I'm not sure what exactly happened to my first thread, so I will repost it again:
Hey there people,
I'm here because recently I had some PSU-related issues and I might need advice on a few points.
Alright, let's start off with my current hardware specs:
Now for the story (all PSUs were purchased at the same store):
In early July (this year), my OCZ GameXtream 850W failed on my *** exactly a week after warranty had expired (duh). It was a refurbish I snatched at a 50%-off promo last year at a local computer store.
After this event, I started seeking out a new PSU. Started off with a refurbished OCZ GameXtream 700W again from that local store, returned it after 2 days due to lack of trust in refurb OCZs, and coil whine + fan noise.
Second attempt, a BFG 800W. Returned after 3 days because it would not fit in my microATX case, it had very noisy fans, aaaand I had not yet acknowledged that BFG had gone bankrupt last year (no warranty).
Third attempt, a Thermaltake TR2 TRX 650W. Seems pretty decent, runs cool and quiet. Modular cables free up some space in my tiny mATX case, which is always a plus. According to TT's PSU online wattage calculator, it is sufficient for my current specs. I didn't have any direct problems with it yet.
And the problem(s):
Up to 3 days ago, the most demanding thing I was doing on my computer was some Minecraft (
), which in itself is not very demanding. Then I decided to get back to SCII and BFBC2. I did a couple SCII games without running into any problems, however during some intense BC2 games, my computer instantly shutted down about 2-3 times. Had to play a bit with the PSU power switch to be able to turn my comp back on.
I ran my CPU, FSB, and GPU on the frequencies mentioned earlier for about a year now without any problems, but I think it can be narrowed down to 2 possible points: either the mobo is starting to show signs of weakening, or (most likely) the PSU has some wattage and/or amperage troubles.
Using another online PSU calculator, it showed my config would draw a max of about 30A on the +12V rail, which is well within the bounds of my PSU's 44A rating.
Now, while the shutdown problem remains unsolved, here's the most important part: in a few days, I plan on upgrading the mobo to an ASUS P5N-T Deluxe (will buy ATX case), in order to accomodate a third 2GB RAM stick and a second GTX 460 for SLI.
Changing the mobo will definitely rule it out (hopefully), so hopefully I'll be able to see if the problems come from the PSU, and if it requires a change.
Alright, now the important part:
With the upgrade described 3 lines earlier, and with the same CPU and GPUs overclock mentioned in top specs, will I need to get a better PSU? I tried the new config on the PSU calculator, and it says it could draw at max about 45A and 548W on the +12V, which is a little over the TR2 TRX's specified limit of 44A and 528W.
Ideally, I try to buy retail, because I hate waiting on shipments (I'm in Canada) and it's a lot easier to get exchanges or refunds.
In my price range, the 2 possible upgrades from that same store are the following:
I'd like to hear recommendations (even from online stores) or advice about my problems, if you have any. My golden rules is that the PSU must be as silent as possible (under ±20dB), noise can drive me mad. I would consider the TR2's noise level as par.
Also, ideally I'd like if recommended PSUs could have only a single +12V rail. I also found a second store where I could get Antec, Corsair, and Seasonic PSUs ranging from 650 to 850W.
Sorry for the lengthy post, I always try to give as much info as possible.
Side note: as of Aug 2, I have 10 days left to return or exchange the 650W TR2 TRX.
Hey there people,
I'm here because recently I had some PSU-related issues and I might need advice on a few points.
Alright, let's start off with my current hardware specs:
Code:
OS: Win 7 x64 Home Premium
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 (stock = 2.5 GHz; OC'd to 3 via an FSB increase to 400MHz)
Mobo: [URL="http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_775/P5KPLCM/#specifications"]ASUS P5KPL-CM[/URL] (cheap, but gets the job done)
PSU: [URL="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153116"]Thermaltake TR2 TRX 650W[/URL]
RAM: 4GB (2 x 2) DDR2 (unknown brand, scavenged from boxing-day Acer computer with the CPU)
GPU: ZOTAC nVidia GTX 460 768MB 192-bit (OC in MHz: Core = 800, Shader = 1600, Mem = 4200)
HDDs: WD Caviar Blue 640GB, Hitachi Deskstar 500GB
ODDs: Pioneer SATA DVD Burner, Samsung IDE DVD ReaderNow for the story (all PSUs were purchased at the same store):
In early July (this year), my OCZ GameXtream 850W failed on my *** exactly a week after warranty had expired (duh). It was a refurbish I snatched at a 50%-off promo last year at a local computer store.
After this event, I started seeking out a new PSU. Started off with a refurbished OCZ GameXtream 700W again from that local store, returned it after 2 days due to lack of trust in refurb OCZs, and coil whine + fan noise.
Second attempt, a BFG 800W. Returned after 3 days because it would not fit in my microATX case, it had very noisy fans, aaaand I had not yet acknowledged that BFG had gone bankrupt last year (no warranty).
Third attempt, a Thermaltake TR2 TRX 650W. Seems pretty decent, runs cool and quiet. Modular cables free up some space in my tiny mATX case, which is always a plus. According to TT's PSU online wattage calculator, it is sufficient for my current specs. I didn't have any direct problems with it yet.
And the problem(s):
Up to 3 days ago, the most demanding thing I was doing on my computer was some Minecraft (
), which in itself is not very demanding. Then I decided to get back to SCII and BFBC2. I did a couple SCII games without running into any problems, however during some intense BC2 games, my computer instantly shutted down about 2-3 times. Had to play a bit with the PSU power switch to be able to turn my comp back on.I ran my CPU, FSB, and GPU on the frequencies mentioned earlier for about a year now without any problems, but I think it can be narrowed down to 2 possible points: either the mobo is starting to show signs of weakening, or (most likely) the PSU has some wattage and/or amperage troubles.
Using another online PSU calculator, it showed my config would draw a max of about 30A on the +12V rail, which is well within the bounds of my PSU's 44A rating.
Now, while the shutdown problem remains unsolved, here's the most important part: in a few days, I plan on upgrading the mobo to an ASUS P5N-T Deluxe (will buy ATX case), in order to accomodate a third 2GB RAM stick and a second GTX 460 for SLI.
Changing the mobo will definitely rule it out (hopefully), so hopefully I'll be able to see if the problems come from the PSU, and if it requires a change.
Alright, now the important part:
With the upgrade described 3 lines earlier, and with the same CPU and GPUs overclock mentioned in top specs, will I need to get a better PSU? I tried the new config on the PSU calculator, and it says it could draw at max about 45A and 548W on the +12V, which is a little over the TR2 TRX's specified limit of 44A and 528W.
Ideally, I try to buy retail, because I hate waiting on shipments (I'm in Canada) and it's a lot easier to get exchanges or refunds.
In my price range, the 2 possible upgrades from that same store are the following:
- the 750W flavour of the TR2 TRX, which has a +12V limit of 56A and 672W
- an X-Supply 750W, a company which has seemingly no trace of existence on the Internet from my researchs; specs marked as N/A on store website. Only available info is the item thumbnail.
I'd like to hear recommendations (even from online stores) or advice about my problems, if you have any. My golden rules is that the PSU must be as silent as possible (under ±20dB), noise can drive me mad. I would consider the TR2's noise level as par.
Also, ideally I'd like if recommended PSUs could have only a single +12V rail. I also found a second store where I could get Antec, Corsair, and Seasonic PSUs ranging from 650 to 850W.
Sorry for the lengthy post, I always try to give as much info as possible.
Side note: as of Aug 2, I have 10 days left to return or exchange the 650W TR2 TRX.
.
Yay for Quebec's dual taxes.
