Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods > How many +12v rails should I have?

How many +12v rails should I have?

Forum CPU & Components : Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods - How many +12v rails should I have?

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Doc Carbon   11-01-2009 at 11:46:09 AM

I just have a quick question about PSU's

I understand the concept that the # of rails on your PSU essentially divides that wattage going out of the PSU, instead of devices sharing the same load. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)

I'm not sure though on whether I should have more or less of them.

I'm about take my first steps into overclocking and these are my system specs:

C2D E8400
ASUS P5Q Deluxe
Sapphire Radeon 4850 (intend to eventually upgrade to 5850)
G.SKILL 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1100 (PC2 8800) Quad Kit
SoundBlaster X-Fi Extreme Gamer

my current PSU is OCZ 600W http://www.ocztechnology.com/produ [...] wer_supply

I was wondering if that would be good enough, or if I should upgrade.

As well, is more or less 12v rails better for a gaming rig?

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

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Bronze CPUs badge DellUser1   11-01-2009 at 11:56:52 AM
- 0 +

Facts about 12v rails

Nothing wrong with your psu.

Reply to DellUser1
Doc Carbon   11-01-2009 at 12:18:44 PM
- 0 +

Thank you, that link was very informative.

Reply to Doc Carbon
rockyjohn   11-01-2009 at 01:51:28 PM
- 0 +

Whether one or more rails are better is the subject of some disagreement. Single railers argue that with everything on one rail you don't have to worry about balancing or uneven loads. Multiple railers point out that separate rails provide more safety as a problem on one rail is isolated from components on the other rail. Take your pick.

Your PSU is very good - not top of the line but still very good - and has quite a surplus of power over the requirements of your system.

------------------------------ There are 10 kinds of people in the World...Those who understand binary, and those who don’t!
 Reply to rockyjohn
rand_79   11-01-2009 at 06:38:17 PM
- -1 +

single rail is best. dual rail is ok.. anything more gets sort of redictulous fast.

with trying to balance 2 video cards 5 hard drives etc across 4 rails and make sure one isnt overloaded.

Reply to rand_79
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