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Dual vs Single 12v Rail?

post #1 of 17
10/30/12 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 
Well what would be the difference between a single 12v rail with 40A vs a dual 12v rail with 20A each? Would the 20A on each 12v rail stack? (20A+20A = 40A?) Or would there be some kind of degradation when adding up those 2 rails?

Any benefits from either one?

I'm planning on buying the FSP Hexa 500w tomorrow, because my backup power supply (250w LOL) ain't gonna make it any longer. It has a dual 12v rail with 18A on each. Despite my previous thread favoring the Antec Neo 520w with a single 12v rail, about 40a I think, I would need to buy the FSP Hexa psu, since it is cheaper. But the dual/single railed 12v thing is bugging me.

Here's my specs by the way.

CPU: FX4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz
GPU: GTX285 (currently on 8600GT)
RAM: 8GB (2x4) Kingston 1333 DDR3
Mobo: Asrock N68C GS-FX
Got 2 HDDs(one only used at this time)
1DVD RW drive(disconnected)
7 120mm case fans, 1 with LED (4 being used, including the LED)
1 Vortex + heat sink (92mm fan)

I've read somewhere that dual 12v 18A rails are enough for the gtx285 and the CPU is really not a problem.

So, would it be 'okay' to buy the FSP Hexa psu for this system? Or would it be better to just pray that the 250w power supply holds on for another 15 days for me to buy the Antec Neo or better?
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post #2 of 17
10/30/12 at 12:56pm
  • TwoCables
  • I love PSUs! I also love ASEA! (they're unrelated)
Quote:
Originally Posted by miki117 View Post

Well what would be the difference between a single 12v rail with 40A vs a dual 12v rail with 20A each? Would the 20A on each 12v rail stack? (20A+20A = 40A?) Or would there be some kind of degradation when adding up those 2 rails?
Any benefits from either one?
I'm planning on buying the FSP Hexa 500w tomorrow, because my backup power supply (250w LOL) ain't gonna make it any longer. It has a dual 12v rail with 18A on each. Despite my previous thread favoring the Antec Neo 520w with a single 12v rail, about 40a I think, I would need to buy the FSP Hexa psu, since it is cheaper. But the dual/single railed 12v thing is bugging me.
Here's my specs by the way.
CPU: FX4100 Zambezi 3.6GHz
GPU: GTX285 (currently on 8600GT)
RAM: 8GB (2x4) Kingston 1333 DDR3
Mobo: Asrock N68C GS-FX
Got 2 HDDs(one only used at this time)
1DVD RW drive(disconnected)
7 120mm case fans, 1 with LED (4 being used, including the LED)
1 Vortex + heat sink (92mm fan)
I've read somewhere that dual 12v 18A rails are enough for the gtx285 and the CPU is really not a problem.
So, would it be 'okay' to buy the FSP Hexa psu for this system? Or would it be better to just pray that the 250w power supply holds on for another 15 days for me to buy the Antec Neo or better?

 

Unfortunately, they don't stack.  So, having two 20A rails doesn't make 40A, nor does having two 18A rails make 36A.

 

I am having a hard time finding out what the 500W FSP HEXA's +12V capacity is, but from the looks of things, I am willing to bet that it's much less than 40A.  Now, according to the page linked below, it's 408W which is 34A:

 

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/FSP.htm

 

That's not good, but it's not necessarily bad.  However, the quality of the unit is more important.  I'm willing to bet that the 520W Antec NEO ECO is significantly better than this FSP Hexa unit.  I mean, I took at look at FSP's product page for this PSU, and it doesn't leave me with the impression that this is a quality-made power supply.  I'm also having a hard time learning about this PSU from my Google searches which leaves me with the same bad impression.

 

I don't know what to recommend here, but I would try to hold out for a better PSU by minimizing your system as much as possible until then.

It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
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It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
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post #3 of 17
10/30/12 at 1:01pm
It has 34A combined on the 12V rail. (source)

hexa500_specs.jpg

However, I would not use it with the parts you listed miki117. The low 12V rails combined with quad-core + power hungry GTX 285 is not going to help.
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post #4 of 17
10/30/12 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, figures. Was thinking about it since my previous generic PSU that died, has similar specs, and it served my quite well back then, died because the fan failed. So I was thinking, this could be the same PSU, with better quality. So, 2nd option (praying lol) would be the best?

My system is already minimized to its least. Unless I use the on-board gpu which is crap. frown.gif
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post #5 of 17
10/30/12 at 1:31pm
  • TwoCables
  • I love PSUs! I also love ASEA! (they're unrelated)
Quote:
Originally Posted by miki117 View Post

Yeah, figures. Was thinking about it since my previous generic PSU that died, has similar specs, and it served my quite well back then, died because the fan failed. So I was thinking, this could be the same PSU, with better quality. So, 2nd option (praying lol) would be the best?
My system is already minimized to its least. Unless I use the on-board gpu which is crap. frown.gif

 

Yeah, I believe the 2nd option is best because then you will have a PSU that is recommended and safe to use:

 

http://www.overclock.net/t/183810/faq-recommended-power-supplies

It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
post #6 of 17
10/30/12 at 1:50pm
Thread Starter 
Oh okay, thanks! Better be safe than never. biggrin.gif Might get the Antec Neo Eco or better after 15 days. biggrin.gif
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post #7 of 17
10/30/12 at 1:53pm
  • TwoCables
  • I love PSUs! I also love ASEA! (they're unrelated)
Quote:
Originally Posted by miki117 View Post

Oh okay, thanks! Better be safe than never. biggrin.gif Might get the Antec Neo Eco or better after 15 days. biggrin.gif

 

Indeed!

 

Where will you be ordering from, and how much will you be able to spend?

It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
post #8 of 17
10/30/12 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
I'm actually from the Philippines, and I will be walking in a shop here called PC Express. They do have an accurate website (for online and in-store pricing) and cheapest in my area so far. Here's their site:

http://pcx.com.ph/components/power-supplies.html?limit=30

Maximum of 2,000 Php ($48.50) for tomorrow. And lets say about 2,500 Php ($60.60) would be my budget 15 days from now, but may be bigger.
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post #9 of 17
10/30/12 at 2:19pm
  • TwoCables
  • I love PSUs! I also love ASEA! (they're unrelated)
Quote:
Originally Posted by miki117 View Post

I'm actually from the Philippines, and I will be walking in a shop here called PC Express. They do have an accurate website (for online and in-store pricing) and cheapest in my area so far. Here's their site:
http://pcx.com.ph/components/power-supplies.html?limit=30
Maximum of 2,000 Php ($48.50) for tomorrow. And lets say about 2,500 Php ($60.60) would be my budget 15 days from now, but may be bigger.

 

Oh wow.  Yeah, the 520W Neo Eco is the best PSU they have in this budget (but that's a good thing).  Of course, let's wait until you know exactly how much you'll be able to spend.  :)

It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
It's like advanced alien technology! :)
(18 items)
  		  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-2500K @ 4.7GHz (1.368V using +0.005 offset) ASUS P8P67 EVO B3 (UEFI ver. 1850) GTX 580 (ASUS DirectCU II) G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866MHz, CL9 
Hard DriveHard DriveOptical DriveOptical Drive
60 GB Callisto Deluxe (C:) 64 GB G.SKILL Falcon (D:) Samsung SH-S243N 24x DVD Burner Samsung SH-S203N 20X DVD Burner 
CoolingOSMonitorKeyboard
Thermaltake Frio Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Samsung 2253BW (1680 x 1050) Filco Majestouch 104-key Cherry MX Blues w/NKRO 
PowerCaseMouseMouse Pad
Corsair HX650 (the older, bronze-rated model) CM 690 Microsoft Intellimouse Optical Basic, but premium round 
AudioOther
XtremeGamer (low-profile PCB) Altec Lansing VS4121 (2.1 speaker system) 
View all
  hide details  
Reply
post #10 of 17
10/30/12 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
Really tight budget LOL! I'm also afraid that the 250w psu that I'm using now would fail and might take a few components with it, so I was planning on buying ASAP.

Checked out the Cougar ST500 PSU. Details looks promising. Despite this one not being on the recommended list, would this be a nice choice??

http://www.cougar-world.com/products/power_supplies/cougar_st.html
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