Unusual physical size of PSU - recommendations please

[Gelert]

Greetings.

I came across this forum whilst searching for hints on how to adjust my Win7 Lappy to how I want it:
e.g. change the appearance of the Start Button / fix AutoRun issues of an external USB Drive / etc.
Massive thanks to all of the unsung heroes, for the help / downloads: - now my Win7 64-Bit Samsung Lappy is just perfect...!

Meanwhile, due to a fundamental Hardware failure (Mobo) on my 9-year old XP Pro set-up, and it's time to buy and build a new Desktop.

I have a 3-Unit 19" Rackmount Case that houses the existing XP hardware, and I would like to continue to use the case, but replace / update the Hardware in preparation for a 64 Bit Win7 install.

Aside from the height of any graphics card (if any) that I end-up choosing, the space restriction means that I can't fit a standard-size ATX PSU.

Now, please treat me gently here, because the last time that I thoroughly researched PSUs was back in 2004/2005.
So - I'm sort of assuming that ATX and ATX+ are still "the norm" when it comes to Mobo Connectivity...

My existing PSU is a 600 watt SS-600H2U APFC: dimensions are 215mm long x 100mm wide x 70mm high.
There is a newer version of this 600 watt Seasonic "Server"-styleé PSU, ergo the SS-600H2U APFC F0 80+.
Which I can obtain for circa £102-158 dependant on where I buy it:
Power Supply
Buy Computer Power Supply 600W Computer Power Supply, 90 to 264V ac Input, 3.3, 5, ±12V dc Output Seasonic SS-600H2U APFC F0 80+ online from RS for next day delivery.
Amazon.com: Seasonic SS-600H2U 600W Power Supply: Computers & Accessories

And so to my question [thanks for reading so far, btw...! ]
Has anyone got any experience of these "Server Style" PSUs...?
And has anyone any recommendations for any available suitable alternatives...?
That will fit in the same "footprint"...

FYI: My new Desktop PC will be, I hope, a Win7 64-Bit Home Premium set-up.
Used mainly for Web-Surfing / Excel & Word & Outlook / a little bit of YouTube & live Motor-Racing viewing.
I'm not a "Gamer" unless you count Freecell (wtf have that done to THAT in Win7, ffs?).
I've not decided on the mobo / CPU yet - further research required, yet time is on my side.
However, 600 watts should be plenty enough for my needs, IMHO.
But, unusually perhaps, as is the case here, the limiting factor isn't finance or power but physical footprint.

Thanks for reading, and all recommendations gratefully received.

Regards,
Gelert.

 

[Mellon Head]

I've had experience with server style PSUs and usually, they are pretty reliable. Seasonic is a good brand to choose as their supplies tend to be quite reliable as well.

The only thing that I might be worried about in your case is that the server style supply has the same connectors for a standard motherboard. In my experience, this is usually so, but in this case, according to the datasheet, there is no 12V CPU connector on the 600W model that you're looking at:



Most standard motherboards these days require a 12V CPU connection. If this supply doesn't have one, then the PC won't boot with a standard MB. You could try getting a server MB for it, but unfortunately they tend to run at a premium price.

I'm hoping the datasheet on this item is actually wrong in this case. I can't see why the supply doesn't have a 12V CPU connector... It also doesn't have SATA power connectors or a PCIe power connector for a graphics card. It may be wise to look at a different supply, or contact Seasonic and see if they have a similar unit with the needed connectors. I notice that the 400W model has all of the needed connectors. It may be a better choice if you don't need a heavy duty graphics card, or have a lot of drives.

 

[Gelert]

Thanks for the reply, Mellon Head...
...and a good catch...!

My original 600 watt version does have the 12vDC CPU Connector, I believe (4-pole Molex?) ...and so I sort of assumed... (Aaarrgghhh!....)

I'm at work 'till Thursday night - so I'll give Seasonic a call / email and clarify on Friday.

Call me stupid though, but couldn't I just run a 12vDC supply to the "Mobo CPU" input from another 12vDC PSU Output...? Making sure that I balance the load(s) correctly, natch.
As an electrician (17th/PLC/Automation), I'm not scared of a smidge of re-wiring: I've access to Molex crimps/connectors etc of various flavours.

Or does the 12vDC CPU Supply feed-back to the PSU in some way (load-sensitive?), thus rendering any re-allocation of 12vDC resources a non-starter...?

Love the Signature BTW. How true is that!!

 

[Mellon Head]

Call me stupid though, but couldn't I just run a 12vDC supply to the "Mobo CPU" input from another 12vDC PSU Output...? Making sure that I balance the load(s) correctly, natch.
As an electrician (17th/PLC/Automation), I'm not scared of a smidge of re-wiring: I've access to Molex crimps/connectors etc of various flavours.

Or does the 12vDC CPU Supply feed-back to the PSU in some way (load-sensitive?), thus rendering any re-allocation of 12vDC resources a non-starter...?

Interesting idea. I don't see any reason that it wouldn't work, though I would be hesitant to try it. As far as I know, its just two pairs of wires, two for+12 VDC and two for ground. Some motherboards require 8 wires. I don't think there is any load sensing involved, it's just straight voltage.

That being said, I think I would try it with an old motherboard and CPU that didn't matter. Just to be on the safe side.