More computer-building talk: power supplies

[Caydr]

Do power supplies really make that much of a difference? I've got a stock 350w one that came with my case, but this guy from a review I read said that his new high quality 550w power supply actually improved framerates in certain games he was playing. Perhaps his components weren't getting enough power? I'm starting to wonder if my performance could be improved by upgrading to this power supply I was looking at:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... 1&NoMapp=0

This one sounds particularly good... if you switch over to the Product Information tab, you'll find it has tons of 4-pins, 2 sata, 2 floppy.

(I'll have to upgrade anyway.. I'm quite sure my PSU doesn't have the 26a@12v my new card is demanding)

[SinbadEV]

I have a friend who can't use 3D very well because there are too many things on the same power circuit (fridge, stove, mixing board, multiple computers, etc)

[Caydr]

Heh heh, sounds familiar. If I attempt to run both my laptop and desktop on the same power bar, my video card says it hasn't got power ^^

[cyclerboy]

you should get a 500 ar better power supply. components these days use a lot of it. especially graphics cards. my nvidia 6800gt needs at least a 450 watt, then you have to add on all the other stuff. its always better to not max. out the power supply because it stays cooler and lasts longer, also the computer isnt always struggling to get what it needs.

[Drone_Fragger]

Make sure its good, Silent and Expensive. I do mean expensive. if it isn't expensive, the maker probebly skimped on the recommended (although not required) things like good fans, Decent wire insulation, And good casing. And get a P180B Case to put your new Pc in caydr, They are teh sechs.

[SinbadEV]

I'm not sure silent maters so much... it is a sign of quality howerver.

[wizard8873]

it actually does make a difference. i burnt mine up using a 6600GT and when i got the new one, it really did make a difference. find one you like and read the reviews to see if its any good.

[SwiftSpear]

PSUs don't effect your preformance at all, all they do is run and if they stop running screw you over. For a bargin bin PSU I'd give it a life expectancy of 2 weeks-2 years. High quality PSU's last much longer though. Most PSU's burn out when either the fan dies or the comp produces too much heat from them to cool themselfs. High quality PSU's don't have this problem because they cool themselfs much more effectively.

If your computer runs on 350W you won't see any different upgrading to 550. The only reason you would need to upgrade is because you want to install new components but your comp won't boot if you have them plugged in.

[unpossible]

surely 350W won't be enough for a current gen pc - a good one at least.

[SwiftSpear]

surely 350W won't be enough for a current gen pc - a good one at least.

You can run a fiarly average pentium PC with a radeon 9800pro, a gig of ram and two harddrives on one. Generally speaking I'd recommend at least 450 though, you aren't leaving yourself much upgrade room with a 350.

[Comp1337]

Yeah, better be safe then sorry. A crap PSU will be a pain in the ass, cause its not the first part youd think be defective. my mate had that problem for half a year. No spring for him during all that time.

[SwiftSpear]

Common PSU problem symptoms: Inability to boot up, random shutdowns, random internal defice failure (your video card usually works but for some reason your comp just crashes when you try to load up your game this one time), loud griding noises coming from PSU fan (mean imminent falure, although alone it doesn't cause any problems). If your PSU goes there's a chance it will take your mobo with it, so better safe then sorry, don't ponce around with a PSU with a dead/dieing fan, replace it.

[Caydr]

Common PSU problem symptoms: Inability to boot up, random shutdowns, random internal defice failure (your video card usually works but for some reason your comp just crashes when you try to load up your game this one time), loud griding noises coming from PSU fan (mean imminent falure, although alone it doesn't cause any problems). If your PSU goes there's a chance it will take your mobo with it, so better safe then sorry, don't ponce around with a PSU with a dead/dieing fan, replace it.

Come to think of it, I've been having these symptoms since I got my 9800 pro about 3 years ago. My PSU must not have had enough oomph to run it all efficiently. I knew about the fan grinding noises, but I just took out the fans and added a drop of oil under the label where the slot is. I'll definiately make sure to upgrade asap (3-5 days or so I'll make sure to have it).

Does anyone know the effects that running a graphics card without adequate amperage on the 12v rail would be? I was dying to see what this new 7800 could do so I put it in despite not having a strong enough PSU... the card specifies 20 amps, while futureshop.ca (not the most reliable source) claims it needs 26 amps. My current PSU give it only 15, so I'm screwed either way.

[ee]

whats really important is that your PSU is CPU manufacturer certified.

don't be taken by marketing of PSUs that has been analagous to 3d card marketing for the last 2 years.

[Caydr]

Huh?

[Min3mat]

don't listen to a word he says.

[ee]

don't listen to a word he says.

stop stalking me

[ee]

What my post meant to say is (at least for intel), is CPU manufacturer such as intel has a program where they test power supply from various makers. The units which meet (Intel's) criterion are then awarded a certification from Intel. "the CPU manufacturer".

Intel then publishes these model numbers on their web site, also the PSU maker may state that their PSU is "Intel Certified" for example:

http://www.computerhq.com/NMB_SD023A460 ... -6472.html


I find that a CPU maker's certification carries more weight that a magazine's or a web site's's "review and rating".