Power Supply question

Belisarius

Belisarius

Belisarius

Associate
Joined
27 Aug 2007
Posts
207
Location
Whitley Bay
Hi,

Not sure where to post questions on PSUs so went for here.

Have just changed my setup to the below (sig) and am running it on a Zalman 400W PSU (ZALMAN ZM400B-APS). I'm looking to change the GPU soon but someone raised a question in one of my other threads in that the 12V line was showing low. I'm running Linux so using lm_sensors and the +12V starts at 11.25 and then during running seems to fluctuate between 11.13 and 11.19. Is this anything to worry about?

I'm concerned that putting a more powerful GPU in there may cause a problem? I'm also looking to the future so considering a new PSU that is quiet and will see me through a couple of years.

So... is there anything to worry about at the moment?
Would I be advised to invest in a new PSU?

And if so...any recommendations please for a limited budget?

Cheers

Andy


PS. I know I can check the 12V line with a meter but I don't have one and I'm a lazy git so would would probably just use it all as an excuse to buy a new PSU anyway! :) Also, I'm looking to put all this in an Antec 900 at some point.
 
Hello Belisarius, the particular power supply that you currently have is a single rail unit with 18 amps on the 12 volt rail. Now, depending on the type of graphics card that you are looking at purchasing, it would be very advisable to upgrade your power supply.

If you don't mind me asking, which graphics card are you looking at? :)
 
I've just started a thread over in the Graphics Card forums to establish that! Looking at a silent, dual DVI Nvidia not to expensive one :)

Andy


PS and recommends on PSU?
 
Your system shouldn't be overly demanding for that PSU, if you are suffering from instability then I'd think about changing the PSU but software readings are notoriously unreliable. :)
 
Stability seems fine. I get the odd X system crash but I've googled that and it seems to be a bug in either X or firefox. I've had only one system lock since rebuild. Temps for the E2200 never go above 40C under load. I may push it a bit further soon just to see.

If I can get a decent PSU for future use I may take the chance. Keeping things quiet is more of a priority now. I also think combining a new PSU with a good case will give better cooling anyway as my current Chenbro case is a bit cramped and not good airflow.

I'm looking at some of the 8500/8600 Silent GPUs which seem to be within budget but would also I think benefit from better airflow.

Anymore PSUs worth looking at?

Cheers

Andy
 
Have you checked what voltage is reported on the 12v line in the BIOS? 11.25 from what I know is too low (isn't it?) I thought the specs state a 5% fluctuation which would mean that it shouldn't dip below 11.4v but if you've not got stability issues then maybe the softwares reporting incorrectly.
 
Just checked the BIOS reading and the 12V is showing as 11.806. CPU temp as 35C but it has been running all day and I assume the BIOS reading does not reflect the core temps?
 
Hi,

Just preparing to make a purchase so some final questions and requests for recommendations, please?

Just ordered a Antec 900. Looking to up my PSU for future use. Need one that will support all the connections on my Mobo - IDE, SATA, 20 and 4 PIN 12V etc.. Will be putting in a 7300GS Passive PCI-E card soon as well which apparently had no independent power connector and takes power off the bus?

So, really just need some final comments on what to get, given my setup and proposed changes? Budget is really £50-70'ish.

Any comments much appreciated

Cheers

Andy
 
I've only got two places I'm ordering from and it doesn't show in either lists. I don't mind having fans as long as it's quiet. People have recommended the Corsair HX 520 but does it come with connectors for IDE drives? I'd need at least a couple.

Andy
 
And would either the 520 HX or 550 VX cover my current and future needs for a while? (Next step is new mobo and Quad 6600 but maybe not 'til end of year).

Is the extra £10 for modular (and loss of 30W) worth it (and why)?

Andy
 
Depends on what level you plan to take your graphics to. If you are looking to Sli or Xfire the big boys in the future, then you might want some more wattage.
 
Not really. I don't really play games. Mostly use it for Development. The only possible is getting a dual PCI-E board and putting two dual DVI cards in to run 4 monitors. Again, wouldn't be pushing the 3D other than maybe for desktop effects and this is not likely to be this year.

I just want a not too expensive PSU that will give me a stable platform for eventually OC'ing a quad core of some kind

Andy
 
Belisarius said:
Is there much difference between the HX 520 and the VX 520 other than modular?

Andy
Click to expand...

One is made by Seasonic (the HX) and the other is made by CWT (the VX), for most people the difference will be negligible at best. Seasonic are the better known of the pair of OEMs but CWT do make good solid PSUs so I'd say if you are saving £10 or more by getting the VX or you don't want modular then go with the VX - otherwise I'd personally go with the HX for the modular cables. :)
 
Have just ordered the 520. All parts should arrive tomorrow so I can have a happy few days moving it all over

Cheers for the help and advice, everyone

Andy
 
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