• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

The All-Encompassing Power Supply (PSU) Thread

Chaotic42

Chaotic42

Lifer
There seem to be a lot of PSU threads lately. They all ask the same questions.

How do I check the voltages?
Link


Which power supply should I get?
Less Pricey: Seasonic Super Silencer 460W Power Supply
More Pricey: PC Power and Cooling High-Performance 510 SLI

How do power supplies work?
Link

What should I look for when getting a power supply?
[*]Tolerances <= 5%
[*]Watts at running temperature (not peak power)
[*]Long warranty
[*]High enough specs to last you for a couple of years

I'm planning on building a super-hyper-hepta-SLI system. How many amps at each voltage level do I need?
-A PSU of this level should get you through:

[*]30 Amps at +12V
[*]35 Amps at +5V
[*]30 Amps at +3.3V
[*]1 Amp at -12V
[*].3 Amp at -5V
[*]2.5 Amps at +5VSB

Should I get this $9 750W power supply?
-No

Do they make 20->24 pin adapters?
Yes

How about 24->20 pin adapters?
Yes

What about 4-pin molex to SATA adapters?
Yes

Will everyone ever agree on a PSU brand
-No. Just remember that every good product line has its duds and every bad product line has its successes. The main things to keep in mind are: Do your research and You get what you pay for.

Please, post any corrections and additions you can think of.

*Retailers used in this post are not endorsed by me. They just had the most convenient links at the time.
 
Testing you PSU with no load is pretty much pointless....just backprobe the same locations while your PC is running.

You can use any black wire for the ground so just pick a ground and then you can go to various 12V ,3 and 5V areas and test...really if you dont have any components in series then you can just pick a molex that is not being used and test it and its going to give you a pretty good idea of what the 12V rail is doing...just dont cross your leads.

The only scenario in which you migh get different 12V readings is if your running 2 heavy draw components in series...say one Molex to a 6800GT and the other on the same lead to another 6800GT ..unless you have a very stout PSU your likely to get a voltage drop to your second 6800.


I use a dual rail PSU now and after having it for awhile I will never go back to a single...having a dedicatied line to my mobo is a great thing and the performance of the 12V rails reflects the easy
load it has.


 
I was just going to add that for safety , id suggest using a ground on a seperate Molex and tapping into a power on the Molex youd like to test. The ground will always stay the same.

Also just any multimeter will not do, though most mutimeters are still going to be more accurate than any motherboard. I only use true RMS Fluke brand meters myself.
 
Originally posted by: BentValve
I was just going to add that for safety , id suggest using a ground on a seperate Molex and tapping into a power on the Molex youd like to test. The ground will always stay the same.

Also just any multimeter will not do, though most mutimeters are still going to be more accurate than any motherboard. I only use true RMS Fluke brand meters myself.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't trust the motherboard's monitor.
 
Originally posted by: BentValve
Testing you PSU with no load is pretty much pointless....just backprobe the same locations while your PC is running.

You can use any black wire for the ground so just pick a ground and then you can go to various 12V ,3 and 5V areas and test...really if you dont have any components in series then you can just pick a molex that is not being used and test it and its going to give you a pretty good idea of what the 12V rail is doing...just dont cross your leads.

The only scenario in which you migh get different 12V readings is if your running 2 heavy draw components in series...say one Molex to a 6800GT and the other on the same lead to another 6800GT ..unless you have a very stout PSU your likely to get a voltage drop to your second 6800.


I use a dual rail PSU now and after having it for awhile I will never go back to a single...having a dedicatied line to my mobo is a great thing and the performance of the 12V rails reflects the easy
load it has.
Click to expand...

I didn't notice they were testing it with no load. 😱
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top