Optimal PSU

pistoguitar · Post by **pistoguitar** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:21 am

Hi, I've just installed my third board, as mentioned a few posts ago. While checking every single component of my PC as I was working on it, I realized that my PSU handles max 450 W power (well, it's not exactly MY Pc, it's the main studio gear in the place I'm working in at the time, so I didn't knew all the specs of the machine).
Now my question is: is it enough for a P4 system on an Asus p4p800 mobo, 3 boards (Pulsar 2, Luna and Pulsar) with TC Powercore Mk1, Ati radeon 9200 AGP and varios other thingies?

Post by **garyb** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:27 am

that really depends on the power supply itself.
a cheapo supply will likely be heavily over rated. a top quality supply will have plenty of power. who made it? what model? if it's a bargain supply, i'd put a top quality supply in it's place, and i'd get one in the 550watt range(or get the best, biggest supply you can afford). the real question is "do you have any problems?". if not, it's probably ok. if the thing is running hot and at it's maximum, it will likely fail sooner than normal.

pistoguitar · Post by **pistoguitar** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:31 am

Well, It's a Cooler Master unit, and yes, I must admit I didn't seem to have had any problem with it before. I was just thinking if the increasing demand from my system, due to the added board, could be somewhat an issue with that.
Man... youre quick, anyway! Thanks

P.S. is it a good brand? I'm pretty new to that matter.

Post by **garyb** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:38 am

i'm not familiar with coolermaster psus, but their other products are reasonably high quality. i saw a few reviews that were very favorable. maybe someone else will chime in..it's probably ok. does it light up?

pistoguitar · Post by **pistoguitar** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:55 am

Yes, it has that very fancy diffused blue light on the bottom. I've read something too in the meanwhile... it seems ok... BTW the system is working flawlessly at the very time.
I've some little problems with my stdm connection on the other hand. I have to adjust the cable any time I turn on my machine or else the boards won't work properly... this is a real pain in the neck! I must fix it in some way. Wrong forum for talking about it, anyway!

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:41 am

honestly, I've run two 4-DSP cards on a MSI Intel 815 board with a PSU that was speced as 90 Watt - without a problem.
According to my memory a single Sharc needs just 2 Watt, can't find the exact specs of the 'old' chip currently.

cheers, Tom

MD69 · Post by **MD69** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 5:33 pm

Hi all,

A little remark while i am hang up with my new system (I ordered my Supermicro PDSBE a month and a half ago and still not delivered !!!!)

New generation PSU (80 label) have DRASTICALLY decreased the +5v compared to previous generation (divided by 2).

It is not clear if creamware boards use 5v or 12v rail, but for people with large SFP config it is becoming critical.
If you have a 550w PSU from the previous generation, you had 40A on 5v. With new generation you'll have to increase the PSU to 850w to get about the same current on 5v.

Cheers

Michel

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:26 pm

That's a sweet board. I always watch their site for new mobos. This is definately a hot set up for those w/ 3 Scope cards, and a UAD om the 4th slot. Their mobos are no frills and clocked a little higher than stock Intels.

I have used the PowerStreams in all of my DAW's. They are perfect for modding the rails, especially the 5v rail.

Iokanaan · Post by **Iokanaan** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:47 pm

I just bought an E6600 dual core from Intel with an Intel DP965LT motherboard and I will soon get a 6600 quad core with a DG965WH Intel motherboard for my second computer. Both of those computers have 2 Scope Professionnal and a Pulsar II cards running on them. For both of them I have a Seasonic 500 W block.

Do you think it will be sufficient or do I need to get more powerful ones ? I need to go onstage with those 2 computers in less than one week and I really want something stable and with no risk. The man who sold me the processors and mother boards said that what I already have is highly sufficient.

What do you think ?

Post by **garyb** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 2:48 pm

you're probably fine. if you have strange behavior, you can worry about it then.

i doubt you'll have a problem.

bill3107 · Post by **bill3107** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:16 pm

for Intel motherbaords it is recommended to get a powerfull PSU.... And this need for more power trend seems to become more and more crucial. So... i would recommend a 600W in 2007 as a wise investment. Should you add an additional HD (or several !) ... and it won't be a problem...

As an information, i have put a Seassonic 600W (M12) but you can chose a S12 (cheaper cos not modular : you cannot remove the useless connectors but who cares?). I am very happy with it : very very quiet (better than an Enermax) and evrything is going smoothly here with 2 boards (15+6) on my Intel DP965Lt (was also perfect with my Intel D975XBX mobo).

Hope it helps !

Jonathan

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 12:44 pm

this is all marketing bs - playing the numbers game once and again

why would a new CPU that apparently is much more efficient regarding supply power suddenly need twice the amount of current than it's predecessors ?
that 600 Watt thingy of today is no more than a quality 300 from 5 years ago

Unquestioned there is an increase in power demand on the graphic card side of things - those 3D monsters didn't exist a couple of years ago.

of course Jonathan is right that you may need a 600W today (because they are just labeled like that), but you don't need to replace your old 400W if all connectors (still) match.

cheers, Tom

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 2:00 pm

I agree w/ Brotha' Man Astro.

The only reason I use an extreme PSU is to have ample power 4 all of my Raptors. Streaming audio in Giga is an excercise for the HDD's, which need the extra headroom. The new CPU's w/ a Scope set up will run great on a 300watt PSU. Rackmounted DAW's are usually well ventillated even when cased up in shockmounts.

I am such a sucker for good marketing sometimes I almost got a rack mounted water cooled 4U. I usually re gain my senses when the prices are shown, but they sure do look COOL !!