Using HP's Server Dual/Redundant PSU's (2-4 PSU's) - Ultimate PSU Setup???

[Semp123]

Like many others I'm using HP's server PSU's combined with a simple breakout board off eBay to power most of my rigs. They work great and I'm much happier with them than I was with my previous ATX PSU setup's (noise isn't an issue to me).

I'm now trying to figure out if its possible to combine these PSU’s together as they are setup in HP’s server’s. When connected in a server these PSU’s can load balance between each other, or be set to redundant mode (two pick up load, other two sit in standby, etc.). You can switch between these modes in the BIOS. I’ve never played with this myself, this is just what I’ve read.

I’m not really interested in the redundancy so much, but being able to combine these and potentially run 4x1200W HP PSU’s load balanced together would be sweet!

I’ve seen items on eBay like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/382150619670, and read a thread from here about them, but people seem to claim they are only good to around 1600W and then give up. Either they’re not load balancing correctly, or the circuitry just cant handle the high wattage.

Thread from here for reference: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2642269.0

Has anyone tried to use the power backplane board from an HP server to do this? They can be picked up on eBay cheap.

Something like these:

- https://www.ebay.com/itm/152917620782
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/152830082162
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/112166359494

Last one looks like it would require some tinkering with a multimeter to figure out how to turn it on with all the PSU’s connected, and some work with a soldering iron to attach 12v/ground wires.

I have zero clue if any of them would automatically load balance when connected or if this would be a complete failure. The fact that the different modes are usually controlled by the servers BIOS makes me think this may not really work.

Thoughts/ideas/comments please!

Thanks all.

[cashen]

I don't like using the server PSUs.

I use all Bitman PSUs.

[Semp123]

I don't like using the server PSUs.

I use all Bitman PSUs.

Good for you.

How does that help me or contribute to the thread?

[cod3gen]

I have some of those backplane boards from HP(462954-001). I have not been seeing so much at them, but off course it will be possible to turn on two psu`s with that. I believe it will require some circuitry to regulate the voltage on both PSU`s to ensure good load balancing(think thats whats wrong with those crappy 2.4kw Chinese boxes, i have one of those 2). However, ive not had the use of this, and it will only work for MAX ~1500w on a part like 462954-001, i dont think that the PCB traces will handle much more, they are still meant for 1200w, only to be redundant.

Maybe try getting your hands on those 2.4kw HP PSUs. I have 2, wish i got more of them when they where for sale because those are great units. Really hard to get at the moment. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/208V-2400-Watt-Power-Supply-Kit-For-2-Avalon-6-721-Platinum-94-Efficiency-/232169753937

[Semp123]

Thanks for the reply cod3gen,

I've seen those 462954-001 boards online too, but they look quite basic. The three boards I linked to above are different and look like they may already have the necessary circuitry to load balance correctly themselves.

I think I'll order one of each and see what I can do.

No doubt those 2400W PSU's are the way to go, but they look to be almost impossible to find now. I'll keep a close eye out for them though.