Power supply for this stuff?

[dclive]

The standard 300W PS included with the Acer E700 Q6600 system....nothing added, nothing removed to the psu....

 

[rise]

just open the box and read the rails

 

[John]

Is this correct?

LiteOn PS-6301-08A
12V1 10A
12V2 13A
Combined 12V 20A (240W)
300W max DC Output @ 25C & 270W @ 50C

 

[HardWarrior]

You want your ass kissed dc, that's the problem with "caring" types like you. The second someone doesn't live down to your expectations, or otherwise humor your insanity, you turn into a whiny, lying little tool.

---

I've already issued a warning in this thread a couple of days ago. Please check your PM's.

AnandTech Moderator - John

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
You want your ass kissed dc, that's the problem with "caring" types like you. The second someone doesn't live down to your expectations, or otherwise humor your insanity, you turn into a whiny, lying little tool.

^^ Further proof HardWarrior has no technical argument of any kind - he's just out to attack people.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: John
Is this correct?

LiteOn PS-6301-08A
12V1 10A
12V2 13A
Combined 12V 20A (240W)
300W max DC Output @ 25C & 270W @ 50C

Looks right. It's hard to read at the angle I've got it, but it is LiteOn, 10/13A.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Wow, this thread got really ugly. Just thought I would post this and run the hell out: Legion Hardware - How Much Power is Enough?

Basically we built an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 system with SLI enabled Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX graphics cards using the ASUS Striker Extreme motherboard and four Seagate 320GB hard drives. Along for the ride were four 1GB DDR2 memory modules and six 120mm case fans as well as a water-cooling system. Even with all this high-end hardware installed we were only able to generate a maximum power demand of 530 watts.

However this does not necessarily mean that a 550 watt power supply will be enough to power an SLI quad-core gaming system, despite the fact that we have successfully done this. Running a power supply so close to maximum load is not a good idea. That said we are yet to run into a problem with this configuration using a 550 watt unit. In fact for two months now the Thermaltake Purepower 550w power supply has powered this gaming system without a single glitch.

I have said it before and I will say it again, anyone building a computer using the latest and greatest desktop processor along with the most powerful 3D graphics card does not need to purchase a power supply greater than 500 watts. Even with SLI 8800 GTX graphics cards, there is really no need to purchase anything greater than a 600 watt power supply.

 

[dclive]

^^ Bingo! I agree completely.

I find it funny that the hardware sites "testing" those massive 650W++ PSUs have to simulate a load on them with electronic equipment - they can't make a PC that requires that much wattage on its' own with add-in cards, so they have to find an electrical device that will put a "false" load onto the system to simulate the load.

That alone should tell you that these massive power supply units people buy are utterly useless for the typical overclocked, watercooled, SLI'd user. Massive overkill and $$$ wasted.

 

[rise]

you're pushing it a bit now

firstly, threre is such a thing a proper test methodology. but i think you were a bit tounge in cheek so i'll forget that.

more to the point, if they don't feel its such a good idea to run at >90% rated, and you agree completely, what's your new supply going to be?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: dclive
I find it funny that the hardware sites "testing" those massive 650W++ PSUs have to simulate a load on them with electronic equipment - they can't make a PC that requires that much wattage on its' own with add-in cards, so they have to find an electrical device that will put a "false" load onto the system to simulate the load.

I'm going out on a limb and assuming that you're referring to SPCR, HardOCP, AnandTech, JonnyGURU, etc.

These sites are also using their test equipment to simulate realistic loads @ 10% - 70% as well. Aren't automobile engines tested on a dyno?

Now if you take the LH system and o/c the QX6700 to 3.6GHz 1.45V it's pulling ~200W, then toss in a pair of o/c'ed 2900XT's pulling 300W, now you've got a 75% load on a quality 750W psu. While there is obviously some headroom left, the fact of the matter is that you're losing efficiency, stressing the psu, and making the fan ramp up which adds noise. IMO 40-70% psu loads are the sweet spot.

 

[dclive]

Both of you have seen the posts in this forum - there are many, many users that believe that a simple CPU + gaming GPU requires 650W.

Reality is, they don't need anywhere near that, and typically half that or less is plenty.

Generally speaking, would you (y'all) agree with that?

 

[John]

I agree, which is one of the main reasons you see me pimping the inexpensive Antec EarthWatts 430 or other reputable <501W psu's. However I don't believe in running a psu at >75% loads for the reasons I stated above. Yes it can be done, and the psu may survive for several years, but it's still putting a heavy load on the psu. If you can afford quality hardware then you can afford a quality psu. However it doesn't have to be an expensive high wattage psu.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: dclive
Both of you have seen the posts in this forum - there are many, many users that believe that a simple CPU + gaming GPU requires 650W.

This simply isn't true. Most people ask for help seem to be trying to pinch every last cent on a PSU and low ball themselves as much as possible. The folks who ask about high wattage units usually have thristy rigs. These same folks, those enthusiasts I mentioned earlier, are more likely to be interested in high-end features/power, and have large wallets.

If you can't adapt your "advice" giving to suit someone's wants (not needs), then you really don't care as much as you think you do.

Reality is, they don't need anywhere near that, and typically half that or less is plenty.

Reality is that there are many parameters associated with the smart purchase of any FRU, and "need" is just one of them.

Generally speaking, would you (y'all) agree with that?

So, the real object of this excercise becomes clear.

 

[maluckey]

This thread is missing a few things.

1. MTBF IS affected by heat, which is generated by load, and case temps. No disputing this.

2. How long will a unit with a lower current output stand punishment before taking itself out, and your rig with it? No effective way to know without a large cross sample of failed units and average loads + temps that are well documented. Headroom=insurance.

3. Design of a power supply can skew results wildy from good to bad or vice versa. Some 400 watt PSUs can stomp 550 watt PSUs for extended running and clean power. Some high-watt PSUs are only capable of rated levels with crappy regulation and dirty power. Some work fine for a month then expire from crappy design.

I feel that nowadays, computer PSUs should be tested like audiophile amplifiers. Most audiophiles know about amplifier ratings and aren't swayed by wattage hype. They know that quality signal, headroom and longevity, matched properly to the intended use, yields a better yardstick.

Talking about wattage is high-school e-penis stuff. Talk about design and capability and you'll get further. Wattage tells less than you'd think.

 

[jywang]

I have an Acer E700 which I upgraded the X1650SE video card with an MSI 8600GTS (heat pipe version).

I measured the maximum power drawn from the wall using

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/7657/

And the results were:

At idle: 120W
At full (using 3DMark06 and Counterstrike): 205W

So, clearly there is considerable headroom to spare since the power supply is rated for 300W at the supply side which means that at max with 80% efficiency, it would draw 375W from the wall.

 

[dclive]

I had it hooked up to my Kill-A-Watt for a few minutes yesterday. 250W while booting up and the heaviest I ever saw was 295W. Again, at the wall side, so supply side, assuming 80% efficiency, that's what - about 240W actually used?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: dclive
There's another group - those that don't understand what they're buying, and don't understand how to quantify their needs. They buy the biggest because someone online told them to do so. I think cutting down on that number is A Good Thing.

One way to quantify needs is to use devices like Kill-A-Watt (from Amazon.com, $24) or online reviews in trusted sites (like Anand's) to determine actual requirements prior to purchase. That's what the wise folks are doing. As they read, they are learning that these monster power supplies are only making NewEgg and others in the upgrade market wealthy, and giving no benefit to themselves.

This from a guy who claims he has an 8800 GTS in his server/HTPC machine?:roll: Ask any computer enthusiast on the planet, and they'll tell you that that is the very definition of wasted money, no matter which psu happens to be powering it.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: myocardia


This from a guy who claims he has an 8800 GTS in his server/HTPC machine?:roll: Ask any computer enthusiast on the planet, and they'll tell you that that is the very definition of wasted money, no matter which psu happens to be powering it.

While I play COH at 1920x1080 flawlessly, I'll be sure to think of this.