What to look for in a Power Supply

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1

Hi all!


I am having problems with my Graphics Card's (GeForce GTX 285) drivers crashing so i have been asking around for advice. I've got mixed answers, but the two most common was: 1, I need a new card and 2, I need a better Power Supply (Current one is: Power LC6650GP3 650W). I reached the conclusion that i will first try to get a new Power Supply to see if that will help fix my problems. So can anyone tell me what to look for in a Power Supply? I have heard that Bronze Medal PSU's is a minimum, but is there any other factors i should look for? I am pretty sure i once watched a Tek Syndicate video where Logan had some tips (I think it was an Inbox.exe episode) but i don't remember what episode. 

Can anyone also link me to a site with a big catalog of Power Supplies to compare and search?

Thank you in advance! :)

/gammarik

2

single 12v rail, reputable maker, and at least 80+ bronze (personally i like to do at least 80+ silver), i remember the episode your talking about, ill post it if i find it

 

Here's the video, i skipped it to were he start talking about power supplies: YouTube

3

You want a power supply that leaves you with headroom but not too much. Around 50% load is where PSU's are most efficient if I recall correctly. Single 12 volt rail and the higher the 80+ rating, the better. Don't skimp on the PSU. You get what you pay for.

4

Thank you! I looked at Newegg and found this one matching the criterias, and isn't too cheap nor too expensive, and matching my budget's price point: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096&Tpk=Sea%20Sonic%20S12II-620 Is that one any good? It's at 620W and my current is 650W, but does that even matter?

Thanks :)

 

/gammarik

 
5

That PSU will suit you perfectly.  Logan has highly recommended SeaSonic in a few different videos.  Looks like a quality power supply to me!  Though the whole "Enhanced +12v" has me a little confused lol

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Look up reviews from places that actually know what they are talking about. A psu can look perfect in every way on paper and be crap, forum reviews.

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True multi rail PSUs are actually pretty rare, usually it's just virtual rails so doesn't really matter.

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well... i would go with wires and capacitors... some beefy ones for power smoothing, and maybe a bridge rectifier....

but no, all joking aside, 80+ is just the efficiency, but its also used as a "quality stamp" a lot of the time, so look for 80+ and 1 12v rail. if you start getting into crazy high wattage, then more becomes ok, but yeah... lower is better.

also, usualy if you have a bad psu, everything will not work, not just the GPU. if you want to test it, remove it fom the system, and put a paper clip between the green and one of the black wires on the 20 pin. this will turn the PSU on. then take a multimeter and check between the yellow and black wires (+12 and gnd) between 11.95 and 12.05 is considered clean. and anything between arround 11.8 to 12.2 will work.

 

also, if your "drivers are crashing" uninstall them in safe mode and download the newest one.... dont buy a new card / psu

9

I will see if my dad can help me test this. Thanks

I have multiple times uninstalled my graphics drivers and reinstalled the newest one, but i haven't tried doing it in safe mode. I will try that when i get home! Thanks :)