Which PSU to use for an Antminer S3+?

[Tpixelminer]

So, I'm considering buying a used antminer s3 and begin my journey into the bitcoin mining world. I think I'm almost ready to make a purchase but I'm still confused about which PSU I'll need. People have recommended the Corsair CX750M but is it possible I don't need a 750W PSU and instead a 500W PSU will work just as well. Thanks!

CX750M: http://www.corsair.com/en-us/cx-series-cx750m-750-watt-80-plus-bronze-certified-modular-atx-psu-na       

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[gt_addict]

You want the power consumption of the S3 to be 50% load on the psu for peak efficiency. So if the S3 is 350w you want a 700/750w psu. If you arentnworried about efficiency then you want at least 150-200w overhead on the psu as no psu likes to be run at 100%load.

[Tpixelminer]

Are you talking about power efficiency or hashing efficiency? And is there a downside to running a PSU at 100%?

[gecox22]

You don't want the PSU on max load all the time. You will burn it out and maybe your miner. Kinda like a car you keep it red lined all the time it will blow up. You want something like a 750 it will run for ever and not cost you as much in electricity it is all about power consumption the less consumption or electricity you pull the more profit you make. Granted if the power is free not a big deal you wont make much if anything if you are paying for power with a s3.

[gt_addict]

Hashing efficiency is set when the chip is manufactured. You can adjust how hard the chip works by set the frequency in the GUI. The harder you make it work the more electricity the miner will use.

[Tpixelminer]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. I appreciate your help 

[leowonderful]

For a cheaper PSU you can try a DPS800 and a breakout board. Not sure how much they are nowadays but I got mine about half a year ago for $35 and they're built like a tank + quiet. Their peak power is 800 watts 120 and 220+ is 1000 watts, and they are also 80+ rated IIRC.

[gecox22]

For a cheaper PSU you can try a DPS800 and a breakout board. Not sure how much they are nowadays but I got mine about half a year ago for $35 and they're built like a tank + quiet. Their peak power is 800 watts 120 and 220+ is 1000 watts, and they are also 80+ rated IIRC.

Really don't need a break out board just solder the connections to the PSU. Here Is a link how to do it. https://telavivmakers.org/index.php/Mini_CNC Even though break out boards are nice. But if you are going cheap just solder them on. Or solder two 10 gauge wires to the positive and negative and use those two wires to wirernut the connections.