Is my PSU really that much of a liability?

Michaeljcox24

Michaeljcox24

Michaeljcox24

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West Bromwich
Everytime I post on here about upgrades someone always recommends the first thing I do is swap my PSU. Is it really that bad? I got it from a highstreet retailer and it's officially SLI / Bronze certified.

If it is, what would you recommend? I need modular, that could run 2 x 570's in the future.
 
Michaeljcox24 said:
Everytime I post on here about upgrades someone always recommends the first thing I do is swap my PSU. Is it really that bad? I got it from a highstreet retailer and it's officially SLI / Bronze certified.

If it is, what would you recommend? I need modular, that could run 2 x 570's in the future.
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Short answer, yes it is. If I'm reading the correct specs it has only 38amps on the 12v rails (which isn't a lot) and a huge 30A on the 3 and 5v rails. Since the major amp items are on the 12v rails (CPU, GPU and mobo) this is not good.

I would suggest something like a Corsair HX 650W ATX Modular. Whilst "only" 650W it has upto 52A on the 12v rails (according to the prod description).
 
Hi there, The main reason people suggest you get a new PSU is that it is from an unknown brand with no reviews out for that particular PSU. Also, the one PSU of theirs where there is a proper review didn't perform too well.

Also, I looked on the 80 plus website and there is no mention of Atrix. Even if the PSU is made by an OEM and certified separately, they need to get it certified again as an "Atrix" branded unit before they can legitimately put "80 plus bronze certified" on the box.

Since you plan to invest a considerable amount of money in graphics cards, I think it is sensible to also invest in a PSU that you can have confidence in.
 
At the time it was a snap decision because I was having no end of trouble with an 8800 Ultra that was blue screening every game and needed to eliminate chance it might of been my PSU not giving enough juice to the 12 rails. Just popped into aforementioned shop and bought one because the TDR's were doing my nut in.

Emphacy thanks for the recommendation, looks like a good PSU.

PC Anywhere thanks for pointing out about the imbalance on the rails. When you look at it that way, it doesn't look healthy at all.
 
Michaeljcox24 said:
PC Anywhere thanks for pointing out about the imbalance on the rails. When you look at it that way, it doesn't look healthy at all.
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38 Amps is not too bad (450 watts of CPU powering goodness) but for an 800 watts PSU it's not great... A typical corsair 600w PSU would give you 40 amps on the 12v rails.

I guess this is the reason why GPU manufacturers always overstate the PSU requirements:

"this super-dooper, next gen GPU needs 1kw PSU to work" when they actually mean "this slightly improved GPU needs a 20 amp 12v rail or it will screech like a banshee"
:D
 
Being as nobody as even heard of Atrix (and to be fair neither have I in any other medium other than the box it came in) I'm going to post a picture of the box later when I get back from work.
 
Atrix 800Watt about £45, speaks for it self, always invest in a good psu, save's a lot of problems like > Bang > pop > smoke. PSU gone and what else? :eek:
 
I think I had an Atrix psu at one point, It was an emergency spare that was used for 3 weeks. It did the job. Just until my Corsair came back from RMA. I did put it into another system, and 2 of the caps failed, exploded quite horrifically!
And it was no where near the claimed 750W load!

The image - you need to remove the / after .jpg
 
It's not just about that though. Cheap psu's use cheap components that fail at the slightest hint of a load. If they blow they are more likley to take out your other components with them. Additionally, they will not even come close to outputting their stated wattage and are extremely innefficient.
 
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