PSU: 12v rail help

[NOKIA0]

So i am building a pc with these specs:

Mobo: asrock z77 extreme4

Ram: 16 gb vengeance

Cpu: i5 2500K
cooler: Corsair H100

Gpu: msi R7870 twin frozr III OC edition

Ssd: ocz agility 4 - 128gb

Hdd: WD caviar black 1tb - 7200 rpm (i will be getting 2)

Optical: just a blu ray player (that can read and write dvd+cd)

Fans: 6 - 120 mm
2 - 140 mm

But i am unsure about the psu, i will be overclocking the cpu to 4,5ghz and the gpu to 1200 (cant remember what it's called :/)

I have no idea about the 12v 5v 3,3v stuff. I don't know how much power the gpu takes when overclocked, but i think a 600w psu would be plenty. Again it is the 12v 5v 3,3v stuff i am unsure about.

[Xtreme1979]

A high quality 600+ watt power supply will be more than enough. 12v, 5v, and 3.3v are fairly standard as long as it meets ATX standards.

Supply [V] Tolerance Range (min. to max.) Ripple (p. to p. max.)
+5 VDC ±5% (±0.25 V) +4.75 V to +5.25 V 50 mV
−5 VDC ±10% (±0.50 V) –4.50 V to –5.50 V 50 mV
+12 VDC ±5% (±0.60 V) +11.40 V to +12.60 V 120 mV
−12 VDC ±10% (±1.2 V) –10.8 V to –13.2 V 120 mV
+3.3 VDC ±5% (±0.165 V) +3.135 V to +3.465 V 50 mV
+5 VSB ±5% (±0.25 V) +4.75 V to +5.25 V 50 mV

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX#ATX12V_1.3

[lehtv]

The +12V load at combined CPU and GPU max. should be around 250W or so at stock, 350W when OC'd. You'll need a quality 500W unit

[DSparil]

Great price on a good, reliable power supply that would fit your needs. You could spend more on one with frills and stuff you don't need, but at the end of the day this one would do the job well for less.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...993&CatId=1483

[Mufflore]

I dont recommend the PSU above, it is very low efficiency, it doesnt even make a Bronze rating, see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS

Check reviews to see how much power you need for your hardware.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages..._review,7.html

A 600W is easily enough, I wouldnt go less though in case you upgrade to some more serious hardware later.
My current faves are the Corsair AX Pro Platinum and Gold series, they have a 7 year warranty and are very efficient.
The minimum size they do is 650W, this is fine for your PC.
http://www.corsair.com/en/power-supp...ply-units.html

The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum ratings are common to all PSU mfrs.
They denote how efficient the PSU is, ie how much power they draw from the wall for the power the PC needs.
The higher the efficiency (Bronze =lowest, Platinum = highest), the less power they draw from the wall, AND the less heat they produce.

A cooler running PSU will in general last longer and will cost you less to run.
I recommend a gold or higher rating from a reputable PSU mfr.

[tweakpower]

Originally Posted by Xtreme1979

A high quality 600+ watt power supply will be more than enough. 12v, 5v, and 3.3v are fairly standard as long as it meets ATX standards.

Supply [V] Tolerance Range (min. to max.) Ripple (p. to p. max.)
+5 VDC ±5% (±0.25 V) +4.75 V to +5.25 V 50 mV
−5 VDC ±10% (±0.50 V) –4.50 V to –5.50 V 50 mV
+12 VDC ±5% (±0.60 V) +11.40 V to +12.60 V 120 mV
−12 VDC ±10% (±1.2 V) –10.8 V to –13.2 V 120 mV
+3.3 VDC ±5% (±0.165 V) +3.135 V to +3.465 V 50 mV
+5 VSB ±5% (±0.25 V) +4.75 V to +5.25 V 50 mV

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX#ATX12V_1.3

LOL, my PSU gives almost 15v on +12v (14.960 to be exact).

@ OP, Any solid quality PSU will do the job for that hardware, since I5 and HD7xxx are very power efficient.

[DSparil]

Originally Posted by Mufflore

I dont recommend the PSU above, it is very low efficiency, it doesnt even make a Bronze rating, see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS

Very low efficiency? Wrong. The Cooler Master eXtreme's are a well rated PSU with cool running, silent operation and totally decent efficiency. I bought one myself (the 500W version) and its great. Don't take my word for it, read the reviews; it meets all of the latest ATX standards and has received the "Green power design" standard to meet Energy Star and Blue Angel requirements.

The question is, what do you want to spend on a PSU? You could spend an arm and a leg on one with 90% efficiency, but for what? I could buy two Radeon 7970's and run them in Crossfire to play Call of Duty but thats a bit much isn't it? Your call, but I disagree with Mufflore and stand by my recommendation.

[Mufflore]

Originally Posted by DSparil

Very low efficiency? Wrong.

???
It even says on the page you linked that it is 70% efficient.
This means for the power the PC needs, approximately an additional 50% of that power is drawn from the wall and is converted into heat within the PSU.

The lowest 80Plus ratings start at 80% efficient, a long way from 70%.
My PSU (AX750) is around 90% efficient for example and will pay for itself more than once over its lifetime, due to less power drawn from the wall.

[DSparil]

^ What you feel is very low (you're being a little dramatic there btw), another considers to be fine. Like I said, it meets all of the latest ATX standards and has received the "Green power design" standard to meet Energy Star and Blue Angel requirements. You can always get something bigger and better, and shell out your hard earned dollars for it too. Either way, I've said my piece and OP can take a look at the options and make his choice!

[Mufflore]

Its up to you if you want to ignore the efficiency standards, but the op doesnt need to.

70% efficient will draw close to an extra 50% power.
90% efficient will draw approx an extra 11% power.

All extra power drawn will heat the PSU up, increasing its rate of wear, and costs you more in electricity as well!

[---TK---]

ick cooler master, some are good some are not, the one linked is meh
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/artic...-Review/1034/9

[jbmcmillan]

Coolermaster has never been high on anyone's list for Power Supplies.Will it be ok I guess, is it better to get a more efficient higher quality power supply ?yes.Power supplies probably the single most important part in anyone's computer not the place to skimp.Skimp on a case,slightly less powerful vid card or whatever.

[lehtv]

Originally Posted by DSparil

Great price on a good, reliable power supply that would fit your needs. You could spend more on one with frills and stuff you don't need, but at the end of the day this one would do the job well for less.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...993&CatId=1483

Where do you get your info from? Extreme power are not that reliable. They cannot supply their rated power cleanly, they are not efficient and they have short warranty. Also no solid capacitors.

[DSparil]

Originally Posted by lehtv

Where do you get your info from? Extreme power are not that reliable. They cannot supply their rated power cleanly, they are not efficient and they have short warranty. Also no solid capacitors.

Wrong. Got the info from here. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/artic...y-Review/728/9 Average tested efficiency of my PSU is between 73.4% and 81.3% and delivers the rated 500W, as tested. I'm not saying they're fantastic, I am saying they're a bargain for the price. You guys act like I think its the best quality power supply available to man. Do your research before you chime in with bologna I also got a great deal on it and used that extra $$ I saved for hot wings and craft beer that night, thanks.

[Mufflore]

Originally Posted by tweakpower

LOL, my PSU gives almost 15v on +12v (14.960 to be exact).

@ OP, Any solid quality PSU will do the job for that hardware, since I5 and HD7xxx are very power efficient.

Check your 12V rail with a multimeter.
If it really is 15V, you are using 50% more power (in some cases) and your equipment is running a lot hotter for no benefit.

Its worse than that though, the ATX spec allows up to 5% deviation from 12V.
This is a max of 12.6V.
If you are using 15V on 12V, you risk seriously damaging your hardware, I'd go so far as to say it is a fire risk.

[jbmcmillan]

Originally Posted by DSparil

Wrong. Got the info from here. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/artic...y-Review/728/9 Average tested efficiency of my PSU is between 73.4% and 81.3% and delivers the rated 500W, as tested. I'm not saying they're fantastic, I am saying they're a bargain for the price. You guys act like I think its the best quality power supply available to man. Do your research before you chime in with bologna I also got a great deal on it and used that extra $$ I saved for hot wings and craft beer that night, thanks.

If you read the conclusion part of it which isn't all bad they said they wouldn't recommend it but if you were on a budget it might do until you could afford a decent power supply.Not what I would call a ringing endorsement enjoy your craft beer.

[lehtv]

Originally Posted by DSparil

Wrong. Got the info from here.

Yeah, that's where I get my info too...

Average tested efficiency of my PSU is between 73.4% and 81.3%

73.4% to 81.3% is low efficiency, it's not even 80 Plus.

and delivers the rated 500W, as tested.

Wrong. The review shows that the 500W unit fails to deliver 400W cleanly. The ripple and noise go beyond ATX specification safety limits.

Another issue is the 2-year warranty.

I'm not saying they're fantastic, I am saying they're a bargain for the price.

I'm not claiming you think it's fantastic, I'm saying it's crap. I know you own one and by all means be happy with what you own but honestly, it's a crap unit. At $60 for a low efficiency, short warranty 600W unit that can't deliver 500W cleanly, that's definitely not a bargain, that's a rip off. I would not pay more than $30 for an extreme power 600W, there are so many better deals available. Corsair CX, Antec Neo Eco / Earthwatts / VP series, occasional deals on Seasonic-made Antecs, Seasonics, PCP&C's, XFX units... These are all easily superior.

Corsair CX500 V2 $30 AR AP. 80+, 3-year warranty.
Antec Neo Eco 520C $45 AP. 80+, 3-year warranty, made by Seasonic.
PCP MK III 500W $60 AR. 80+ bronze, 5-year warranty, modular, made by Seasonic.
XFX 550W $60 AR. 80+ bronze, 5-year warranty, made by Seasonic.

[DSparil]

^ lol whatever, you just wasted a bunch of your time Enjoy your $100+ psu, I am just fine with mine thanks. In fact, I think I'm going to take some more of the $$ I saved and buy more beer.

[lehtv]

Originally Posted by DSparil

^ lol whatever, you just wasted a bunch of your time

You don't seem to like to be proven wrong.

Enjoy your $100+ psu, I am just fine with mine thanks. In fact, I think im going to take some more of the $$ I saved and buy more beer.

Do you actually read before replying? The power supplies I posted are the same price or lower than the Extreme Power despite being better quality. There is no money saved by going with an Extreme Power, only potentially money lost due to the PSU crapping out sooner.

[Xtreme1979]

Originally Posted by tweakpower

LOL, my PSU gives almost 15v on +12v (14.960 to be exact).

If that +12v was accurate you would have burned out your components.

[Brendruis]

CoolerMaster PSUs kinda stink, I've seen a number of them fail.. certainly more than I have seen Corsair/Seasonic/Antec etc.

This is coming from someone who likes CoolerMaster and use their products. I would not use them for PSUs if your power demands are high

You get what you pay for..

[eclap]

DSparil chill man, lehtv has a point!

[Lie495s14]

why not spend a little extra on Case and PSU since those are the things that are going to stay after each upgrade. my last case lasted 8 years. although the antec PSU i bought in 2005 gave up in 2008, antec warranty covered it and sent me a better and more efficient replacement(80_plus). $210 was all i spent on case and PSU since 2004. personaly i preper the 7 year warranty, it pays for itself in a long run.

[tweakpower]

Originally Posted by Mufflore

Check your 12V rail with a multimeter.
If it really is 15V, you are using 50% more power (in some cases) and your equipment is running a lot hotter for no benefit.

Its worse than that though, the ATX spec allows up to 5% deviation from 12V.
This is a max of 12.6V.
If you are using 15V on 12V, you risk seriously damaging your hardware, I'd go so far as to say it is a fire risk.

I didn't measured, but that's what everest (aida64) reporting, also HW monitor.

Originally Posted by Xtreme1979

If that +12v was accurate you would have burned out your components.

Yeah, maybe motherboard reads it wrong, but i doubt 15v rail would cause any fire tho , especially when is DC power .

[alanm]

Software and bios readings are often inaccurate in reading voltages. Most of the time they are just "approximate". If somethings way off, it means you need a dedicated device (multimeter) to measure it. I've had false readings before but found things OK when checked with a mm.