walkure

Senior member
Dec 24, 2004
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I have read many people who are currently running the Asus A8N-SLI have major trouble with dual-12V rail PSU's. Many modular ones seem to be of this variety (as opposed to traditional single rail). It seems that the reduced amps (average of 15A on each 12V rail) seems to really cause problems (major instability) for power-hungry mobo's that want at least 20A on the 12V rail. I don't understand how it works exactly; I previously thought the power was shared somehow so that the 12V rail would effectively have 15 + 15 = 30A. But apparently that's not how it really works.

Now, I've only heard specific tales about the Asus A8N... who knows how much power the MSI and DFI boards will want.

Just something to consider when buying a PSU for an nForce 4 mobo. Sorry that I don't know what modular PSU to recommend... OCZ probably, but they're expensive. I settled on a traditional (non-modular) Vantec Stealth 520W (28A on 12V rail) PSU, with 3 fans. Hope it works well (haven't set up rig yet).
 

Sniper82

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
16,517
0
76
Well the only 2 good modular PSU that I know of are the Antec Neopower($110 shipped) 480watt which is dual rail. The other is a OCZ Modstream 450watt($79 shipped) and the 520watt($113 shipped) which is a single rail 26amp PSU. There might be more but not sure. I am having a hard time choosing between these. I know most would say you can't go wrong with either but I have a problem with deciding because this is the most I've ever spent on a PSU.

If the OCZ Modstream 450watt would be plenty for the system I mention then it would make the decision easier since its $30-$35 cheaper. But I don't wanna have to upgrade my PSU on my next big upgrade if possible.
 

walkure

Senior member
Dec 24, 2004
412
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71
I'd avoid the dual-rail from Antec, esp. if the OCZ's are that much cheaper (the Antec name seems to carry a high price point always).

I'm just looking at the 2 OCZ's you mentioned, and on Newegg, they have the exact same listed amps (+3.3V@28A, +5V@45A, +12V@26A). I don't know if this is a misprint or something (someone enlighten us?)

450W version:
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=17-104-154&depa=1

(allegedly) 520W version:
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...tion=17-104-155&depa=1

If the 450W actually has 26A on the 12V and is so much cheaper (wherever you found it... I'm guessing ZZF), I'd go with that. 26A may only be low if you plan to use 2 6800GT's or 2 6800 Ultras in SLI. Outside of those extreme cases, I believe that the PSU would be plenty for you.
 

Algere

Platinum Member
Feb 29, 2004
2,157
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Originally posted by: walkure
I have read many people who are currently running the Asus A8N-SLI have major trouble with dual-12V rail PSU's. Many modular ones seem to be of this variety (as opposed to traditional single rail). It seems that the reduced amps (average of 15A on each 12V rail) seems to really cause problems (major instability) for power-hungry mobo's that want at least 20A on the 12V rail. I don't understand how it works exactly; I previously thought the power was shared somehow so that the 12V rail would effectively have 15 + 15 = 30A. But apparently that's not how it really works.
I doubt MB's consume 20A on their own & it's 30A (assuming amps aren't shared) system-wide or 15A or less for single components.
 

KayKay

Senior member
Nov 17, 2004
690
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hard to say, the 520 modstream has some pretty good specs +12V = 28A, +5V =52A, +3.3V = 28A
I have an ultra x-connect. it's not only beautiful, the specs are good too. +12V = 34A
xconnect needs a 20 -> 24 pin atx adapter, or possibly native 24 pin cable.

Don't know anyone with a neopower, so can't really make a recommendation for/against it

 

Toddo97

Member
May 14, 2003
146
0
0
The other is a OCZ Modstream 450watt($79 shipped)

I was looking at this one also--where can it had for that cheap? The cheapest I've seen it is $82 before shipping.
 

Patrick Wolf

Platinum Member
Jan 5, 2005
2,443
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Originally posted by: 0010010110
Originally posted by: wolfman579
As I always say, ULTRA X-Connect, hey, it worked for me.

He said best...

I'd say either OCZ Modstream or Antec Neopower.

X-Connect is the only one that's 100% modular. It's definetly the easiest PSU to install, since there's no wires to fumble with. Also the best looking power supplies. It's a fairly new product, so people need to give it a chance, and stop dwelling on all the "horror stories" they've been hearing about, which may or may not be true.
 

Sniper82

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
16,517
0
76
Well the X connect does look the best but I don't want to chance it. Of course any PSU of any brand can die. Also don't care if its 100% modular or not because everyone is gonna use the ATX connector.
 

gamerj

Member
Dec 18, 2004
169
0
0
The X-connect seems very good, ive heard only good things about them...except for a review comparing it to the Antec Neopower 480... The X-connect actually started smoking ROFL....but thats one review..

I think both are a safe bet..I myself have the Antec Neo 480 and have no problems with it...

Again...go to various computer sites...and read many reviews...get info
 

montag451

Diamond Member
Dec 17, 2004
4,587
0
0
tagan 480

quiet, reliable, beats the antec 480 in a review.

do the rest of the research yourself
 

Waylay00

Golden Member
Nov 15, 2004
1,793
0
71
Originally posted by: gamerj
The X-connect seems very good, ive heard only good things about them...except for a review comparing it to the Antec Neopower 480... The X-connect actually started smoking ROFL....but thats one review..

I think both are a safe bet..I myself have the Antec Neo 480 and have no problems with it...

Again...go to various computer sites...and read many reviews...get info


Are you talking about that review in Maximum PC?