PSU powers values...choosing a PSU

Banzai_Joe

Banzai_Joe

Banzai_Joe

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Considering the spec in my sig, i'm going to get either

A) OCZ ModStream 520w ATX2.2 Power Supply here
B) Corsair HX 520W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Compliant PSU (CMPSU-520HXUK) here
After trawling these forums, these are the modular choices i've narrowed down to. Spending at max £80 (ish) inc. delivery

A) is £20- cheaper than B)

Your thoughts please? I will be OC'ing my rig, so a good psu solution is needed.
My PC-7 case DOES NOT have a fan in the top (as some say a top fan gets in the way of the OCZ psu).

On a teccy note, what should one really look for when checking wattage and ampage on a psu. I hear folk go on about 2 x 12v rails this and 32A that.. :eek: and i get a little confused.

As usual, all help greatly appreciated.
 
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Short and simple, the Corsair is the better PSU. However either would do the job without any problems. I would personally pick the Corsair as it is based on a good design but apparantly built to even higher standards.

Ideally you want at least 30A on the 12V rail, combined or single, however single is less common now and isn't normally necessary. It was handy with some early dual graphics card systems as the split rails caused some problems but for a single graphics card system split rails is perfectly fine. :)
 
SPW.....thanks man, you always seem to be there when i need the advice.
Wish i knew what you meant though :confused:

I'd like to better understand the ins and outs of the power requirements.
I know that PC's deal with 3 voltages; 3v, 5v and 12v, yes?

So what do you need to take into account when looking for a quality psu? The minimum or 'true' power it can deliver? I suppose you perform a calculation to arrive at the ampage etc for each component?. and take into account that you may overclock?

Know of any links to an idiots guide? I sound a bit dim, i know., lol.
I've been building pc's for years, but when it comes to my own, i always want the best i can get for my money and always like to experiment. But seeing as this build was quite expensive i want to educate myself into the more intricate teccy things of pc components. If that makes sense. :rolleyes:
 
That makes perfect sense.

Here's a PSU guide for you, there are lots of others around:

http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/articles/guides/Power_Supply_Guide_1.html

12V rails are the main sources of power for your CPU, mobo, graphics card and other peripherals that use molex, so a juicy 12V amperage is needed. As suggested 30A is recommended for a PC with all the latest hardwares. A decent brand 500W+ will easily offer more than that.

You can usually find the information on manufacturers' website, or on the side sticker of every PSU.

The Corsair is definately worth the £20 extra. OCZ modstream is still good if you're on a budget.
 
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Apologies for any confusion caused, I wasn't sure how much you knew but I assumed that you knew the difference between split and single rails. If the link steve258 gave you doesn't answer your questions then ask and I'll try again. :)

For what it is worth if I was looking for a new PSU I'd be aiming for: a split rail PSU (double, triple or quad), a minimum of 30A spread across the rails but higher is better, a rating of at least 500w+, modular for the cables and probably also a recommendation about the solidity of the PSU from preferably a user but failing that a review site who goes in depth e.g. johnnyguru.com or similar. :)
 
a very nice website to read on my lunch :) though its jonny without the "h" :)

good reviews and ive set my sights on a cosair 620 now.
 
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