seasonic - 430 vs 500?

[johnh123]

I've got the rig listed below- I might add another 6600 gt at some point. Will the seasonic s12-430 be enough for me, or should I get the 500 for another 50 bucks?

What features, if any, does the 500 have that the 430 lacks?

 

[fierydemise]

For your system 500W is overkill, the 500W has a PCI express connector while the 430W doesn't besides that theres not much difference I'd go with the 430W either way you'll be set.

 

[Tiamat]

the 500 version has a pci-e connector. This might be convenient for you. You should buy it from someplace other than newegg. Ive seen the 500 go for 100$ after shipping.

 

[Aisengard]

The 500 WAS at ewiz for $100, but that was a very special deal and I don't think you'll see it around anywhere else anytime soon.

 

[johnh123]

So the pci-e connector would be nice but isn't necesary? And that will continue to be true even if I get a second 6600GT?

 

[wisdomtooth]

You have to get an identical card to SLI, so if your current 6600 doesn't require that 6-pin PCIe graphics power plug, your identical second SLI card won't need it either (obviously). :laugh:

Anyway, yes the S12-430 should fit your needs quite well.

HTH!

 

[johnh123]

OK, so if down the road I upgraded my card(s) to one(s) that had PCIe plugs, would I need a new PS?

 

[fierydemise]

You'd just need an adapter if you got a video card that needs extra power, also even if you get a second card for SLI 430W would still be more then enough.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

The 430 is actually just revamped from their previous line, although it does live up to the 80% efficiency although sometimes it dips down to "only" 79%, the 500 and 600 are completely new from what I understand, and they also have the PCIe connector. You shouldn't have to pay more than $50 more for the 500W, I've found one for $120 (not as good as when Ewiz had them for $100 whereas the 430s are all pretty much going for $100 now (although you can find them for $85-90)...

 

[wisdomtooth]

Yep, Seasonic S12-430 @ PC Alchemy for $85 before shipping.

Even ewiz jacked up the price of the 430 back up to $100.. Sheesh..

 

[wisdomtooth]

Found a place that sells the S12-600 for $140...

That's around $20 cheaper than the egg..

Edit: Ditto $140 at Atacom.

 

[johnh123]

Is there a disadvantage to getting a 600 or 500 when the 430 is enough?

 

[wisdomtooth]

No disadvantage... Except you might be paying for extra capability you might not need.

HTH.

 

[Tiamat]

OP sorry, I was stupid. I forgot that your card didnt even have a PCI-E connector! For sure the 430 would be perfect for ya! Just gotta find it at a good price...

 

[shira]

Aren't the Seasonic S12's dual-12V-rail PSUs, with all the inherent issues that all dual-rail PSUs have?

 

[doinmybestatlast]

My PS experience:

386 - generic w/case
486 - generic w/case
P1 - generic w/case
P2 - Enermax 350
P3 - Enermax 350
P4 1.4 Enermax 350
P4 1.8 Enermax 350
P4 2.4 Antec 430
P4 3.2 Sparkle 500
A64 3500 Enermax 600

The Enermax 350 I gave to my son when he built his P4 2.4, but it couldn't handle all his drives and sound cards ( for keyboards) when he upgraded after that. I gave him my Sparkle 500 when he upgraded to an A64 and his computer runs fine. The Antec died and lasted about a year. I've been through a bunch of PS. When I bought the Enermax 350 I thought that that was plenty of power for my needs for a long time. I bought the Enermax 600 because I know that in a few years I'll need every bit of that power. Buy the best you can afford - Period! The Enermax 350 is still working at the office running the backup data server, a P4 2.4 Raid 1.

 

[johnh123]

Are people having problems with dual-rail and the a8n-sli?