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Ok I have a few questions I would like to ask about S3s.

What is good ( in terms of safety and watts / GHs ) clock speed to overclock my S3 miners?

And what PSU would you suggest me to run 2 miners at that clock speed?

I have already posted my question in one of S3 threads, but my post got behind so fast, so I decided to make a new thread.

Thanks.

im using a 750w to power two without any problems

Really? Thats kinda awesome...but I would like to overclock them a little bit, at least to 480 GHs.

A lot depends on quality and efficiency of the PSU. My S3's arrived today, I only had generic ATX 550W PSUs handy (pci-e wires for server PSUs didn't arrive on time), I hooked it up to generics and a single S3 unit wouldn't power off a 550W PSU. I had to split the load between two 550W PSUs. I then plugged one 550W watt PSU powering only single blade of A3 (one with WRT/config card) into socket with load and voltage reader and a single blade running off some generic chinese power supply is drawing 249W, so far cry from manufacturers figure of 360W per unit, 180W per blade. Obviously losses on 12V rail in this particular PSU must be epic, but fair bet that 750W version of PSU with such terrible design wouldn't be able to power two S3's, you could barely power up one.

Ok I understand. I found some really cheap PSUs ( Tecnoware ) 500W PSU for 25€....what you guys say about that? If they are ok to use, I would use 1 on each miner.

I suggest using a good gold or platinum power supply. You don't want your power supply to killl your s3 miner..

As I wrote, a really cheap 550W PSU in my case was just a waste of time and electricity and single unit ended needing two of them. If you don't want soldering/modding server power supplies you need to invest in proper single rail PSU that either has constant wattage (24/7) figure in specs or is rated at twice the power you need (750W for single S3)

Fully agreed. At the end of the day, you want to have peace of mind that your mining operation is running stably. That way your time can be spent on better things, ie setting up more miners ;)

Ok you guys are right. So what about corsair vs650? I have read under specs that it has 2x PCIE 6pin connectors, but those probably wont fit the S3?

Keep in mind that you can only order the S3 in batches of 2 from bitmain, so if you want to run two S3's, you need a PS with 4 PCI-E connectors and higher wattage. 

I am planning to run 1 with 1 PSU, so no problem :) Do I need 2x 4pin or 6pin connectors to power it without overclocking?

2 per PCI-E for non-overclocked just like the S1.

We use the Dell Z750 server PSU to power 2 OC'd S1's and they run just fine. You'd be good with those and they're pretty cheap. Look into the "breakout boards" for them, you can get a PSU, board and cables for under $100usd which will power 2 S3's

Ok ok good, so Corsair VS650 should be good, as I have read it has 2x PCIe 6pin connectors, right?

 not sure they must be on 2 cables.  not 2 plugs on 1 cable

By far the cheapest option is the old good Dell server PSU N750P series. Modifications to run as stand alone 12V power supply are extremely well documented on the net, it's available everywhere for less than 20 Euros or 15 GBP. Very high and stable output, designed to work 24/7, slim and less bulky than ATX, very low losses (around 7-9W), runs cold and quiet. All you need is two 6 pin cables of modular type, cut one end of each cable, one short insulated wire to bridge pins A1 and B6 on PSU to trigger auto power on, one jumper across A1 and B1, one jumper across B2 and C2 (to stop the fan from spinning full blast in emergency mode). And it just so happens that the +12 and ground output blades perfectly match with 6.3mm female crimp connectors, so adapting 6pin cables couldn't be any easier. I then use short piece of heat shrink tubing around each blade connector to provide snug insulation. 20 minutes of work tops, less than 30 quid in parts.

http://ocuk.filmsuk.com/dell_psu_adapted.jpg
      

Use a good rated PSU, for example corsair, for two units, i am using HX1000W corsair psu, no problems at all.

I'm thinking of getting the Cooler Master V1200 Platinum PSU (http://www.coolermaster.com/powersupply/v-series/v1200/) to power 3 S3s would that run fine? Everything is going to be on stock, no tweaks whatsoever. I just need something that can power them reliably.

Also, a pretty noob question... The datacenter I am looking at provides 6 x power sockets of 13Amp over 220V each in the cabinet. Does this mean that in total I can put equipment that consumes approximately 12000~ watts of power usage without tripping anything? Or should that be ~2000W?

Cheers

I'm running two S3's of a FSP Aurum PRO Series 1000W Modular PSU, which gets a generally good review by Jonny Guru (http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=292 is the hot performance stats)

I've also got another two S3's, each running off a FSP Raider 650W, with an adapter cable to use the EATX 8-pin CPU power lead as well as the PCIe 6-pin power lead.

maybe maybe not.

if you drop to freq 212.5 most likely yes.

I have some evga 1300 watt golds.  they run 3 s-1's at freq 393 overclock pulled 1215 watts for 1 month in a row.  I would think they will do the trick.

Ok, still looking for answer if Corsair VS650 would be good to power 1 S3? I am not good with that stuff, so I will not be modifying server PSUs.

Probably not related to the topic 100%, but I'm using Corsair RM850 for 2 overclocked S1's without any problems, stable, and pretty efficient  :)

For 1 S3 you should be fine.  Even over clocking it it shouldn't pull more than 450 watts, which is about only 75% efficiency.  Most PSU's can handle 75-80% efficiency without issue, and Corsair has good products in general.

Ok good, what about the cables? Is it ok if 2x 6pin connectors are on the same cable?

According to the table  http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/download-files/manuals/DC_Cable_consolidation_Rev_28.pdf (http://www.corsair.com/~/media/Corsair/download-files/manuals/DC_Cable_consolidation_Rev_28.pdf) the VS650 has only one PCIe cable, and therefore is not suitable to run an S3. You need two PCIe cables, four if you plan to overclock (plus higher wattage).

EDIT:- above assumes you don't want to use 4-pin molex to PCIe converters.

Hmm I dont know then any other PSU good for powering 1 miner, can someone help me?

here are  photos of 1 cable into 2 pcie plugs this will over heat--------------- notice I leave one plug empty. I use the  second plug for a gridseed blade

I can point out quite a few good psu's for you.  just let me know the country you live in.  

(if you are in the usa I have 4 or 5 good ones I could send one to you)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/538/hs2dTI.jpg

second shot

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/539/IoyqjA.jpg

Take a look at that table, find the PSUs with 2 PCIe, and enough power. Plenty of choices.

I originally deviated from my corsair cx500's that I used for the S1 and bought some sentry 750w due to the "4 pcie" but those POS won't even power one s3 when hashing starts (it powers off).  They would only power half the s3.   I am now powering my s3's with some cx500's.   My s1's have been running on the same supplies for months... Four are using cx430 which were slightly modified...

Ok, is VS650 good to power 1 S1? Because S1 needs only 1 4pin connector as far as I remember..

Your memory is failing you, then :)

PCI-e connectors are 6 pin or 6+2 pin.

The S1 requires 2 6-pin PCI-e connectors.  1 per blade.
The S3 at stock speeds requires the same - 2 6-pin PCI-e connectors.  1 per blade.  If you are lucky enough to get your S3s with "good" DC/DC converters, you *might* be able to stably over clock them.  If you do over clock, Bitmain states you need 4 6-pin PCI-e connectors per unit (2 connectors per blade).

As for a PSU, if you're going to power only a single S3 and not over clock it, just look for one that is at least 500W and has 2 separate PCI-e cables.

I recommend the EVGA 1300 G2.  It has 6 PCI-e cables with a total of 8 PCI-e connectors (2 of the cables are doubles).  You can easily power 3 S3s at stock clocks with it.  If you under clock and under volt your S3 (not sure if the pencil mod trick works on these like it did the S1) and can get them to around 275 - 300W each, then that same PSU will drive 4 units.

Ok I understand, but I have seen 4pin PCIe connectors, they do exist right?

So can EVGA 1300 G2 run 3 non overclocked S3 miners without problems? If so I will go for this one then. Then I will need just 1 more PSU to power 1 S3 on its own..

You've probably seen 4 pin molex to PCI-e adapters.  As far as I know, all PCI-e connectors are either 6 or 8 (as a 6+2 setup) pins.

Yes, the EVGA 1300 G2 will run 3 S3s with no problems whatsoever.  At stock clocks, they each draw 340W from the wall, so 1020W total, which is well within the range of the EVGA.

Can i use a Thermaltake Hamburg 530 Watt PSU for an Antminer S3 ?

No. You have either seen 4-pin Molex connectors, or 4 pin ATX 12v connector. They are not interchangeable because the shapes of the little pins are different. Pictures here http://www.buildcomputers.net/power-supply-connectors.html

Yep. Without overclocking (since this PSU has only 2 PCI-E 6+2 pin connectors). But if you obtain two molex-to-PCI-E(6 or 6+2 pins) adaptor, you'll be able to overclock your S3 too. But do not expect too much overclocking, 'cause this PCU can provide maximum 456W power at 12V line.

Ok, is there any other good PSU to power 1 S3? Corsair VS650 is not good then as it has 2 8PINs on 1 cable?

Thanks Rabinovitch,

i understand. What is the best and the cheapest choice for the S3 ?
Which PSU should i buy ?

I have a VS650 powering an S1.

For a month it powered an overclocked S1 (~400W) through 1 cable with 2 PCI-E connectors. The PCI-E wires were running rather hot, barely tolerable to touch. After a month I added additional wires with a couple of 2-molex-to-PCI-E connectors, it dropped the wire temp, and the PSU has been working fine for about five months since.

So, VS650 should be fine for a single stock clock S3 (~350W). And adding a couple of 2-molex-to-PCI-E connectors would allow for overclocking and/or give you additional safety margin.

I believe there are several good PSUs, for example Zalman ZM600-GLX, SeaSonicSS-660XP2 (even better because of 4 PCI-E 6+2 connectors), Chieftec APS-650CB... You can give me a link to your preferable shops and I will help you to choose right PSU. ;)
Well, IMHO not the best solution, but why not? At least if you plan to power only one S3 with this PSU and if there is no other PSU available... See the mutex's message above. )
- you are welcome!
Please provide me with link to your lovely shop where you suggest to buy it. )

Common recomendations can be as follows:
1) One 12V bus (if possible);
2) 2 PCI-E 6(+2) pins power connectors (4 if possible - we NEED to overclock such kind of hardware...);
3) 450 W and above (I don't know exactly power consumption of overclocked S3; PSU power should not be more than 600-650 Wt for only one S3);
4) 80 plus certificate (higher is better...).

Always strive to connect power cables to all 4 S3's connectors.

 Can Seasonic SS-1250XM run 3 non overclocked S3 Antminers  without problems?
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=309
8 PCI-E separated power cables 
+12V  104A

Sure it can. But even if you do not plan to overclock them - it would be better to connect all power connectors (use cable adaptors).

what about this psu?

http://www.ebay.es/itm/IBM-Blade-Center-DPS-2000BB-A-2000W-39Y7359-39Y7360-Netzteil-PSU-/310977267813?pt=PC_Netzteile&hash=item4867b08865

dont you need also a board or something to be able to connect it to the S3??

What do you say to these PSU ?

http://www.ebay.de/itm/550-Watt-Corsair-CS-Series-Modular-80-Gold-/331250683911?pt=PC_Netzteile&hash=item4d20145007

You will need some form of breakout to connect them to antminers. Sidehack has a board coming for them, and thats a dam high price for that PSU.

whats a good prize then for that psu?? im from europe so i cant find here i think the prizes you have in USA :(

Check similar thread for Antminer S 1
the power supply is capable of running 2 antminers S1 so can do the same with S3

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=518013.msg5852850#msg5852850

http://minersource.net/products/delta-dps2000w-server-power-supply
Even with international shipping should come out cheaper than the ebay link, and we will have the boards in stock as soon as they are available.

i dont think so :(

Prize is GREAT, 39,99 PSU, but delivery.... 85.38 $ cheapest one for spain.... :( i think i will have to find it here in europe.

And there´s no way to buy those boards here in europe also???. because delivery to spain is so expensive

The delivery cost would be much cheaper for multiple units, I think its only an extra $5-10 per PSU after the first. The boards are manufactured here in the US so there is not EU option to buy the boards right now, sorry.

and i think i would have to pay also customs maybe. Arggggg i will have to move to the USA ;D ;D

What about this one?? cheap, 900w, modular:

http://www.pccomponentes.com/tacens_valeo_v_900w_80_plus_silver_modular.html

Tacens Valeo V 900W 80 Plus Silver Modular

http://fotos.pccomponentes.com/fuentes_alimentacion/tacens_valeo_v_900w_80_plus_silver_modular.jpg

I will look at it.  my spanish is un poco but I will make an attempt


I did a google translation
http://www.pccomponentes.com/tacens_valeo_v_900w_80_plus_silver_modular.html






the single 12v  rail is 612 watts  that means 1 machine for sure not 2.

Buy at least gold grade and above. Silver is no way..

i have right now 2 of this PSU and perfect

Corsair CX750M 750W 80 Plus Bronce Modular

http://fotos.pccomponentes.com/fuentes_alimentacion/corsair_cx750m_750w_80plus_bronce.jpg

Yes. S3 is only 366W. A 650w PSU can safely run one.

That thing may call itself 900W but it's more like a 650W PSU.  The 12V only puts out 51A, 51A*12V = 612Watts

This Seasonic Gold 650W puts out 54A.

A Seasonic 650 beats that "900" watt imposter.  You get what you pay for.

Prefer seasonic 1250-x, you can run 2 with the 1 power supply..

Tacens Valeo V Power Supply 900W 80 Plus Silver Modular damaged with two s3

Yeah, it would. Read the DrG's post above. You need to look for single rail highest current. That's what matters. Two s3s initially spike to 850W and your PSU will most likely burn especially when power efficiency is not good.

Thats because its silver grade.

Please stop giving incorrect information to new people.  That makes 2+ people who are now incorrect (or stupid).

The +, 80+, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum ratings on PSUs are somewhat arbitrary and maufacturers fudge (make up) their ratings.  A Seasonic Bronze (which is lower than Silver) that puts out 800W could easily handle 2 S3s.  If it was an 850 it could handle both overclock. A Seasonic Silver 850W would be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151083 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151083)

What matters is the manufacturer of the PSU.  Seasonic is like the Mercedes Benz of PSUs. The rating just tells you roughly what to expect from the AC/DC conversion efficiency.

I've got a couple of CX430m PSu's with 3 pcie 6pin outputs but I'm struggling to find 6 pin female to female pcie cables.
loads of extensions that are male - female, for sale but not female to female

The sockets on my psu are female and so are the ones on the S3.
Any ideas?   ???


ALSO - I've heard that not all PCIE sockets are wired the same on PSU's is that right?
E.g.  even if I find the right fitting cable it might not be wired right?

Thanks.

i have a question can i run s3+ with cooler master thunder 80+ with 2x 12v powerrail

i am in desperete need for an answer..pls help guys

I had to google the Thunder and it looks like it a 500W model with 2 rails.  As long as you run each rail to a board it should be OK.  it has 24A on rail 1, 21A on rail 2.  If you can't figure out which line is a separate rail then you should buy one of the other PSUs listed in this thread to avoid issues.

Yes but don't overclock, this power supply only have 408 watt on 12v.
http://www.coolermaster.com/powersupply/thunder/thunder-500w/