Secondary PSU recommendations

[cicada]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a recommendation on an itty bitty power issue I've run up against.

Here's the deal, I've got two systems, in each:

• 2 x XFX 1GB 6950 (~200W each, 885 / 760 gpu/mem clocks)
• Sempron 140 (45W), undervolted and clocked down to 800mhz
• 1GB DDR3-1333, undervolted and clocked down to 400mhz
• 1x  Corsair HX750W 80+ PSU

At the socket, these guys each drew 435W max.

I picked up a few 5830's the last time they were in stock on newegg, and I'm adding 2 to each system.

I setup the first rig last night in it's new extender-equipped open air frame (yay!), everything working great, except I'm now drawing ~755W at the socket.

I know my Corsair can handle it just fine for a while, but obviously there's efficiency loss, the PSU got pretty warm, and I worry about long-term stability.  It seems I now need to supplement my power on these rigs to keep it all happy-good-times.


I figure I've got 3 options here:

1) Go big with an AX1200 in each rig... this is way outside my short-term budget

2) Throw in whatever PSUs I've got lying around to power the new 5830's - this is OK short-term but I leave a lot of efficiency on the table

3) Pick up a reasonably priced, 80+ supplementary PSU


This is where I'm stuck at the moment - #3 is likely my best option, but I've got little experience with smaller 80+ PSUs, I've never really had much concern for efficiency until now.  I'd love to pick up more of these Corsair HX750 PSUs but they're pretty pricey (~$145 USD each), and I don't think the load from just 2 5830's will keep another 750W at peak efficiencies.

So considering a budget of ~$150 total, can anyone recommend a pair of efficient PSUs, preferably somewhere in the 400-500W range?

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[cicada]

Supplement to this since I forgot to mention it - I'd rather not have a larger (750W+) PSU straddled between the two systems, though that would keep me on budget.  I don't particularly like the idea of 'crossing streams', or having to take down extra GPUs if I need to move a system.

[deslok]

I would consider one of these for each system.
 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5681047&CatId=1078

[cicada]

I would consider one of these for each system.
 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5681047&CatId=1078

Like that it's Active PFC.

Dislike that it's 75% efficiency.. blech.  My 'random PSUs lying around' can do this already.

[BkkCoins]

I'd look at adding a reasonably priced Corsair CX series to each. eg. CX430. I have a CX600 here and it's pretty nice and not too costly. They're 80+, like a little brother to a TX750 or TX850. They still have solid power and a decent warranty.

Did a quick search on newegg and see they're $35 with a rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=corsair%20cx430

There's review on jonnyguru.com on this unit if you want an inside look at performance.

[cicada]

I'd look at adding a reasonably priced Corsair CX series to each. eg. CX430. I have a CX600 here and it's pretty nice and not too costly. They're 80+, like a little brother to a TX750 or TX850. They still have solid power and a decent warranty.

Thanks

I looked over the review at Jonnyguru, it turns out that these PSUs were 'full of misinformation in the product specs', according to Corsair.  The big one there being that these are not actually 80+ certified!

That said, Jonny's review showed peak efficiency at 83%, and with only the 12V rail loaded the power-factor was 0.99!

They seem like a great option, I'll definitely keep them in mind.  Wish they were modular and 85%+ at peak, but that's asking quite a lot for a cheap <600W PSU

[deslok]

I found this once looking for a more docent version of the first over I suggested
 http://www.amazon.com/FSP-Booster-Certified-Crossfire-PCI-Express/dp/B002IZE5RE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311868654&sr=8-1
I found a review it's 85% efficient as per it's specs
 http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/PowerSupply/fsp_group_boosterx_5_psu/index_4.shtml

[BkkCoins]

I looked over the review at Jonnyguru, it turns out that these PSUs were 'full of misinformation in the product specs', according to Corsair.  The big one there being that these are not actually 80+ certified!

Gee. I'm not sure about that. I was just looking at the Corsair web site and I see that V2 models are 80+ Certified and the non-V2 don't have that indication. Maybe that causes confusion for people. I know the one I have is V2 but I don't know what's floating around in stores.

[cicada]

Gee. I'm not sure about that. I was just looking at the Corsair web site and I see that V2 models are 80+ Certified and the non-V2 don't have that indication. Maybe that causes confusion for people. I know the one I have is V2 but I don't know what's floating around in stores.

Way to pay attention to the details, you're totally right!

The V2 is fully 80+ certified, at ~300W it's 84.6% efficient with 0.99PF.  Amazing!

Efficiency seems to jump a percent or so when only loading the 12V rail, I expect I'd cross 85% just powering GPUs.

Considering I can get two of these for the price of that FSP addon supply, I think you found me my answer.