Two power supplies powering 1 system?
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shall1990
December 12, 2007 8:32:21 PM
Heres my situation:
I thought my video card was defective, so I requested an RMA to support and they told me to check my power supply to see if it's strong enough. They recommended me to disconnect the cd drives and case fans. I attempted what they suggested; my problem was solved; yet now I need a new power supply.
Till now I realized I have an extra PSU laying around. it is 450W.
I wonder, if I can use my current PSU 600W to power everything else, and let the 450W power the cd + dvd drives and case fans. Is this possible? Will this raise the electric bill? Is it dangerous?
I thought my video card was defective, so I requested an RMA to support and they told me to check my power supply to see if it's strong enough. They recommended me to disconnect the cd drives and case fans. I attempted what they suggested; my problem was solved; yet now I need a new power supply.
Till now I realized I have an extra PSU laying around. it is 450W.
I wonder, if I can use my current PSU 600W to power everything else, and let the 450W power the cd + dvd drives and case fans. Is this possible? Will this raise the electric bill? Is it dangerous?
More about : power supplies powering system
dashelj
December 12, 2007 9:10:21 PM
It is possible. You can get small add on power supplies which power video cards, I have seen them at some retailers. You have to figure out where you are going to put the second power supply.
It would use more power than just a 600 W power supply but I dont think it would use substantially more power than using a 750W or whatever you would need. As to specific dangers - I wouldnt think there would be any but some else should probably comment on that.
It would use more power than just a 600 W power supply but I dont think it would use substantially more power than using a 750W or whatever you would need. As to specific dangers - I wouldnt think there would be any but some else should probably comment on that.
chookman
December 12, 2007 9:59:12 PM
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croc
December 12, 2007 10:28:14 PM
shall1990 said:
Heres my situation: I thought my video card was defective, so I requested an RMA to support and they told me to check my power supply to see if it's strong enough. They recommended me to disconnect the cd drives and case fans. I attempted what they suggested; my problem was solved; yet now I need a new power supply.
Till now I realized I have an extra PSU laying around. it is 450W.
I wonder, if I can use my current PSU 600W to power everything else, and let the 450W power the cd + dvd drives and case fans. Is this possible? Will this raise the electric bill? Is it dangerous?
What in the hell are you running that a 600 W PSU won't support? (I could do mild welding with 600W!) Or is it a 600W rosewill....
Anyway your plan to power the drives and fans with the 450W psu WILL work, but it will be a messy solution. I envision a PSU lying on the ground, witn molex extender cables running through a butchered hole in the case....
uberman
December 12, 2007 10:50:48 PM
Solitaire
December 12, 2007 11:09:38 PM
Quote:
What in the hell are you running that a 600 W PSU won't support? (I could do mild welding with 600W!) Or is it a 600W rosewill.... Amen to that! What's in there? Quadcore? EE- or D-series P4 CPU? SLI/CF VGA config? Or just one 2900?
(two 2900XT's in CrossFire could do it, you'd need half the National Grid for that!
)Either get a bigger PSU, or get an add-on module as described above. Use the DIY fix you outlined only temporarily if you're desperate. But if you don't have one of the above it does suggest something is wrong... in which case try the 450W, it should be capable of powering a system on its lonesome if you don't have some crazy OCing or a dual-card setup going!
shall1990
December 12, 2007 11:15:06 PM
chookman said:
one of thesehttp://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186&products_id=21193
It looks good I may check that out soon.
Heads up, my system takes 330 watts from the wall and under 300(bout 280) on the DC side.
Pr
Load test isime95 and 3dmarks 2006...and winamp for good measure....
Case: Antec 900
PSU: OCZ 700watt
Board: P35 DS3R
CPU: Q6600 @ 3.00
CPU cooling : Zalman 9500 @ 500-2200 rpms(PWM)
Memory: 2x 1024MB ,2X 512MB @ 4,4,4,10
Video: 8800GTX 600(core) 1400(shader) 900 x2(memory)
Storage:
2x WDC 250gig (Raid0)
2x Seagate 320gig(Storage)
2x Seagate 500gig(Storage)
1x 500gig Seagate (Backup-external) - Not included as its getting power elsewhere
Optical drive: Samsung SH-W162[Dying as you read this]
KB/Mouse: Logitech Access 600
, G9 Mouse
TV card: PVR 250
Sound: Creative SB Audigy 2zs
Screen: Samsung 950b (LCD) - not included 30-35 watts
Speakers: Altec Lansing Select 641 - Not counted on the 330 as they vary allot with volume
So..... as said above, what the hell needs 600+
Pr
Load test isime95 and 3dmarks 2006...and winamp for good measure....
Case: Antec 900
PSU: OCZ 700watt
Board: P35 DS3R
CPU: Q6600 @ 3.00
CPU cooling : Zalman 9500 @ 500-2200 rpms(PWM)
Memory: 2x 1024MB ,2X 512MB @ 4,4,4,10
Video: 8800GTX 600(core) 1400(shader) 900 x2(memory)
Storage:
2x WDC 250gig (Raid0)
2x Seagate 320gig(Storage)
2x Seagate 500gig(Storage)
1x 500gig Seagate (Backup-external) - Not included as its getting power elsewhere
Optical drive: Samsung SH-W162[Dying as you read this]
KB/Mouse: Logitech Access 600
, G9 MouseTV card: PVR 250
Sound: Creative SB Audigy 2zs
Screen: Samsung 950b (LCD) - not included 30-35 watts
Speakers: Altec Lansing Select 641 - Not counted on the 330 as they vary allot with volume
So..... as said above, what the hell needs 600+
dmacfour
December 12, 2007 11:33:01 PM
nuklep
December 12, 2007 11:53:52 PM
chookman
December 13, 2007 12:25:34 AM
nuklep said:
I hate users like op. Just looking for the answer and not contributing at all. Others are just curious, how much pain is it to just tell us what setup you are running. SUCH a LEECH
Isnt that part point of a forum? ask a question get an answer.
I dont see you complaining when someone asks whats dual lan for or some other legitimate question. Why do we need to know what his rig is if all the OP asks is how to run 2 PSU's at once on the same machine? You give an answer and move on...
croc said:
Anyway your plan to power the drives and fans with the 450W psu WILL work, but it will be a messy solution. I envision a PSU lying on the ground, witn molex extender cables running through a butchered hole in the case....You've got to see this
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/247041-33-ghetto-cool...
nuklep
December 13, 2007 6:52:42 PM
chookman said:
Isnt that part point of a forum? ask a question get an answer.I dont see you complaining when someone asks whats dual lan for or some other legitimate question. Why do we need to know what his rig is if all the OP asks is how to run 2 PSU's at once on the same machine? You give an answer and move on...
sure "get your answer and move on" works, but how does that make the "online community" a real community? It lacks that feeling. Thats just my idea.
chookman
December 13, 2007 7:17:34 PM
nuklep said:
sure "get your answer and move on" works, but how does that make the "online community" a real community? It lacks that feeling. Thats just my idea.I believe theres a community here , you only have to check out some of the flame war threads or the people that wear there heart on there sleeves. There alot of respect for the long time posters and plenty of conversation to boot. However, I believe sometimes a simple question just needs a simple answer.
croc
December 13, 2007 7:29:08 PM
nuklep said:
I hate users like op. Just looking for the answer and not contributing at all. Others are just curious, how much pain is it to just tell us what setup you are running. SUCH a LEECH
And what have you contributed, stranger, in your 17 posts? I hate strangers that pop in here and immediately start criticising... So either contribute, or just watch and learn. Asking questions, imo, is often a valuable contribution.
I've got to agree with croc's first post in this thread. What are you running that a 600W PSU can't handle? The best suggestion you may get is to:
a. refer to the PSU calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.js... to determine your load, then
b. Choose a big enough unit from tier-3 or better from the list at http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon.
If the PSU calculator suggests that you need, say, 430W, then you know that either your "600"W PSU is a Rosewill or other piece of dried poo, or you have other problems in your build that are adding unaccounted-for load, which another PSU won't fix.
a. refer to the PSU calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.js... to determine your load, then
b. Choose a big enough unit from tier-3 or better from the list at http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon.
If the PSU calculator suggests that you need, say, 430W, then you know that either your "600"W PSU is a Rosewill or other piece of dried poo, or you have other problems in your build that are adding unaccounted-for load, which another PSU won't fix.
nuklep
December 13, 2007 7:49:03 PM
croc said:
And what have you contributed, stranger, in your 17 posts? I hate strangers that pop in here and immediately start criticising... So either contribute, or just watch and learn. Asking questions, imo, is often a valuable contribution.Falling on oh so convenient Ad Hominem Tu Quoque? As far as watching and learning, do you think my post count will tell you how long i've been watching? or will even my join date say anything? I've been watching longer than you think. I try to add where I can. When I don't have a response I don't say anything. maybe that explains why I have 17 posts. I don't make "I agree" posts to swell my post count. Because post count does not tell the whole story. You miss my point. I am just asking for a better community feeling. But I guess if honorary posters like you here stomp on 17 count posters, it will never happen. And if you think I am stomping on a 2 count poster, remember I am just asking him to post more (not asking him to shutup)
KyleSTL
December 13, 2007 7:57:27 PM
dodian
December 13, 2007 8:10:32 PM
michiganteddybear
December 13, 2007 8:13:42 PM
croc
December 13, 2007 8:19:10 PM
coldneutron
December 13, 2007 8:19:42 PM
nuklep
December 13, 2007 8:26:51 PM
croc said:
"I hate users like op. Just looking for the answer and not contributing at all. Others are just curious, how much pain is it to just tell us what setup you are running. SUCH a LEECH"Looks more like a flame to me, rather than a request to the OP for more information....
point taken. 4 other posters had requested more info and it was just frustrating to see op ignore all those requests
croc
December 13, 2007 8:39:25 PM
nuklep said:
point taken. 4 other posters had requested more info and it was just frustrating to see op ignore all those requestsI was also requesting more information, but if the OP doesn't want to respond, oh well. Maybe some day we'll find out what the OP did, maybe not. Either way, most of the community did their best to try to help, with what limited information was available.
Zorg
December 13, 2007 8:42:15 PM
The whole flame war is kind of funny. I see all kinds of threads started with insufficient information to even consider giving any assistance. Does the OP think we are mind readers? Many posters did indicate that his 600w PSU was probably a POS, and it probably is, but we don't have a definitive answer. The OP is ready to add his 450w PSU to the system which is, more than likely, the most foolish thing to do in his circumstance.
@OP: Try posting your specs, so that you can get informed advice. If you have a junk 600W PSU, then adding a 450W PSU to mask this will probably result in the destruction of your whole system.
Or, just add the additional PSU and take your chances. Be sure to post back when it fries, and let us know if there were any pretty flames.
@OP: Try posting your specs, so that you can get informed advice. If you have a junk 600W PSU, then adding a 450W PSU to mask this will probably result in the destruction of your whole system.
Or, just add the additional PSU and take your chances. Be sure to post back when it fries, and let us know if there were any pretty flames.
Zorg
December 13, 2007 9:24:40 PM
I feel compelled to address niklep's post and subsequent defense.
The only one that gets screwed by the OP not posting his specs is the OP, because he is the one that will get poor advice. It appears that you were pissed off because you wanted to know his specs for curiosity sake. And for that you went on a rant and flamed the OP. When you were called on the fact that you were acting like a ten year old child, you back peddled. It doesn't matter how many posts you have. You embarrassed yourself, I suggest you take a chill pill.
nuklep said:
I hate users like op. Just looking for the answer and not contributing at all. Others are just curious, how much pain is it to just tell us what setup you are running. SUCH a LEECH
croc said:
Looks more like a flame to me, rather than a request to the OP for more information....nuklep said:
point taken. 4 other posters had requested more info and it was just frustrating to see op ignore all those requests
chookman
December 13, 2007 9:28:03 PM
shall1990
December 14, 2007 12:37:54 AM
My power supply is an 600w Ultra XFinity There are two 12v rails. +12V1 is 18A, +12V2 is 20A.
sorry
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Intel core 2 duo E6750
8800GTS 320mb
Sound Blaster Audigy 4
According to the PNY technitian,
"But one thing concerns us, this card requieres 26Amps onthe 12 volt rail. You fall short on your power supply for this.
Try using just the Harddrive which Windows boots of, and disconect every other device, DVD CD Fans etc.
Just power the cpu fan, video card and main hardrive and test again. If it works this way, then the issue is power only."
So I tried what he requested and it worked, oh, my problem was changing a game's settings like resolution, the game would lock up.
sorry
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Intel core 2 duo E6750
8800GTS 320mb
Sound Blaster Audigy 4
According to the PNY technitian,
"But one thing concerns us, this card requieres 26Amps onthe 12 volt rail. You fall short on your power supply for this.
Try using just the Harddrive which Windows boots of, and disconect every other device, DVD CD Fans etc.
Just power the cpu fan, video card and main hardrive and test again. If it works this way, then the issue is power only."
So I tried what he requested and it worked, oh, my problem was changing a game's settings like resolution, the game would lock up.
Zorg
December 14, 2007 1:21:53 AM
This is from the specs of the from PNY's website.
That is 26A on the combined 12V rails. You can't just add the rails together to determine this, but I am certain that the specs on that PSU is more than 26A on the combined rails.
The problem is that the Ultra XFinity is a tier 4 PSU. This means that it is one tier from the bottom of the list.
See Official XS Tiered PSU Manufacturer Brand Listing Phase III.
I suspect that there is something wrong with it as well, because even though it is a low quality PSU, it should still be able to power your system.
Rather than try to run PSU's in tandem, I would opt for a new one. This of course assumes that you have the cash.
What is the Brand and model of the 450W PSU that you have? And do you have the cash for a good High quality PSU?
Quote:
A minimum 400W system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26A)That is 26A on the combined 12V rails. You can't just add the rails together to determine this, but I am certain that the specs on that PSU is more than 26A on the combined rails.
The problem is that the Ultra XFinity is a tier 4 PSU. This means that it is one tier from the bottom of the list.
See Official XS Tiered PSU Manufacturer Brand Listing Phase III.
I suspect that there is something wrong with it as well, because even though it is a low quality PSU, it should still be able to power your system.
Rather than try to run PSU's in tandem, I would opt for a new one. This of course assumes that you have the cash.
What is the Brand and model of the 450W PSU that you have? And do you have the cash for a good High quality PSU?
chookman
December 14, 2007 1:30:57 AM
shall1990 said:
My power supply is an 600w Ultra XFinity There are two 12v rails. +12V1 is 18A, +12V2 is 20A.sorry
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Intel core 2 duo E6750
8800GTS 320mb
Sound Blaster Audigy 4
According to the PNY technitian,
"But one thing concerns us, this card requieres 26Amps onthe 12 volt rail. You fall short on your power supply for this.
Try using just the Harddrive which Windows boots of, and disconect every other device, DVD CD Fans etc.
Just power the cpu fan, video card and main hardrive and test again. If it works this way, then the issue is power only."
So I tried what he requested and it worked, oh, my problem was changing a game's settings like resolution, the game would lock up.
For the record
http://www.ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=52&pPath=383&productID=388
This shows 420w on combined 12v rails... = 35amps. I think the PNY tech has no idea.
In saying that though Zorg is right the is more than likely something wrong with the PSU. If you can buy a new quality one Corsair 520HX comes to mind.
shall1990
December 14, 2007 1:33:44 AM
shall1990
December 14, 2007 1:35:59 AM
Zorg
December 14, 2007 1:39:50 AM
shall1990
December 14, 2007 1:47:15 AM
I may have a little over 100 for a new PSU after Christmas considering I still have last minute Christmas shopping to do.
Severely disappointed, my local computer store recommended this power supply for my system. Wish I came here first.
Currently it isn't the biggest deal, but I mod a game called bf1942 which requires opening and closing the game, this will practically lock up the system about the 7th time doing so.
I"m also afraid to buy online, I bought a PSU online from zipzoomfly and it was DOA, And I recieved 0 customer support. impossible to get a refund or a replacement!
Severely disappointed, my local computer store recommended this power supply for my system. Wish I came here first.
Currently it isn't the biggest deal, but I mod a game called bf1942 which requires opening and closing the game, this will practically lock up the system about the 7th time doing so.
I"m also afraid to buy online, I bought a PSU online from zipzoomfly and it was DOA, And I recieved 0 customer support. impossible to get a refund or a replacement!
shall1990 said:
It's a Codegen 450W, I don't even see that brand on that site's list. +12V is 16A
------
With my current PSU, would switching up the molex plugs work?
Thats 1 amp more then the 250watt i have in the closet.... In its defense it runs a E6600 and low end video just fine...
I have seen too many Ultra PSU's mess up. just replace it...I suggest a good 500-600 watt only to get max efficiency out of it. Your system should draw 250-300 max.....
Corsair has a nice picture of the efficiency of PSU's, not quite accurate but gives you the right idea of why a half loaded psu saves you power

A test done on SPCR

the 250-300watt zone is perfect on this psu.....well near perfect for a machine with your configuration....you may even be under 250....if your not over clocking and depending on other hardware like HDD's....but from 200-300 this thing is perfect for your system...
With you budget....hmmm lets see
Seasonic S12II 430W - 30 Amps
Antec Earthwatts 430W - 30 Amps on the 12 volt rail(s) - on sale often
Corsair CMPSU-450VX - 33 Amps on the 12 volt rail
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS - They are unclear.... 30+ they have all the voltages rail combine.....so i assume the less 5 and 3.3 you use the more 12 you get....up to a point....
Zippy HG2-6400P - 12V @ 30 Amps on the 12 volt rail
the top 3 are all Seasonics.... Either way there are lots of PSU's around just make sure you get enough on the 12 volts rail,
I am more brave with my own stuff....
E6600 + X1900XT(similar power to your system) on a 380 watt antec with 18 amps
Zorg
December 14, 2007 2:29:14 AM
shall1990 said:
I may have a little over 100 for a new PSU after Christmas considering I still have last minute Christmas shopping to do.Severely disappointed, my local computer store recommended this power supply for my system.
Below is a short list of my preferences for your budget in order of highest to lowest. These are all single rail solid PSUs, with plenty of 12V current. There are plenty of other good PSUs out there so this list is not exhaustive by any means. I'm sure others will post their preferences. If you choose a different PSU be sure to check the listing linked above and additionally see if it is reviewed on jonnyguru. Here is a link to the search page on his website. Newegg is very good about DOA parts, that's why they charge a little more sometimes.
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 12V @ 49A
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 12V @ 41A
CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 12V @ 40A
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 12V @ 33A
coldneutron
December 14, 2007 3:46:05 AM
Your power supply has 2 PCIE connectors, each on a separate 12V rail. Your video card only has 1 PCIE power connector. Try switching the PCIE power connector on the video card to the other one. One of the 2 rails also powers the cpu. If this is the same rail as the connector on the video card it could draw near the max. power of the rail and cause the problem.
shall1990
December 15, 2007 1:24:34 AM
coldneutron said:
Your power supply has 2 PCIE connectors, each on a separate 12V rail. Your video card only has 1 PCIE power connector. Try switching the PCIE power connector on the video card to the other one. One of the 2 rails also powers the cpu. If this is the same rail as the connector on the video card it could draw near the max. power of the rail and cause the problem.I will go try that out now!
edit:
So far so good! Thank you so much
! And many thanks to everyone else!I will tell news after a day or two!
Zorg
December 15, 2007 5:53:58 AM
coldneutron said:
Your power supply has 2 PCIE connectors, each on a separate 12V rail. Your video card only has 1 PCIE power connector. Try switching the PCIE power connector on the video card to the other one. One of the 2 rails also powers the cpu. If this is the same rail as the connector on the video card it could draw near the max. power of the rail and cause the problem.
casemods
December 16, 2007 9:50:03 PM
casemods
December 16, 2007 11:39:21 PM
nukemaster said:
TO make that more clear.....green to black....and some psu's will not run right without some load....http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1667/hpim1551ws8.gif
Well if you don't know what that means, you probably shouldn't be trying it, lol (to OP)
kherova
April 23, 2010 5:15:15 PM
I just wanted to give those curious another reason why someone would want 2 psu. I am upgrading my rig, so I am trying to keep as much as the old stuff as I can, so I can put my money twards the new stuff I need. I have a bunch of psu's, but they all tend to be smaller because they are from sff (small form factor) rigs. The only one with SATA is 110w so I want to have that run the drives, and a bigger one run other stuff.
kherova
April 23, 2010 5:32:40 PM
Also, I know the war in this tread is over, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents because this is my second post to the forum.
Seems to me that people shouldn't be too concerned about people who don't have many posts giving their opinion. Everyone is entitled to what they think even if they only post one comment in their lives. You may not lend much weight to their opinion if you feel they haven't earned it (and that is your right), but that doesn't mean they don't have a right to express it. It is a dangerous slope when you start holding a price for admission to be legitimate at a certain amount/quality of posts.
I can understand about the desire for a sense of community, but it has to balance with the needs of casual posters. If they only post one thing, but it helps someone out 3 years down the line, then the post has purpose. As long as you have a core set of users doing activities you believe to support your idea of community then there will be one, and the periphery of strangers won't do anything to take away from that core (will actually add some flavor to it). After all, if you just wanted was pure community, you could just im/pm your friends all day. A true community has people who don't act or feel the same way you do, and you have to find a way to live with them too.
Seems to me that people shouldn't be too concerned about people who don't have many posts giving their opinion. Everyone is entitled to what they think even if they only post one comment in their lives. You may not lend much weight to their opinion if you feel they haven't earned it (and that is your right), but that doesn't mean they don't have a right to express it. It is a dangerous slope when you start holding a price for admission to be legitimate at a certain amount/quality of posts.I can understand about the desire for a sense of community, but it has to balance with the needs of casual posters. If they only post one thing, but it helps someone out 3 years down the line, then the post has purpose. As long as you have a core set of users doing activities you believe to support your idea of community then there will be one, and the periphery of strangers won't do anything to take away from that core (will actually add some flavor to it). After all, if you just wanted was pure community, you could just im/pm your friends all day. A true community has people who don't act or feel the same way you do, and you have to find a way to live with them too.
ktibor
June 1, 2010 10:33:54 PM
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