i have a corsair HX520 PSU and looking to replace (what is triple rail? do i need it)

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Hi

i have a corsair HX520 PSU and looking to replace

the HX520 is described as triple rail, what is that and do i need it

i run my PC all the time

so i'm looking for
  • quiet
  • cool
  • reliable (not blow anything up)

I am happy with corsair so they are my first choice, but i cant differentiate between the different corsair models.

also if i get a different brand can i use the same modular cables from the corsair. just to save set up time.
 
Why do you need a new PSU?

The demands of high powered device puts extra burden on single rail PSUs meaning the cables could potentially overheat. As such, each rail has a load limit.. a bit like a circuit breaker.. Multiple rails are an advantage because each line can guarantee a respectful current without such risk.. They are all connected to the same 12v source but are independent in terms of the cabling thus avoiding any potential overheating and damage.
 
Why do you need a new PSU?

The demands of high powered device puts extra burden on single rail PSUs meaning the cables could potentially overheat. As such, each rail has a load limit.. a bit like a circuit breaker.. Multiple rails are an advantage because each line can guarantee a respectful current without such risk.. They are all connected to the same 12v source but are independent in terms of the cabling thus avoiding any potential overheating and damage.

cheers

great answer

I had a few cheap built computers when i was younger and one had a hard drive explosion (it was quite a loud crack!)

so i didn't build my new computer . my PSU has started 'pinging' its 3 years old. i found out today that i could return my psu under a 5 warranty . Corsair Netherlands (£20 postage WTF) but it still good.

but when i looked my PSU is no longer made so i wanted to double check that i am getting the right thing.

not damaging anything with blowing up is a definite consideration. but cool and quiet is essential.

are corsair still market leaders with this sort of thing
 
so if i get a hx650 it has a single rail (i think).

is this putting my components at risk more than the 3 rail hx520
 
No it will be fine. It's actually cheaper for the manufactures to produce a single rail PSU over a multiple rail as they don't have to install the splitting components because as i said, there's only one 12v source but since it passes all the relevant safety checks so there's no problem. The HX is a highly efficient PSU which in turn generates less waste (or heat). It could be that the Corsair combines two separate +12v rails to make one very large one. That would explain the larger ampage through one rail (this would need confirming).

In a nutshell there no real benefit of a multiple rail PSU or a single unless you are thinking of dual card configuration. Nvidia insist that each PCI-e has it's own rail.. Hence PSUs with SLI or Crossfire certification (although this isn't essential providing the correct connections are in place). The only thing a single has over a multiple is that it's less likely to overload than that of a mutiple rail PSU, because the limit for multirail is lower so to speak. There is no limit on a single rail as far as I know. Either which make no difference to overclocking ability either.

The main criteria is that 1. the PSU meets all your system power requirements and 2. That it's an efficient, branded and trusted PSU.

The Corsair HX is fine :)
 
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