PSU for A64 and Dual 6800GT SLI system?

[OSFP]

Well, I am planning to buy a new system around christmash time and I am stil gathering information on the components...

The system as of now will be :

Nforce4 SLI mobo

Athlon64 939 90nm 3200+ or 3500+ (and maybe a 3600+ if they surprise us with this one having 1mb cache and 2200MHz)

2x512Mb Samsung TCCD RAM

Nvidia 6800GT PCIe


Basically I have settled on the above....and now I need to decide on the PSU and the case.... Well the case is a pretty unimportant thing since it will surely be big with ventilation and other than that it's a matter of taste on the external view....

So its the PSU that bugs me.... I need something strong that will let me OC as far as I can go with air-cooling without any problem, and also be able to handle 2 6800GT cards in SLI mode....because around the summer or later I plan on adding a second 6800GT and I dont want to change PSU again by then...

I dont mind the cost....as long as it's not super-big....so PC power and cooling is out of the question...

Right now I am looking at the Fortron 550Watt (this is not a typing mistake, in Europe there is a 550W model not the 530W you got in the US), and the OCZ 520W ....

The Antec 550W is out of the question simply because a friend of mine had it and he bought the fortron and his results show that the fortron is simply better.... The OCZ is a newcomer in the scene and I really don't know if I should trust it....but I see it getting very good reviews and many people changing to it....

So, Fortron 550 or OCZ 520? Or maybe your other idea?

[Oklahoma Wolf]

My pick would be the Fortron 550w (it's rated 500w at 50 degrees, 550w at 30 degrees). The OCZ should also do it.

I've also owned a few CWT/Antec units and also find Fortron to be a little better in build quality... the Topower/OCZ units strike me to be about the same build quality as Antec. FWIW the Fortron 550w is a little easier to find in Canada than the 530w is :p

[mata2974]

OCZ PS 520W wins here, I can tell you that as a former user of Antec TP 550W (too much voltage fluctuations). Dont know much about Fortron though

[cetoole]

OCZ 520, but for a system like that, you might want to look at PCP&C Turbo Cool 510 Deluxe, expensive, but about the best there is.

[tonyou]

I think you should definitely take a look at Thermaltake's new 680W unit (is it even out yet?). It has two PCI Express 6pin connectors so it is probably designed more for SLI than any other power supplies on the market now.

http://thermaltake.com/purepower/w049atx12v/w0049atx12v.htm

[Oklahoma Wolf]

you might want to look at PCP&C Turbo Cool 510 Deluxe, expensive, but about the best there is.

OSFP specified no interest in that one... FWIW the Fortron 550w is only 10w behind the 510 Deluxe using PC P&C's own 50 degree rating system ;)

To my earlier suggestions, I'll add Zippy/Emacs - they have several models that will do the job too, but I'm not as familiar with their lineup. Their top of the line is a horribly expensive 700w model IIRC with 45a @ 12v, but that would definitely be overkill - cheaper to do a dual PSU setup.

[OSFP]

An 680W PSU would surely be serious overkill....I am not OCing with prommy or anything like that....I just want a stable air-cooling OC and being able to handle 2x6800GTs easily...

I think any 500-550W PSU would be more than enough....I just don't know which one to choose...
Both the Fortron and the OCZ seem very good and they both have abou the same price in my local shop...can't choose...
The PCP&C is simply dismissed because of its price...I know its the best but I ain't gonna pay +80% just to get something that will make no difference to my system (I am no extreme OCer...)

[Webzta]

you need to bear in mind that those 6800gt's will each need to be running on a power connector ALONE.. you can't run a cdrom/hdd/fan off the same one.. so thats 2 entire leads off the PSU gone already..

[KillBoY_UK]

yer a OCZ PS 520W sounds good , i would have a extra spacy case , if u r going to sli 2 6800 GTs in there at some time , i've got a Tsuniami dream case and i'm not sure that would have ampple room for 2 GT's

[RJARRRPCGP]

12V=15A WTB!!! Even my 300W power supply has that!!! Only the 3.3V and 5V rails get more power, then it's probably good for only earlier motherboards!!!

[ap673]

I would go with Enermax 470W Noisetaker, 40A on the +5v rail should be enough. It's very quiet and cool, and has dual +12v rails.

[DocGiggs]

OSFP specified no interest in that one... FWIW the Fortron 550w is only 10w behind the 510 Deluxe using PC P&C's own 50 degree rating system ;)

To my earlier suggestions, I'll add Zippy/Emacs - they have several models that will do the job too, but I'm not as familiar with their lineup. Their top of the line is a horribly expensive 700w model IIRC with 45a @ 12v, but that would definitely be overkill - cheaper to do a dual PSU setup.

Oklahoma Wolf, it's not just about the power outpost, it's also about how clean that power is. Ripple and tolerance levels are big factors as well. P&C completely BLOWS away every other power supply in regards to these 2 factors. That fortron 550W STILL has a 5% tolerance while the P&C has a 1% tolerance level. This is HUGE. Why? This means the fortron can and WILL fluctuate. This would be a breakdown on fluctuations.

Fortron
-------
12v = 11.4v - 12.6v
5v = 4.75v - 5.25v
3.3v = 3.135v - 3.465v

P&C
-------
12v = 11.88v - 12.12v
5v = 4.95v - 5.05v
3.3v= 3.267v - 3.333v

The ripple time frame is how fast and how far that voltage fluctuation can occur within the tolerance. The worse the ripple factor the more often the voltages will fluctuate. This means a fortron can go back and for between 11.4v and 12.6v MUCH more often and faster then the P&C supply. This in itself can be damaging to components.

Not saying the fortron 550w model is a bad model. In fact, it's VERY good, especially for the price. Fortrons typically have better tolerances and ripples then anything but P&C supplies. Then again, with the P&C suplpy you also get what you pay for which is the most stable PSU out there. Period. Nothing is better when it comes to this fact.

The fotron 550Wwill only run you about $90. The OCZ 520W will run you about $140. The P&C 510W will run you about $200. They are all comparable in total power output but the quality of that power is what makes the difference in price along with "style" unfortunately. The reason the OCZ is much more expensive over the fortron is due to it's cool factor. It's the same reason people liked the Matrix 2 and 3 movies and actually bought the DVDs.

So, my recommendations, either get the fortron or the P&C. Screw the OCZ. If you want something with pretty light or a black finish get the fortron and a can of spray paint and go to town.

[OSFP]

I wish I could find the fortron for 90$ (=72euros)....but in Greece I can only find it for 160 euros, which is about the same as the OCZ....so the price is not the factor to decide.... Should I go with the fortron or the OCZ?

Also I might be able to get a used PC power and cooling 475Watt unit for 130 euros...is this good enough? is there something I should check on it?

[Xenocide]

thermaltake psu = crap

thermaltake 680w is probabbly around 380 :D

[Oklahoma Wolf]

Oklahoma Wolf, it's not just about the power outpost, it's also about how clean that power is. Ripple and tolerance levels are big factors as well. P&C completely BLOWS away every other power supply in regards to these 2 factors.

Fortron is one of PC P&C's main suppliers - I've seen them use Fortron units up to 400w. IMO this says more about Fortron's line tolerances than mere spec sheets can. There is no hard data I have found to say the 510 Deluxe is really that much better, and I've seen independant ripple testing that shows the story isn't really that clear cut. Not to say the 510w is a Fortron, it may not be - there are other suppliers to PC P&C. I just don't find PC P&C's marketing to be enough to make me want to go buy one when I can get a perfectly good unit that is just as reliable easier and for less money.

In a review here (http://www.amdmb.com/article-display.php?ArticleID=270), the 510 Deluxe is compared to several models in ripple testing including an Antec 550w and a Fortron made Zalman 400w. The results were very close, certainly by no means did the PC P&C completely blow away its competition in that regard.

IMO, if someone wants a PC P&C 510w, he should go for it. It's a very good PSU, and a 5 year warranty is great. But there are other fish in the sea, and easier ones to catch :p

[DocGiggs]

Err... I read the review and looking at everything listed, the P&C was the only power supply to come in with the largest weight, best tolerance on ALL lines combines and lowest ripple. Err... what are you saying? Also, the top end P&C power supplies are NEVER supplied by another company. They do it sometimes for lower end power supply from good companies like fortron for specific parts which they modify, usually by putting bigger heatsinks in there. I have never seen nor heard of a P&C power supply being exact replica of another manufacturers, like fortron, power supply. They've never done it, and if you think so I beg you to show me the proof.

That being said, you do pay the premium for the P&C that may not be needed by everyone. In fact, the only reason I have one is because I was able to purchase it at a VERY cheap price. I would never pay $200 or more for the 510 deluxe. It's good but not THAT good in my opinion. The 550 fortron is a much better model for that price comparison. But, when I'm given a choice, and I was, between a 550 fortron for $90+shipping or a 510 P&C for $100+shipping.... err hell yah I'm going to grab the P&C :P Talk about no brainer.

I stand by my statement, find me another power supply that consistantly pushes out the best like P&C and I'll buy you dinner! And when I say the best I mean 1% tolerance and 20ms or less ripple.

[Oklahoma Wolf]

They've never done it, and if you think so I beg you to show me the proof.

I don't recall claiming they were just reselling exact replica PSUs, but these should illustrate where they get some of their stuff:

This 450w is a Win-Tact unit, or a modified Win-Tact. Note the big Win-Tact logo stamped on the heatsink, and the other logo on one of the PCBs:
http://terasan.okiraku-pc.net/dengen/no41/index.html

These models are Seasonic based... note the distinctive double S logo on the main transformers: http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=51

This one is a Fortron, as evidenced by the SPI stamp on the mainboard (SPI is a Fortron owned company): http://terasan.okiraku-pc.net/dengen/no10/

I can find more, but I haven't the time. You obviously love your PC P&C, and I respect that, but I'm not interested in one for myself. Price is my major reason, and the only reason I don't usually recommend them. Since price was also a factor for the original poster, it is for precisely that reason I recommended the Fortron first.

I am still not clear on what PC P&C does besides cosmetic modifications, whether they order complete supplies from their sources or just parts of them and make electronics modifications, but after 16 years of electronics repair I like to think I know at least a little bit how to recognize a well engineered piece of equipment. I know PC P&C does, or they wouldn't be in the position they're in. I think this is the last I'm willing to say about it though in this thread. You enjoy your 510 Deluxe, and I'll enjoy my Fortron 530w, and we'll agree to disagree on the rest of it ;)

Now to get back on topic, I am still 100% behind the Fortron 550w for the original poster's needs, and would have to recommend it above the OCZ if they are both similarly priced. Not sure about the used PC P&C... if it has a decent 12v rating and is in good working order I think it might be worth a look.

[DocGiggs]

Err... each of those models were the P&C 5% line which makes sense they would use modified but rebaged parts if they get them elsewhere. Their top of the line 1% supplies I assure you are not made by anyone else. You aren't getting any rebaged parts for a supply that is suppose to be 1%. In fact, the middle article you linked to about the guy talking about the 360 and 410 commented on the fact that they were nothing like the older 400 he had over a year ago which was MUCH heavier and had 1% rail tolerances. I wouldn't buy one of their 5% tolerance supplies because I might as well just buy a fortron. It would be the same thing. If you are not getting a 1% tolerance line then it really isn't a true P&C and hence not worth the money.

[Firah]

fortron all the way

[SeanOMatic]

Oklahoma Wolf, it's not just about the power outpost, it's also about how clean that power is. Ripple and tolerance levels are big factors as well. P&C completely BLOWS away every other power supply in regards to these 2 factors. That fortron 550W STILL has a 5% tolerance while the P&C has a 1% tolerance level. This is HUGE. Why? This means the fortron can and WILL fluctuate. This would be a breakdown on fluctuations.

Fortron
-------
12v = 11.4v - 12.6v
5v = 4.75v - 5.25v
3.3v = 3.135v - 3.465v

P&C
-------
12v = 11.88v - 12.12v
5v = 4.95v - 5.05v
3.3v= 3.267v - 3.333v

The ripple time frame is how fast and how far that voltage fluctuation can occur within the tolerance. The worse the ripple factor the more often the voltages will fluctuate. This means a fortron can go back and for between 11.4v and 12.6v MUCH more often and faster then the P&C supply. This in itself can be damaging to components.

Not saying the fortron 550w model is a bad model. In fact, it's VERY good, especially for the price. Fortrons typically have better tolerances and ripples then anything but P&C supplies. Then again, with the P&C suplpy you also get what you pay for which is the most stable PSU out there. Period. Nothing is better when it comes to this fact.

The fotron 550Wwill only run you about $90. The OCZ 520W will run you about $140. The P&C 510W will run you about $200. They are all comparable in total power output but the quality of that power is what makes the difference in price along with "style" unfortunately. The reason the OCZ is much more expensive over the fortron is due to it's cool factor. It's the same reason people liked the Matrix 2 and 3 movies and actually bought the DVDs.

So, my recommendations, either get the fortron or the P&C. Screw the OCZ. If you want something with pretty light or a black finish get the fortron and a can of spray paint and go to town.

OCZ has a chrome finish, not black.

[Mdogs444]

thermaltake psu = crap

thermaltake 680w is probabbly around 380 :D

I think maybe you should open your eyes to reviews of Thermaltake before you open your mouth about them.

[ivanchu02]

I think maybe you should open your eyes to reviews of Thermaltake before you open your mouth about them.

i got a thermaltake silent purepower, it was really loud, nothing silent about it, it drove me insane, the build quality left a lot to be desired as well. i had to "upgrade" to a weak and pitiful but relatively quiet vantec ion

[Mdogs444]

Mine is silent when not upping the fan to 3000+ RPM. Other than that, the rails are stable on my system, and was rated right up there w/ the antec's as well.

[Mdogs444]

Straight from a Tt review..... http://www.fastlanehw.com/reviews.php?action=view&id=67

http://www.fastlanehw.com/reviews/pp480/results.gif

"Conclusion
The Thermaltake PurePower 480w PSU is definitely one of the nicest units I've messed with in a while-- great voltage, great looks, enough accessories to get you going, and best of all, a price that won't break the bank. Newegg quotes this model at around $62, enough to stay within most people's budgets, and about $25 cheaper than the Antec TruePower 480w.

If you're still using that generic junk that came with your $30 computer case, and want to do anything besides run a simple system at stock everything, you should definitely get the PurePower to give your system the juice it needs, without adding tons of noise. If you're a real hardcore overclocker, take a look at our review on the Turbo-Cool 510, but for 99% of us, this will do the job just great.

Pros
Looks great
Great voltages
Very quiet
Plenty of cables
Good price

Cons
Fan controller is a little too big
Orange fan isn't great looking

Overall: 9/10!
"

[OSFP]

I think I'm gonna go with the Fortron, unless someone here knows some stuff about the PC power and cooling 475Watt PSU....I can get it for 120 euros (Fortron for 160)....so if it's worth a look tell me...
I know it has the 1% tolerance which is surely nice, but does it have enough wattage for my system? anyone tested it?

[SilverJag]

I'm surprised no one really gave a great mention to the Antec 550's...I love mine.