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ratm1221

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I want to go SLI with my system with two 7600GT cards and I want to make sure that I get the right power supply. Can someone explain to me in detail how the whole amp/rail thing works? How do you calculate it? Also can someone translate all this for me?

Output: +3.3V@30A, +5V@28A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2A

How do you use that to tell what the amps are on the 12V rail?
 
Amperes (A) is the amount of power suplied by a PSU or needed by any part in your PC. Modern PC's draw most power from the 12V rails, and thus these are the most important.

The relationship between Volts (V), Ampere (A) and Watt (W) is easy: W = V x A.

In the example you supplied, the PSU has two 12V rails, denoted by 12V1 and 12V2. Each rail can supply 18A. However, the total output on the dual 12V rails is limited, often to an amount less than the sum of the dual 12V rails.

Some examples (see images below):
The ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W has dual 12V rails of 22A each. However, the total output on the 12V rails is limited to 32A (384W).

The Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W has dual 12V rails of 19A each, but a total output on the 12V rails of 36A.

Thus, at first glance it seems that the Enermax has more power on the 12V rails (higher amps per rail), but when you look closer at the specs, the Antec can deliver more total power on the 12V rails.

Finally, take a look at http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies . You'll find a list of SLI certified PSU's. Go with any well known brand name. Both PSUs I meantioned are SLI certified, but if you plan to overclock, you should get something a bit heavier than the minimal requirements (i.e. I'd pick the Antec over the Enermax.)

Do your research, since there are other good PSUs out there..these two are just examples. Let us know what you pick, and we can advice you further.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Chozart said:
Some examples (see images below):
The ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W has dual 12V rails of 22A each. However, the total output on the 12V rails is limited to 32A (384W).

The Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W has dual 12V rails of 19A each, but a total output on the 12V rails of 36A.

How did you come up with the 32A and the 36A? With the formula you listed?
 
Sorry. My bad. I forgot these pictures. These are the actual labes on the PSUs I mentioned.

On the Antec picture you see +12V1 @19A and +12V2 @19A
Underneath you will see written +12V1 & +12V2 max. load 36A.

On the Enermax picture you see +12V1 @22A and +12V2 @22A.
Right underneath you see a number of 384W (32A) for the two 12V rails combined. and of course, 384W = 32A x 12V.

When looking online, make sure you get information on the amps on the combined 12V rail. Most PSUs either mention a max Amperage (A) or a max wattage for the 12V rails. If wattage is mentioned, divide by 12 to get the amperes.

Hope this makes it more clear.

 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ratm1221
I want to go SLI with my system with two 7600GT cards and I want to make sure that I get the right power supply. Can someone explain to me in detail how the whole amp/rail thing works? How do you calculate it? Also can someone translate all this for me?

Output: +3.3V@30A, +5V@28A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.5A, +5VSB@2A

How do you use that to tell what the amps are on the 12V rail?
Don't put too much weight into posted specifications because they're not all given under the same conditions. Taking posted specs at face value is kind of like asking a girl on the internet if she's good looking
Image
There's simply no way to tell if it's the truth
Image
 
It's an Antec, and SLI certified. I don't know too much about the NeoHE series, but seems good to me. I think it's a good choice.

However, look at its slighly bigger brother. The little bit extra power gives you some headroom when overclocking. I think the 500W version is the minimal you should get.

Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 100 - 240V UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail $118 - $20 Mail in Rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103941

Alternatives are:
Sunbeam NUUO SUNNU550-US-SV ATX12V/ EPS12V 550W Power Supply 100-120V CE, UL (CUL), TUV, CB, FCC, FIMKO, SEMKO, DEMKO, NEMKO - Retail $83.50. (very popular here, personally I don't like the low efficiency ratings)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817709003

Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL - Retail $84.99 (solid, proven, popular, just a good PSU, solid 36A over combined rails)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931

I'd take the 550NeoHE or one of the two I mentioned.
 
For the Antec NeoHE 500W, you cannot read the back of the PSU for the max wattage; however this is one of the few PSUs that specifically states that it is capable of pulling the max wattage 24/7 at 50 degrees C aside from the over-priced (pardon my French) PCP&C PSUs.

On that note, it is good, but I would go with Chozart's recomendation of the Antec NeoHE 550W PSU. It's only $20 more but you get another 50W and you can tell for sure what the maximum amperage is on the 12V rails, and it also states the 50 degrees C operation capability. It will be worth the extra $20, if only so that you won't have to upgrade your PSU for a while even if you upgrade your GFX cards (unless you go super high).
 
Reviews don't expose eveything. Many reviews don't go beyond "It looks good, and it works when you turn it on, and the volts are ok" They barely run it for an hour, and most any PSU can deal with that. The demands for us are much different: We need consistent power 24/7 without failure while OC-ing like nothing you have seen before.

The Raidmax has dual 12V lines, 18A each. However, I cannot find the info what the total max load on the 12V rails are (raidmax website won't show me product info --> broken link!)

I'd advise against a unknown brand in the PSU world, without a proven reputation in long term use (i.e. recommended by members on this board).

I stand by my previous pick, with the Antec NeoHE 550 as a safer pick for a modular PSU.
 
You should do your own sums on the specs. You will often find that manufacturers listed specs don't add up
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For example the newer Fortron units claim to have 4x 15A +12V rails, but if you add it up to the total wattage Fortron claims, you will see that the 4 rails can't put out 15A all at the same time, so the actual figure is much lower than 60A, its more mid 30s like most other PSUs of the same price/wattage range
Image


Flat out, the best PSU on the market today is the Seasonic S12 600W/500W. If you don't mind a little noise and a lot more money then by all means buy a PC Power and Cooling, they are awsome units too.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jrabb1920
Heres another good one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817709003
I have that exact psu and I am VERY happy with it. Extremely stable. Given I dont have sli or a powerful system, but i thought i would throw in my two cents anyway.
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