PSU Cooling

[adqttr]

hey I was wondering if anyone knew of any power supplies that dun produce as much heat as others. I would have to guess the more watts the more heat produced but just wondering if any companies are better then others and stuff like that. thanks for your help. I currently use an ultra x connect 500 watt and it produces quite the amount of heat.

 

[Zepper]

The specification that tells the tale on heat production is called "efficiency". The more efficient the PSU, the less waste heat it produces. Some Seasonic models (generally the S12 series) run better than 80% efficient ((Power Out/Power In)*100 = efficiency in percent) across the board and hit near 90% at some points. Many other brands have efficient models now too - over 80% across the board is considered good, 70% (with a "hot spot" of over 80% at around 80% load) had been typical until recently. Some review sites are doing efficiency testing at low, high and "typical" loadings on PSUs under test.

So selecting an efficient PSU that will operate in its peak efficiency range with your system (loaded at 75-90% of maximum) will give you the least heat production.

.bh.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

*IF* your case has negative case pressure/highly restricted intake, the air cooling the
PSU can be pre-heated, causing the PSU's exhaust to feel abnormally hot.

Not all, but many very efficient PSUs are listed here: http://www.80plus.org/
I like Enhance units because of thier price-point. 😉


...Galvanized

 

[adqttr]

I hear a lot of good things about seasonic is taht true?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Seasonic is one of the best *consumer* grade PSUs. It is in my opinion, not one of
the best *server* grade PSUs. Seasonic is a very good build that is quieter than most.

Enermax, Enhance and several others are VG *consumer* grade PSUs.

For high end *server* grade, look to Zippy/Emacs, Delta or PCP&C.


...Galvanized

 

[adqttr]

it seems like the more efficient psus are a little bigger then the regular psus is this the case? i plan to put it in a microfly so i kinda need to know the size factor. thanks

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: adqttr
it seems like the more efficient psus are a little bigger then the regular psus is this the case? i plan to put it in a microfly so i kinda need to know the size factor. thanks

Totally false.

For example: The Enhance ENP-5140GH is only 5.5" deep. The smallest it can be and still have a 120MM fan.

Also, the MicroFly can take up to a 6" deep PSU (I have an X2 550W in mine) with no obstruction with the optical, even if you use a "standard depth" optical instead of a Lite-On (I have an MSI burner in mine.)