Modulars vs. Non-Modular (Corsair 520/620 and 550W regular)

[Grundalizer]

Ok so I am working on my first build and I don't want to screw anything up. So far I have a P35-DS3L mobo, and am getting an MSI 8800GT 512MB GPU. My case is huge (coolermaster 830) and I will probably add some fans, plus 2 HD, 22 inch monitor, and an e8400. So my question is, do I really need a 600W+ power supply? I was guessing you only need 600+ if you are running 2 GPU's. The main difference I see in the 520W Corsair Modular vs 550 Corsair non modular is that the modular has 3 12v rails, each at 18 amps. The 550W has 1 12v rail, at 41 amps. Will the one 1 12v rail be best for running my single gpu rig? will it be more stable then the modular one?

so, it'll either be this one (modular)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

or this one (non mod)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

unless you think I need the 620 modular.

thanks for the info.

 

[delluser1]

Either way, you could do better on price
VX550 http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx-550w-power-supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html
HX520 http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

 

[einstein4pres]

Ok so I am working on my first build and I don't want to screw anything up. So far I have a P35-DS3L mobo, and am getting an MSI 8800GT 512MB GPU. My case is huge (coolermaster 830) and I will probably add some fans, plus 2 HD, 22 inch monitor, and an e8400. So my question is, do I really need a 600W+ power supply? I was guessing you only need 600+ if you are running 2 GPU's. The main difference I see in the 520W Corsair Modular vs 550 Corsair non modular is that the modular has 3 12v rails, each at 18 amps. The 550W has 1 12v rail, at 41 amps. Will the one 1 12v rail be best for running my single gpu rig? will it be more stable then the modular one?

I am running a e2160 @ 3GHz with an EVGA 8800GT SC on a GA-P35-DS3L on an Antec 380 (yes, that's 380 watts), and if you do the math, it's still overkill.

Power consumption isn't as large as you think it is.
http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/forums.asp?s=2&c=7&t=9354&p=0

 

[Shadow703793]

Either way, you could do better on price
VX550 http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx-550w-power-supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html
HX520 http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

Agreed. Those PSUs are rock solid and high quality. 2nd only to the FSP Silencer and a few others.

 

[Grundalizer]

wow that link from atomic forums was really informative. I appreciate the responses and will be going for one of those two you linked. The only real question I still have is the Amperage on the rails. 1 has 41 amps on one 12V rail, other has 18 amps on 3 12v rails. aren't 12V rails only used for mobos or somthing? why would you need more than one 12V rail?

 

[Grundalizer]

double post. my bad

 

[Mondoman]

Either way (one rail or 3) will work fine. +12V is used for almost everything nowadays. It's the main source for the CPU, for the GPU, a major source for hard drives and MB components, etc.

 

[blacksci]

600 watts is a little over kill, i run my q6660, a antec 900 case, 8800 GTS(G92) vc, 160 gig hard drive, another 80 gig hard drive, 4 gigs or ram on a antec earthpowe 500 watt power supply and all is good with my comp.

 

[XMSYellowbeard]

The HX-520 is plenty for the system you listed.

 

[ZOldDude]

Ok so I am working on my first build and I don't want to screw anything up. So far I have a P35-DS3L mobo, and am getting an MSI 8800GT 512MB GPU. My case is huge (coolermaster 830) and I will probably add some fans, plus 2 HD, 22 inch monitor, and an e8400. So my question is, do I really need a 600W+ power supply? I was guessing you only need 600+ if you are running 2 GPU's. The main difference I see in the 520W Corsair Modular vs 550 Corsair non modular is that the modular has 3 12v rails, each at 18 amps. The 550W has 1 12v rail, at 41 amps. Will the one 1 12v rail be best for running my single gpu rig? will it be more stable then the modular one?

so, it'll either be this one (modular)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001

or this one (non mod)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

unless you think I need the 620 modular.

thanks for the info.

A PC Power & Cooling 610 is $119 dirrect from them and is -constant rated- @ 49Amps on 12V with 40C air blowing into it (the Turbo line is rated 50C).
All the 12V power is on one extra regulated rail so it is 100% usable.

 

[cjp3]

600+ is overkill for such a system. 500W will be plenty with reserves, heck, on spcr they have a thred where lots of people report success with 350W on similar systems.

In my book, the less +12V rails, the better, 1 is best.

 

[Grundalizer]

I don't get why they put 3 12V rails on the Corsair 520WHX Modular. The 550W Corsair has 1 12V rail which higher rated Amps. Why would they put 3 rails on a 520 W PSU? I dont want to underpower my gear with lower amp rated rails, but I also don't know @#$% about cable management. I think I can manage finding somewhere for them to go though since I have a coolermaster stacker 830 and its huge.

 

[delluser1]

I don't get why they put 3 12V rails on the Corsair 520WHX Modular. The 550W Corsair has 1 12V rail which higher rated Amps. Why would they put 3 rails on a 520 W PSU? I dont want to underpower my gear with lower amp rated rails, but I also don't know @#$% about cable management. I think I can manage finding somewhere for them to go though since I have a coolermaster stacker 830 and its huge.

Read the review on the HX520
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=18