Solved What's my REAL Total Power Comsumption?

[tephen04]

Hello to everyone!

I need help in getting the total power consumption of my PC (please see My System for my pc details). I PSU just blown up and I don't know why.. I sent it for service and while I am waiting, I need to assure that after I reconnect my PSU, it will not blow up again.

Thanks for all that will help.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I've used this with good results.
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

 

[kbrady1979]

The only thing that sticks out to me is the fact that it has four 12 volt rails. Generally, a single 12 volt rail is preferred, but it looks like it has pretty good amperage output. As far as wattage, 650watts is more than enough for your system.

 

[tephen04]

@linnemeyerhere

Thanks for the link but I already used that and it appears that my PC only consumes 400+ watts, proving that PSU is more than enough.

@kbrady1979

Thansk for the response. If what you said is true, can you tell me, in your experience, what may be the reason why my PSU just blown up? The only reason I know is an overload, but in this case it isn't.

 

[TVeblen]

Depends what you mean by "Blown up"!
Some people use that term when a power supply just dies. But when a PS fails it can actually "blow up" (usually a capacitor popping) and even catch fire!

But in all 3 cases it can be a simple case of a faulty unit with one or more defective parts.

While it is possible to overload/overwork a too-small PS and cause it to fail prematurely, this would be hard to do in your system with a 650W supply.

One note: 4 rails = more complexity and more ways for a system to fail.

 

[kbrady1979]

Sometimes parts just go bad through no fault of your own.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

tephen04,
You may want to ask the repair tech their opinion. Let me ask if you allow dust to build in the system or are you regularly blowing out the rig? There just isn't any guarantee with complicated parts....sometimes they go out. May I also ask how much this repair is costing and will the servicing party be using quality Japanese oem parts? If not then you may want to consider a new PSU with a construction that meets your needs.

 

[tephen04]

@TVeblen

Sir, what do you mean by "4 rails = more complexity and more ways for a system to fail"? Does it mean that choosing a PSU with 4 rails over a single-rail PSU (e.g. +12V) is not a good decision? By the way, it actually blow up, although there is no fire or black smoke but there is the sound. Do you think that with my system, a 650-watt PSU is more than enough?

@kbrady1979

I hope so. I don't want to risk my whole system by using the same PSU..

@linnemeyerhere

Thw service cost is free-of-charge since I only bought it last 2 weeks. The technician can't give me a cause, they just decided to replace the item with a new one, with same specs, of course. There is a high chance that the replacement unit is the same with the problematic one..

 

[kbrady1979]

If you really don't trust it, we can show you some other options that are proven to be excellent PSU's.

 

[tephen04]

Sir, please show me the options. Although the best PSU I know is not available in my area (like Seasonic and Corsair).

 

[TVeblen]

There is much debate and discussion about the number of rails in a power supply. There are some people and some systems that can benefit from multiple rails, and some people who care less for them. It doesn't make them good or bad, just different. Multiple rails have a good purpose in modular power supplies.

But that does not change the fact that multiple rails make a power supply more complex than a single rail supply. If it is designed well and built with high quality parts it will perform fine. But a cheaper made supply could have more problems and more failures.

Your description indicates you had a high voltage capacitor blow. This happens occasionally even with good quality parts. Since you have a system under warranty, and they have replaced the power supply, I suggest going with that for a while. One time does not make a pattern. If you have any problems with the second supply though, then I would consider replacing it with something more reputable.

 

[tephen04]

Alright, so I will go with the replacement unit. I hope it will not happen again.. Thanks for all the info and help. I will make this thread SOLVED.

Thanks to all of you, SevenForums guys and members! You've been a great help to me since I joined here. THANKS!!

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I'm sure you'll be fine with the new replacement PSU. Sorry to hear about the limited options cause Seasonic is my fav of all but there are many great PSU's. I just look for the highest efficiency with the greatest power that comes with the best discount.