PSU recs...

[BigPoppa]

Would a Fortron ax450-pn http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954 be powerful enough to run an SLI setup in the future?

I'm planning on upgrading this summer to something like this:
Opteron 165 or 170 OC'd,
2GB ram
2x sata harddrive
7900gt
Sli capable motherboard.

Would the listed PSU be hardy enough to support another 7900GT sli'd in the future?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

No! Fortron is a VG bargain PSU and that is one of the lower grade units. This unit has
combined 12V at about 29A. That would cut it very close for SLI. Once warm output will
drop off.
If you want a killer deal on a new unit that will crush any 500watt Fortron for $75
PM me and I'll send you a link to the vendor. I'm burned-out talking ppl into a VG PSU
deal that's going on ATM and won't last. Fanbois want the same brand as their buddies
I guess. *sigh* I paid <$100 for a unit that goes for $160.

...Galvanized

 

[imported_kushko]

Instead of creating another PSU thread, I'd like to tag along on this one:

I have a Compaq SR1710NX Socket 939 MB with a Sempron 3400+ using all the integrated devices (X200 video, audio,...) with a 100 GB SATA HD, CD-R/W+DVD-ROM, and a 512MB and a 256MB RAM modules.

The power supply included is "rated" at 250W.

If I add the following when would the powersupply be overtaxed?
1) Another 512MB RAM (replacing the 256MB, to use dual channel)
2) 120mm Exhaust Fan
3) 7300GS 256MB PCI-E video card (this is a budget PC by the way)
4) Athlon 64 X2 3800+
5) Replace the CD-R/W+DVD-ROM with a DVD-R/W
6) 2nd SATA Hard drive (probably 200GB WD)

Once the PSU is overtaxed what would be a good budget oriented alternative that would also allow eventually upgrading the video card to a more powerful PCI-E card.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

kushko, with a user name like that, you might be in Nippon.
Are you in The States?? I like to know before reccomending a source that won't ship International.

...Galvanized

 

[imported_kushko]

Not Nippon, I'm in Canada. The id is one that I had at an old employer, and kept using.

Kevin

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I don't think your 250watter will cut it as it's probably speced to just carry the Compaq build with just a bit of overhead avalible. The problem with proprietary comps is one never knows for sure what will fit and how the cabling ends might be set-up.

I went here to see what PSU your 1710 took. Found nothing on a quick search. http://www.power-on.com/index.html

I did some of your homework and went to Compaq's homepage. The PSU is $40, #5187-1098, Zinfandel PS2. The important thing here is the PS2. *Generally* that would indicate a ATX PSU, sized at 150mm wide X 86mm tall X 140mm deep. Measure your PSU as best you can, look for odd cabling ends and go from there.

...Galvanized

 

[TrevorRC]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
No! Fortron is a VG bargain PSU and that is one of the lower grade units. This unit has
combined 12V at about 29A. That would cut it very close for SLI. Once warm output will
drop off.
If you want a killer deal on a new unit that will crush any 500watt Fortron for $75
PM me and I'll send you a link to the vendor. I'm burned-out talking ppl into a VG PSU
deal that's going on ATM and won't last. Fanbois want the same brand as their buddies
I guess. *sigh* I paid <$100 for a unit that goes for $160.

...Galvanized

You ended up buying one?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: TrevorRC

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
No! Fortron is a VG bargain PSU and that is one of the lower grade units. This unit has
combined 12V at about 29A. That would cut it very close for SLI. Once warm output will
drop off.
If you want a killer deal on a new unit that will crush any 500watt Fortron for $75
PM me and I'll send you a link to the vendor. I'm burned-out talking ppl into a VG PSU
deal that's going on ATM and won't last. Fanbois want the same brand as their buddies
I guess. *sigh* I paid <$100 for a unit that goes for $160.

...Galvanized

You ended up buying one?

I didn't "end-up" anything. I chose to buy, based on research. My choices were $99 for what I grabed because the deal WON"T last or waited and maybe buy a PSM 6600P Zippy/Emacs for $199. You've recieved enough PMs from me to know...I know something about power units

...Galvanized

 

[TrevorRC]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Originally posted by: TrevorRC

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
No! Fortron is a VG bargain PSU and that is one of the lower grade units. This unit has
combined 12V at about 29A. That would cut it very close for SLI. Once warm output will
drop off.
If you want a killer deal on a new unit that will crush any 500watt Fortron for $75
PM me and I'll send you a link to the vendor. I'm burned-out talking ppl into a VG PSU
deal that's going on ATM and won't last. Fanbois want the same brand as their buddies
I guess. *sigh* I paid <$100 for a unit that goes for $160.

...Galvanized

You ended up buying one?

I didn't "end-up" anything. I chose to buy, based on research. My choices were $99 for what I grabed because the deal WON"T last or waited and maybe buy a PSM 6600P Zippy/Emacs for $199. You've recieved enough PMs from me to know...I know something about power units

...Galvanized

Nothing deragatory intended. I just thought you were set on a Zippy. [Though at the price.... yeah. I can see why you did it ]

 

[LOUISSSSS]

the 450 would be kinda tight for your system, i'd recommend the 500 or 600 to be safe and ensure no problems down the line

 

[Zepper]

You're planning a fancy box, don't skimp on the PSU. Fortron's top line PSUs have always had the FSP prefix and now they have the FX prefix too which is their new premium series. I've froogled the FX600 at just over $100.+sh - easily as good as the one being bantied about above (G-Y's new baby). So if you want to stay with Fortron or Sparkle (the same company) pick one from those series that meets your needs. I wouldn't consider one that lacked active PFC and auto-ranging AC voltage.

OTOH, as G-Y says, this "Hot Deal" of which he speaks will not last. So those who are not total noise freakazoids and need a new PSU should check it out.

.bh.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Zepper, the OP wisely went with the 550watt Enhance. Still 4x12, will carry 38A w/42A peak, non-modular, cross flow and 180mm long as it the 600watter. His was $15 less iirc.
Modular eats up space in a std.ATX case. But "my new baby"will be finding a home in a eATX case. Plus I wanted the 120 fan, to do a top panel intake and might even find a small hood scoop at an automotive swap meet


...Galvanized

 

[Zepper]

What about the 5150G at $74. - that looks good too.

.bh.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Zepper
What about the 5150G at $74. - that looks good too.

.bh.

**EDIT** The 5150G is 75%efficiant. The 5150G*H*is 80Plus certed. I just talked to them.

The 5150G is THE best deal over there ATM. None of the kids has even heard of Enhance. They seem to think enhanced has someting to do with below the belt

The OP did order the 550watt Enhance, he told me via PM. He will be going dual VGA cards.

Here's the 5150G specs http://www.enhanceusa.com/file/72_specification.pdf Note it is listed at http://www.80plus.org/ Note the 12V output. For a 500watt unit it is even with the 600watt Enermax Noise Taker and the Seasonic S12 600watt. The Enermax Liberty 600 is combined 12@32 and brags each at 22A but the 5150G is combined at atleast 30A if not a bit more. Where does it get it?? The 5150G does not load up the 3.3 & 5V with un-necessary amperage. I know you know that but others my read this and need to see it spelled out.

Here are pics of a Seasonic S12 600 with the hood-up http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=106&type=expert&pid=3 The sinks look good. I could not find a pic of an open 5150G but the next unit up that uses a 120 fan is the one I bought, here's it's hood-up http://www.systemcooling.com/silverstone_st60f-04.html I think the 5150's sinks would come close to these.

The Seasonic S12 600 is $169 at the Egg. The Enhance 5150G 500 watt is $74.19 at eWIZ. The Seasonic is one of the better consumer PSUs. Enhance is a builder of one of the better commercial PSUs. I honestly think, from reading over at the repair site, that Enhance has a better overall build quality compared to the Seasonic units. Granted, the Enhance may use a more powerful fan and not be as quiet but the componets soldered to it's pcb will live a long healthy life with cooling air.

I wish the kids would stop being such fanbois or being brand loyal *shakes head at antec psus*. The bling of a X-Connect, OKIA and I don't care to remember the rest, are just overwhelming to young eyes. I say light up the box all you want but be serious about clean & stable power. At $79, I just might sell the old Fortron in Sister's rig and buy a 5150G for her. It's that good a deal on a VG PSU.


...Galvanized

Edit for price.

 

[LordSnailz]

How does the 5150G compare to the enermax liberty ... just placed an order this weekend after reading some reviews on this board.
Should I cancel and go with the 5150G? Spent $115 shipped on the 500W liberty ... TIA!

 

[JEDIYoda]

One thing you need to know about GV is he knows his stuff and he also does his own homework.

The Enermax Liberty is a fine CPU no doubt but if I did not have my 2 PC Power & Cooling PSU`s I would definately go with what galvanized is using!!

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Originally posted by: Zepper

Wonder of wonders... I was going to ask you for feedback about my PSU selection page, and turns out you blocked my PMs. Could you explain that?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: kushko
The power supply included is "rated" at 250W.

If I add the following when would the powersupply be overtaxed?
1) Another 512MB RAM (replacing the 256MB, to use dual channel)
2) 120mm Exhaust Fan
3) 7300GS 256MB PCI-E video card (this is a budget PC by the way)
4) Athlon 64 X2 3800+
5) Replace the CD-R/W+DVD-ROM with a DVD-R/W
6) 2nd SATA Hard drive (probably 200GB WD)

1) Negligible
2) Almost negligible
3) will need some 12v
4) will add a bit 12v
5) no difference
6) Almost negligible

I, like GY, appreciate good quality. I do differ however in that I like "cheap" stuff too. I find that a "reasonable quality" PSU is sufficient for most reasonable non-SLI setups.

My wife's computer is an overclocked A64 with a 16 pipe modded X800GTO, one HDD and two opticals on a 350W "reasonable quality" PSU. Absolutely no problems. I'm considering going to a higher overclocked Opteron and perhaps (when back in stock and some Hot Deals happen) a 7900GT. I'd still fully expect it to be 100% stable.

My "new" gaming rig is an overclocked Sempron with an X850XT, one HDD and one optical on a 300W "reasonable quality" SFX (mATX) PSU. Well, lemme rephrase... it's probably a "very good quality" compared to almost all other mATX PSUs. I've been "getting ready" to upgrade it to an overclocked Opteron for a while - haven't gotten around to it but it will be stable with that same PSU.

IMO most people over-rate their power needs based on prior experience (of themselves or those recommending stuff to them) with less than "reasonable quality" power supplies. The highest end CPUs/video cards with a couple of drives shouldn't need more than about 300-400W. Well, actually they "might" because "modern" systems draw more heavily on the 12v while that 400W PSU may put out only 220W on the 12v with the rest "rated" on the 3.3v and 5v. Thus, among even the better brands, one 400W unit may perform better than the next due to differences in actual 12v output. Thus, I pay particular attention to how many amps the 12v rail(s) have. Another thing is that multiple 12v rails don't necessarily add up, meaning often the manufacturer rates how many amps can be put through one 12v rail while the other one is unused, but the PSU may not be able to put out the rated 12v amps on both rails simultaneously.

BTW, my opinion on SLI/Crossfire is... you pay extra for a longer e-penis. People were running SLI 6800GT cards for "better" performance back when games didn't need it except at resolutions higher than the popular 17"/19" LCDs can do. What happened when the newer games came out at the latter half of last year? Well, the 7800 series came out, a single one of which outperforms two of the previous generation. I suspect there is the possibility that this will also happen the next "generation" past the 7000 series. So what's the new games in the next few years that will push the 7800/7900 series of cards? By the time those come out, there will be a better single card. So, people getting two at the get-go are just compensating for something :evil: while those looking to "future proof" their systems by getting an SLI board, well, what would you rather do now, pay $300 for a second new 6800GT or pay $280 for a single 7900GT and sell your old 6800GT used for $160 and getting better overall performance? I'm just pulling prices out of thin air and I'm sure some of the offended may be quick to defend their choices, but I don't see a benefit to "future proofing" with SLI unless you are just waiting for the next paycheck.

 

[Zap]

BTW, for BigPoppa, if you really, really intend to run SLI in the future, why not go for an SLI "certified" PSU? That way takes the guessing out of the choosing.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Zap
BTW, for BigPoppa, if you really, really intend to run SLI in the future, why not go for an SLI "certified" PSU? That way takes the guessing out of the choosing.

Zap, great Master, it is with a modacome of trepidation that I reproach you.
(Pirate, I wish I knew a tenth what you do)

Specs on the OP's purchase http://www.enhanceusa.com/file/32_specification.pdf
Note that it IS ATI CrossFire certed, is 75%efficiant, cost <$80, is not modular or fully sleeved. Enhance is rated as one of the top builders of PSUs. Rated better than anything coming out of CWT or FSP Group for build quality. Note the voltage regulation spec and it's rated 5 to 50C.

Your humble Grasshopper,

...Galvanized

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: LordSnailz
How does the 5150G compare to the enermax liberty ... just placed an order this weekend after reading some reviews on this board.
Should I cancel and go with the 5150G? Spent $115 shipped on the 500W liberty ... TIA!

Short answer is probably NO. By the time back shipping is done the $30 difference would mean nothing.

Comparing the two with never using them would be impossible but off the top of my head, after looking at the spec and doing too much reading/study about PSUs, I offer this.

Enermax is consumer, Enhance is commercial.

In favor of the Enermax from my limited prespective. Semi-modular, a bit more 12V amperage, un-necessarily high 3.3 & 5V output, but would make it more suitable to retro-fit in an older system, fully sleeved, I like the heat sinks better, slightly lower wattage fan that ramps up a bit later than the Enhance would make it just a tad quieter.

In favor of the Enhance, better build quality internally, rated at 5~50C vs the Enermax rated at 10~40C, yes there is a lower temp rating and better componets will run cold, Enermax says 80%efficiant but the Enhance unit is listed at 80plus.org, some would consider non-modular a plus and this unit is with only the main harness sleeved.

Since you already ordered, dance with a VG PSU. For a new buy at <$75 the Enhance is the much better deal.

Snailz, do not fall into a trap of buyer's remorse as it will eat you alive. The Liberty is one of the better consumer PSUs=Fact.

...Galvanized

 

[Zap]

Hmmm, when was the last time I purchased a PSU over $50... well, $52 for the FSP "Green" PSU. I personally balance cost+quality+quietness. I understand for you quality is the one ring to rule them all, but I'm all for a democracy. For pure output under $80 that is one heck of a deal but it's no deal for someone who doesn't budget that much for a PSU. I do appreciate how though adding all four +12v rails gets 55A, they specify that combined output is only 38A. That's really important information that most manufacturers don't divulge.

BTW, do they have anything for under $50? Perhaps missing the two smaller +12v rails? Even if not super silent it could prove to be a nice bench test model. I'm currently using a $20 HEC unit and it works okay, but I always like playing with new toys.

Just to reiterate, I'm all for super-budget-yet-good parts. For instance I like to buy cheap CPUs and overclock the snot outta them, but I don't buy $70 CPUs to toss onto $200 motherboards... I match them up to $70 motherboards. With such a budget setup I can't justify spending more money on the PSU than the other components cost and there are PSUs perfectly adequate for my needs in my price range. I have fun playing with stuff which is another reason to keep it cheap, so that I can get more "stuff."

Different strokes for different folks. No "one answer fits all."

 

[lifeguard1999]

I use the Enermax EG565P-VE FMA 535W Power Supply. It is SLI certified and is quiet as well. (Now if I could just quiet this DFI fan.) That being said, I have been looking at the 80+% efficient units that SPCR reviews every so often.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: lifeguard1999
I use the Enermax EG565P-VE FMA 535W Power Supply. It is SLI certified and is quiet as well. (Now if I could just quiet this DFI fan.) That being said, I have been looking at the 80+% efficient units that SPCR reviews every so often.

The only down fall as far as SPCR is concerned is early ramp-up and a 3.96watt 120 fan.
SPCR did review the 360watt Enhance and the above was the complaint. Most PSUs that use a 120 are 3.6 watt. It seems Enhance uses the same ADDA fan in all it's PSUs. The good news as best I know, is that just as Enermax does not put a breakable warrenty sticker in place, neither does Enhance. Listing of reviews for a VG member of the C&C Forum. http://www.jonnyguru.com/PSUInquisitor/ I might change out the fan in the 600watter Enhance I bought.
Lifeguard, be sure to read the last page of the Enhance 360 review at SPCR. There's an interesting email from 80plus

Zap, I need the high 12V for the electric M/C riding vest for warm winter computing

...Galvanized

 

[BigPoppa]

Originally posted by: Zap
Hmmm, when was the last time I purchased a PSU over $50... well, $52 for the FSP "Green" PSU. I personally balance cost+quality+quietness. I understand for you quality is the one ring to rule them all, but I'm all for a democracy. For pure output under $80 that is one heck of a deal but it's no deal for someone who doesn't budget that much for a PSU. I do appreciate how though adding all four +12v rails gets 55A, they specify that combined output is only 38A. That's really important information that most manufacturers don't divulge.

BTW, do they have anything for under $50? Perhaps missing the two smaller +12v rails? Even if not super silent it could prove to be a nice bench test model. I'm currently using a $20 HEC unit and it works okay, but I always like playing with new toys.

Just to reiterate, I'm all for super-budget-yet-good parts. For instance I like to buy cheap CPUs and overclock the snot outta them, but I don't buy $70 CPUs to toss onto $200 motherboards... I match them up to $70 motherboards. With such a budget setup I can't justify spending more money on the PSU than the other components cost and there are PSUs perfectly adequate for my needs in my price range. I have fun playing with stuff which is another reason to keep it cheap, so that I can get more "stuff."

Different strokes for different folks. No "one answer fits all."

I figure $77 (froogle must have a tie in with ewiz, its 79+change if you don't go through froogle to look it up) for a quality PSU that will most likely last me longer than the majority of other components in the machine is a steal.

As to the SLI comments, I'll grab a 7900GT now. When they're down to $150ish down the road, SLI it for increased performance, or sell the old one and purchse the newer GPU out. I'll let that decision happen when the time comes.