two rigs, one psu

[VirtualLarry]

As per the links in this thread: link
I found some ATX20pin splitters and ATX4pin molex adaptors.

I want to build some crunch racks, and run them off of shared PSUs, for space and cost reasons.

Is this feasable? Has anyone done this?

Secondly, both the EA380 and EA430 at NewEgg list the exact same specs. Why is this, is one of the specs wrong? What are the correct specs, and would I be able to use one of these PSUs to power two matx C2D 3.2Ghz rigs?

EA380: link
EA430: link

Edit: Or possibly use this psu (link) to power three rigs?

 

[mpilchfamily]

This would not be advisable. Its not a good idea to split the main connector or the P4/EPS connector. It just seams like a bad idea.

 

[covert24]

well what are the specs of the racks?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
Secondly, both the EA380 and EA430 at NewEgg list the exact same specs. Why is this, is one of the specs wrong?

Those specs are not wrong. Multi-rail PSUs do not "add up" meaning the Antec has two 17A +12v rails. However, this does not mean it can put out 34A total +12v power. This doesn't just apply to Antec, but to nearly ALL brands and models, so don't think they're doing anything fishy.

Now, back to the Earthwatts units. The 430W can put out more "combined" wattage. Look at the Newegg pictures of the label, and you will see "+12v1 +12v2 max load" ratings. The EA380 can do 324W combined, or 27A. The EA430 can do 360W combined, or 30A. Moving right along, the EA500 can do 408W combined, or the whole 34A.

As for running two motherboards off one PSU, if there is no easy answer then I'd suggest finding another solution. If you want to save space, maybe look for 1U or Shuttle SFF PSUs. Well, those are often pricey, so you can do something like this $25 PSU. It has a combined 20A for +12v, plenty if you're not running big GPUs.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I thought that the Antec Earthwatts series were effectively single-rail supplies? At least SerpentRoyal claimed that they were.

Thanks for info on the specs, it's very confusing to see that the EA380, 430, and 500 all list +12v1 17A, +12v2 17A. So it looks like the lower-end models can't actually put out that much wattage, huh. Darn. So much for my idea.

That little PSU is kind of cute. Too bad it doesn't have free shipping like the EA380. If I had more addresses I'd order several EA380s for the crunch rack. I could try to pick up some Xion 450 PSUs at Microcenter, I got one for $20. They only have four molex and one floppy connector, no PCI-E nor SATA, so they're kind of low-end, but they would work for my appplication. (link)

My desire to split the PSU was more for hack value than anything else, although it would save space too.

 

[F1shF4t]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
As per the links in this thread: link
I found some ATX20pin splitters and ATX4pin molex adaptors.

I want to build some crunch racks, and run them off of shared PSUs, for space and cost reasons.

Is this feasable? Has anyone done this?

Secondly, both the EA380 and EA430 at NewEgg list the exact same specs. Why is this, is one of the specs wrong? What are the correct specs, and would I be able to use one of these PSUs to power two matx C2D 3.2Ghz rigs?

EA380: link
EA430: link

Edit: Or possibly use this psu (link) to power three rigs?

I have wired up a single psu to power two computers before. They wern't demanding on power but it was a crappy cheap 500W unit (atually the psu died a couple of months after i dissassembled the comp, so don't know if that was the reason it died)

Anyways what i did was use the all the power connectors from a psu I converted to a benchtop supply. To make the connections I just inserted the second connector wires to the back of the connector and used tape to secure them in place. So just ran both comps in parralel.

Worked really well except had to make sure the comps were turned off in the correct order.

As far as i remember the two comps were a p4 northwood 3.2ghz and a Celeron D 2.4ghz.

As long as you keep the same ground for both comps and the PSU can deal with the demand of both comps on full load I don't see how it would be a problem.

Now i'm thinking if I can do something similar again with the parts i have 😛

 

[Modelworks]

As far as using two pc with one psu, it will work.
You could use 10 pc with one psu as long as the voltage and current requirements are met.
The pc doesn't care where its coming from 🙂

Its going to be a pain though, splitting off connectors, making sure to use the proper wire gauge.


I currently have a 300 watt supply powering my router/firewall/print server pc.
Its an old compaq 1ghz, 512mb ram.
That supply also powers my cable modem and the network switch.
I saw no need for multiple power adapters when the modem and switch were 12vdc.