I'm considering a future build (once conroe is out and there are more coolers and m'boards for it and am2) and am pondering the idea of a dual PSU system, say a couple in the 350-400W range (one for cpu/mb/hd and other for sli cards and other bits). Is anyone running anything like this already? If so, what case do you have? So far I've found the G70 and TJ07 will take 2 PSUs, any others? I'm planning on a nice powerfull system (been a while since the last upgrade..), probably with water cooling (maybe reserator(x2?), or mix'n'match components). So, is this a viable idea or would I be better off with a single decent PSU? Not looking at it from any particular angle, so any argument based on price, noise, airflow, efficiency, practicality etc is welcome.
Dual PSUs
- Thread starter paulc
- Start date
I would have thought getting a single more powerful and efficient psu would be better, as psu's do not use there max rated wattage 24/7, rather that is the maximum they are certified.
However if you are getting into water-chilling , you need a separate psu to run the peltier i think.
However if you are getting into water-chilling , you need a separate psu to run the peltier i think.
Its not a very good idea to run a system off two psus, it can cause a lot of very perculiar problems. Plus it tempts you to get a pair of rubbishy psus which don't have the proper protection that a more expensive model would have.
Get a single psu for your system, and if you have a pump or pelt or something you can use a second psu for that.
Get a single psu for your system, and if you have a pump or pelt or something you can use a second psu for that.
Associate
- Joined
- 26 Jun 2005
- Posts
- 1,983
- Location
- Chelmsford
What about the old CM Stacker? That was wide enough to fit two PSU's, that was even stated in the features list. I know it doesn't mean you have to but still.
All sounds eminently sensible to me. I had a feeling that effectively creating a circuit between two PSUs wouldn't be the best idea. Do people running w/c systems use a second PSU (as opposed to pelts that definitely need a second PSU), or is it just a good idea if its an option?
You can buy 'Server' PSU's but they are very expensive. They can offer full redundancy, when working normally they loadbalance the power requirements between both PSUs, but if one of them fails, it switches everything across to the remaining PSU.
These only have one 'set' of connectors just like a normal regular ATX powersupply. So you dont have to worry about any additional circuits.
However I believe most of these are designed for servers, they have plenty of power to run hard disks, and cpus. But wouldnt be so good if you tried to set up a heavyweight crossfire, or quad SLI graphics system on them.
These only have one 'set' of connectors just like a normal regular ATX powersupply. So you dont have to worry about any additional circuits.
However I believe most of these are designed for servers, they have plenty of power to run hard disks, and cpus. But wouldnt be so good if you tried to set up a heavyweight crossfire, or quad SLI graphics system on them.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.fenderbass86 said:
I have read of people having problems with it, by all means try it but if you use cheap psus it will be your hardware that gets put at risk, and if you use dual psus you are likely to suffer stability problems and random crashes.