Choosing a PSU

[BitMainBuyer]

Folks, soon I will possess an S5. I am now looking to buy a PSU.

At some point in the future, it may be anywhere from 2-10 months, I will probably get another miner such as S7 etc.

Couple of questions -
1) Should I get a PSU that will support future miners? Ie. get something like a 1300-1500W PSU?
2) If yes, surely this will be overkill for a single S5 and will end up costing me more in electricity bills?
3) Should I instead get something like a 750W PSU and then later in the year buy another PSU if/when I need one?

Appreciate any thoughts.

[notlist3d]

Folks, soon I will possess an S5. I am now looking to buy a PSU.

At some point in the future, it may be anywhere from 2-10 months, I will probably get another miner such as S7 etc.

Couple of questions -
1) Should I get a PSU that will support future miners? Ie. get something like a 1300-1500W PSU?
2) If yes, surely this will be overkill for a single S5 and will end up costing me more in electricity bills?
3) Should I instead get something like a 750W PSU and then later in the year buy another PSU if/when I need one?

Appreciate any thoughts.

I personally would say get a quality PSU and save yourself some trouble.  It does not have to be some huge massive psu, but one from a good brand.  I personally like to get a PSU that would power 2X of the item.  In your case S5's, that way if I want I can order a second one and easily put it in.   

A quality PSU can last longer then one generation of miner's even.   So it can be considered a longterm investment.

That being said there is a recent change of a lot going with server PSU's.  With these you can get a quality PSU (in a lot of cases) cheaper then a ATX power option.  If you have a 220/240 I would seriously look into this option.

[alh]

Personally I think "overkill" is moderately appropriate when choosing a PSU for the long term. My understanding is that most current high quality supplies have a fairly wide efficiency band. There is absolutely no reason to load a PSU to 90% in order to make it efficient rather than say 60%. It will only draw what's required. Most high quality ATX supplies will run quieter when not fully loaded. There are tangible benefits:

- A higher quality supply will usually have better, possibly 16AWG cables to connect to the miner. Lower cost PSU may have lower quality (i.e. 18-20 AWG wire) cables.

- Generally they are more durable, and withstand unexpected demands better (temperature, etc).

- Should have better resale value later.

I expect that used Server supplies are very available, and can work well, though they tend to be noisy.

[BitMainBuyer]

That being said there is a recent change of a lot going with server PSU's.  With these you can get a quality PSU (in a lot of cases) cheaper then a ATX power option.  If you have a 220/240 I would seriously look into this option.

I believe the domestic supply in my location is 220/50hz so I will look in to these server psu's you mention.

It will only draw what's required. Most high quality ATX supplies will run quieter when not fully loaded.

When you say they only draw what's required, does that mean an electricity bill for an S5 would be the same across both a 750W and a 1500W PSU? Ie. does a larger PSU increase electricity costs?

[sidehack]

The rating on the PSU is what it can safely supply, not what it's always pushing. An S5 will draw around 600W, meaning that any PSU over 600W rated should, in theory, work (though running a PSU, especially a cheap one, at or near rated load for extended periods is almost guaranteed to burn it out). The particulars of how much it actually costs to run (power bills) are based on PSU efficiency, which is usually a fairly flat curve peaking in the middle of rated load and drooping maybe 3-5% at the upper and lower ends. So to get the best possible, you'd probably want to find a Platinum-rated (peak efficiency about 93-94%) PSU rated for 1200W, so your 600W S5 will sit right in the highest efficiency. Where I live, the difference between about 85% and 90% efficient for an S5 adds something like $30 a year to the power bill.

I also recommend taking a look at server PSUs. If noise isn't a problem (which I hope it isn't since the S5 is probably louder already than most server supplies) there are some really good efficient supplies to be found in the 750-1200W range from sellers here on the forum and they love running on 220V power.

[hedgy73]

I can recommend Corsair PSU's for running mining hardware if you're looking for ATX type. Most recently I've used CX500, CX600, CX750 (go for the M or modular because it saves on bundles of wires everywhere), RM1000's and AX1200's most of which I picked up on ebay for a good price, used for a few months then re sold them on ebay for the same money.

Branded PSU's are one of the few items associated with mining that doesn't depreciate in value that much as they will always have a good second hand resale value.

Also as already advised go for one that too big rather than too small, its better to have one with power in reserve than one running at its limits for 24/7 because it wont last very long.

Another thing worth considering is their efficiency rating. You can obviously get bronze, silver, gold and platinum rated PSU's with bronze being the cheapest to buy but least efficient and the platinums the opposite. Bronze are absolutely fine though for running mining hardware.

[philipma1957]

I say evga 1300 g2 or server psu's.

I think you are not in the USA so pricing and other rules vary.

The evga 1300 g2 can run 2 s-5's and has a 10 year warranty in the usa.

mine have run s-1's s-3's and s-5's

server psu's are cheaper and run loud, but s-5's are nut job crazy loud . think shop vac loud.

that's my 2 cents.

oh but the server and the evga will do 240 volt

[notlist3d]

So really it comes down to what type of electricity you have 110/120 or 220/240.    And also if you plan on expanding it appears from conversation.

If you plan on stopping at 1 S5 a lot of these are overkill.  But if you think chance of adding more getting a bigger PSU makes sense.   And no matter what get a decent brand or server psu.  It will make your life much easier.

[BitMainBuyer]

Sorry it took a while to respond to this guys.

Couldn't have asked for better responses!

My S5 is being shipped as we speak, and right now I'm looking to get something similar to the Corsiar CX750.

Now on to my next decision, quiet fans :-)

2x Noctua NF-P12 or 2x Scythe Ulta Kaze
or
use both w/ push/pull....

[Subw]

and right now I'm looking to get something similar to the Corsiar CX750.

Don't buy M (modular) version for mining

[BitMainBuyer]

and right now I'm looking to get something similar to the Corsiar CX750.

Don't buy M (modular) version for mining

Really? I thought I saw others recommending to get the M model...it helps with cabling or something..?

What do you think of this one? http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/thermaltake-black-smart-pc-power-supply-sps-630mpcbeu-7844753/i/

[defcon23]

hi , got some seasonics 1000w platinum ( several units ) and other models too..

just Pm me in case of interest 

Cheers !

[defcon23]

and right now I'm looking to get something similar to the Corsiar CX750.

Don't buy M (modular) version for mining

why please ? .. what is the issue with modulars psu's in mining case ?

[Subw]

CX750M only have 2 pci-e power cables and they are 18AWG and it is only bronze efficiency definitely not suitable for mining

[Subw]

and this PSU only rated for 30C intake temp for full power output - http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=416

[sidehack]

Actually, most server supplies are just fine for GPU rigs also, provided you have an external-on signal line which can kick on the supply along with your ATX. My breakout boards and I believe pmorici's do this. Heck, I got into server supplies by refitting them for automatic extra rails in GPU rigs.

Also, if he's looking for quiet fans for the S5 a server supply could easily be too loud. Something to consider.

[hedgy73]

Hi, take a look at Dogies PSU guide with specs: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=486121.0

I mentioned the Corsair modular PSU's which I have used to power S1's & S3's and they worked fine. I haven't had an S5 though.

I think you'd probably need the RM1000 from Corsair to power an S5 adequately and safely because they require 4 x pci-e connectors ( 2 for each board ).

Alternatively look at the other brands or server PSU's that people have mentioned.

[quakefiend420]

See sig for quality 1100w platinum PSUs that will run on 120V.  When they're not loaded near max they're actually fairly quiet.  The S5 itself will definitely be louder.

[notlist3d]

Hi, take a look at Dogies PSU guide with specs: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=486121.0

I mentioned the Corsair modular PSU's which I have used to power S1's & S3's and they worked fine. I haven't had an S5 though.

I think you'd probably need the RM1000 from Corsair to power an S5 adequately and safely because they require 4 x pci-e connectors ( 2 for each board ).

Alternatively look at the other brands or server PSU's that people have mentioned.

As far as PSU's you cant go wrong with RM1000's, EVGA Supernova 1300, even have one Rosewill Lightning 1300W.   None of these have ever given me a problem.  I have quite a few of the RM1000's at this point.

Keep in mind I use these as I had them here.   If your buying PSU's the current trend is to go for server grade ones over standard ATX.   If you have 220/240 this new wave will be especially beneficial to you.  

[BitMainBuyer]

Thanks very much for your input guys, appreciate it!

I have narrowed my search down to the following 2 PSU's -

Corsair CX750 (~$116)
Cougar GX1050 (used) (~$136) link - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817553008

Bear in mind these items are expensive where I'm located, hence above prices are a bit higher than you'd expect...

The Corsair is recommended by a lot on this forum, but the Cougar has some good reviews and is also Gold-rated