?
When its plain as day that some people are not as well read as others.

Your arguments and comments concerning the validity of 2 rails as oppsed to one are of what I would call a uninformed person.

I am not trying to make anybody mad. But when people don`t understand or cannot intelligently deal with the trith why does it seem they start calling people names?

sad, huh

Whuh? What "truth?" Do you mean the one where the ultimate, infallible God-company, PCP&C, would produce multi rail PSU's if there was any value in them? That isn't truth, it's a contradiction because they DO produce multi rail units. In all honesty Z, you should have stayed out of this if you didn't have anything to offer besides a big steaming cup of butt-kiss. You might find that actually reading a thread before commenting is useful as well.

No they do not make any PSU`s under 510 watts that have dual or multi rails!
Then they make the 850 and 1 kw with multi rails becuase a single 12 v rail cannot handle the extra amps.
From what I understand when you make PSU`s with the quality that PCPC they did not need to make a PSU with dual 12v rails.
They never lose any money or sleep over it. Quite frankly because when you are the best sales take care of themselves!

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Zarubable

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Zarubable
actually everything EvilHarp and Zepper and Yoda and Pabster said are all very true!

I would say why do they need to provide links?
When its plain as day that some people are not as well read as others.

Your arguments and comments concerning the validity of 2 rails as oppsed to one are of what I would call a uninformed person.

I am not trying to make anybody mad. But when people don`t understand or cannot intelligently deal with the trith why does it seem they start calling people names?

sad, huh

Whuh? What "truth?" Do you mean the one where the ultimate, infallible God-company, PCP&C, would produce multi rail PSU's if there was any value in them? That isn't truth, it's a contradiction because they DO produce multi rail units. In all honesty Z, you should have stayed out of this if you didn't have anything to offer besides a big steaming cup of butt-kiss. You might find that actually reading a thread before commenting is useful as well.

No they do not make any PSU`s under 510 watts that have dual or multi rails!
Then they make the 850 and 1 kw with multi rails becuase a single 12 v rail cannot handle the extra amps.
From what I understand when you make PSU`s with the quality that PCPC they did not need to make a PSU with dual 12v rails.
They never lose any money or sleep over it. Quite frankly because when you are the best sales take care of themselves!

I see you're going to offer the Straw Man defense as well. What difference does the wattage of the PSU make? If forcing more amps through a single loom had been a design goal, I'm sure they would have figured it out. Now you're going to state what,s already been said as if it's a revelation while at the same time pretending that you know the internal workings of a company, as if you're on their design team.

Sorry, none of what you've said here is anything but conjecture and fanboism that've been self-elevated to the status of fact.

In essence, this entire discussion is based on a sad aspect of human nature. Some people require CONSTANT affirmation of their choices, sometimes at the expense of others. YOU bought a PCP&C, so anyone who didn't must be some sort of low-grade moron who deserves scorn. Remedy: If you're happy with your unit, whatever the name stensiled on it, just be happy. It's a lot easier than spending your time finding reasons to dump on others in order to make yourself "feel" good.

 

[Zarubable]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Zarubable

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: Zarubable
actually everything EvilHarp and Zepper and Yoda and Pabster said are all very true!

I would say why do they need to provide links?
When its plain as day that some people are not as well read as others.

Your arguments and comments concerning the validity of 2 rails as oppsed to one are of what I would call a uninformed person.

I am not trying to make anybody mad. But when people don`t understand or cannot intelligently deal with the trith why does it seem they start calling people names?

sad, huh

Whuh? What "truth?" Do you mean the one where the ultimate, infallible God-company, PCP&C, would produce multi rail PSU's if there was any value in them? That isn't truth, it's a contradiction because they DO produce multi rail units. In all honesty Z, you should have stayed out of this if you didn't have anything to offer besides a big steaming cup of butt-kiss. You might find that actually reading a thread before commenting is useful as well.

No they do not make any PSU`s under 510 watts that have dual or multi rails!
Then they make the 850 and 1 kw with multi rails becuase a single 12 v rail cannot handle the extra amps.
From what I understand when you make PSU`s with the quality that PCPC they did not need to make a PSU with dual 12v rails.
They never lose any money or sleep over it. Quite frankly because when you are the best sales take care of themselves!

I see you're going to offer the Straw Man defense as well. What difference does the wattage of the PSU make? If forcing more amps through a single loom had been a design goal, I'm sure they would have figured it out. Now you're going to state what,s already been said as if it's a revelation while at the same time pretending that you know the internal workings of a company, as if you're on their design team.

Sorry, none of what you're said here is anything but conjecture and fanboism that've been self-elevated to the status of fact.

In essence, this entire discussion is based on a sad aspect of human nature. Some people require CONSTANT affirmation of their choices, sometimes at the expense of others. YOU bought a PCP&C, so anyone who didn't must be some sort of low-grade moron who deserves scorn. Remedy: If you're happy with your unit, whatever the name stensiled on it, just be happy. It's a lot easier than spending your time finding reasons to dump on others in order to make yourself "feel" good.

I never said that; but because you chose to be the jerk and have an inferiority complex; instead of using your head.
Your the one who made yourself appear to be the fool.
FYI- I happen to have chose a seasonic PSU for the same reason most people do.
It had to do with quality at a good price!
I am currently saving to get myself a PSU from the people at PCPC!

Don`t put words into my mouth. Especially if those words can be used to turn what you say around.

 

[HardWarrior]

I'm a jerk and have an "inferiority complex" because I refuse to kiss your ass? Like you know me. Dude, do yourself a big favor and just STFU. I'm not your monkey and frankly I don't give a fock what you have to say about ANYthing.

EOL

 

[Spike]

I find it rather annoying that all the PC P&C fanboys think that whatever there company says is the truth. No, they don't offer modular and no, the don't offer dual rails at 510 watts or lower, WHO CARES!?!?!?. So I can't push an SLI with my dual-rail psu, big whoop as I never planned to get one anyway. Oh noes, I have modular cables, now the uber resistance will kill the psu after many years!!!

I am not arguing that PC P&C makes the best psu's around but they also charge accordingly for that distinction. Due to this I am forced to look at other units that are not quite as high of quality but are still great psu's. The fact that they chose to go with dual rails while PC P&C did not does not really mean that much, only that PC P&C caters to the high end uber enthusiast market and not the more "normal" computer builder. Because of that they don't care about the dual-rail vs single-rail safty concerns or the fact that consumers want them.

Really, just because THEY don't make it does not make the entire idea crap. That must mean that trucks have no uses in the current world because Ferarri does not make them yet they make some of the best (ie most powerful) cars. This same thing can be applied all over the market. Just because a leading company does not do something does not mean it's a bad idea!!!

/rant

-spike

 

[Lasthitlarry]

I may be coming on this a bit late...

but I have yet to see a clear, concise definition between Dual Rail and Single Rail.

If I can't get one, I just need to decide if I should get this, this, or that.

The first two are single, and last one is dual.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Lasthitlarry
I may be coming on this a bit late...

but I have yet to see a clear, concise definition between Dual Rail and Single Rail.

If I can't get one, I just need to decide if I should get this, this, or that.

The first two are single, and last one is dual.

In my opinion the reason you have seen no clear and concise definition is becuase there truthfully is no clear definition other than the basic definition!!

Even the definition for dual rails gets scewed!!
Oh I have 2 rails.....you only have one....hehehee

But in reality my one vs your 2....all three rails come from the same source....

my single one source...

a dual rails same source....

a more accurate definition IMO would to say split rails instead of dual rails....

Becuase the wiords split makes the obswrvation that they both were split from the source....

I know its a wacky wonderful worl we live in.