Possible PSU upgrade.

[Evilmop]

Just ordered a HD4850 and im bearing in mind I may need to upgrade my PSU as at the moment im running a winpower 550, Seems stable with my 3850 but not sure how it will be with the 4850.

anyway my budget is not massive, best case scenario Ill have around £50.00.

I have found this and wondered if anyone could confirm wether this would be suitable (cant seem to find a review anywhere)

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=4ZWQ&CategorySelectedId=11023&InMerch=1.

Thanks.

 

[Evilmop]

Also just to clarify my current PSU states:

+12v1 = 18 A
+12v2 = 18 A.


Does this mean I have 36 amps availible to me over my =+12 rails?

If so i might be ok with my current PSU?...

 

[Evilmop]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124927/show_product_reviews

Found this just in case, would this be suitable?

 

[Zenthar]

I looked at some specs and if your system is not drawing too much power already, you should be ok with your current PSU, might also be able to support a 4870.

 

[Evilmop]

That is good to know. One other thing i notice was when in bios chekcing my rails, it only shows one rail.

IS this because effectively the two rails operate as one but share the ampage?

 

[Evilmop]

I think if it doesnt work, im just goign to get the corsair 450, but thats not really want i want to do until i have no choice if you get me....

 

[Zenthar]

That is good to know. One other thing i notice was when in bios chekcing my rails, it only shows one rail.

IS this because effectively the two rails operate as one but share the ampage?

It somehow does. I don't know much about PSU internal working, but no matter how many 12V rails you have, they normally have a maximum combined amperage lower than the sum of the rails so they must have some circuitry in common.

 

[bobbknight]

All PSU's take mains power and in the first stage rectified to 12v, 5v 3.3v, -5v and -12v some have other circuits to make them more reliable. Some PSU's have more than one rail for the 12v. All this does is add more to the PSU to go wrong. A large single rail from a good maker is preferred.
The components that age he fastest are the capacitors, after about 2 years a PSU will decrease it's power out put ability 20 to 30%. When I buy a PSU I keep this in mind and buy one with a good 50% overhead.
Depending on the age of your PSU, it might be ok.

 

[Proximon]

The OCZ you listed first was a good choice, as well as the Corsair 450W, but always ask about PSUs... only a very few brands can be trusted for all their models.

I would see if you can get your current PSU to work for now, and consider something a bit more substantial later. I never just buy a PSU for my current build.

 

[aylafan]

Also just to clarify my current PSU states:

+12v1 = 18 A
+12v2 = 18 A.


Does this mean I have 36 amps availible to me over my =+12 rails?

If so i might be ok with my current PSU?...

No. You cannot add 18A and 18A = 36A for the +12 rails.

For example. My Dell powersupply is 305W total.
It also has +12VA = 18A and +12VB = 18A.
However, it can only pull 264W max out of the +12VA and +12VB.

so I took 264 / 12 = 22A for my +12 rails.

 

[Proximon]

yep +1.

Rails are not additive. There are a few PSUs that happen to have two rails that happen to have amperage ratings equal to the total amps available, but it's just coincidence.

 

[Evilmop]

Well i wil see how things go and take it from there, The powersupply is only 5 months old so not to old.


On another note, I have just notuice speed fan is readingmy core temps for my CPU at 65c under load.

So expect another post lol. Will try ressettign the fan first.

Thanks for all input, so it might work it might not for the 4850 lol.

 

[Evilmop]

Just to let everyone know, reset my fan got my cpu temps down to 55c under full load.

Can live with that plus my new 4850 dual slot shoudl run cooler than my 3850 so shoudl be ok.

only rough temps achieved through speed fan aswell....