# Compgeeks: Is one power supply as good as another? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 21, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231 "2011-04-21T14:33:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/21 "2011-04-21T16:42:05Z")
Rails are usually indicating how many 12v rails there are in a PSU. Some have one, some have multiple. Each has a max amp rating, so if you have a multi-rail system and you draw too many amps through one rail, it’ll overload the PSU. Single rails are what I usually see more highly recommended as the single rail has a high amp rating vs. multi-rail with smaller amp ratings per rail. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/22 "2011-04-21T16:45:18Z")
And yes, the Japanese caps are better if the PSU states it uses them. There are also solid-state caps, but not sure if these are used in PSUs or not (they may just be available in smaller load ratings like on MBs). ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/23 "2011-04-21T16:51:38Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > Rails are usually indicating how many 12v rails there are in a PSU. Some have one, some have multiple. Each has a max amp rating, so if you have a multi-rail system and you draw too many amps through one rail, it’ll overload the PSU. Single rails are what I usually see more highly recommended as the single rail has a high amp rating vs. multi-rail with smaller amp ratings per rail. Right, I get how it’s used, I’m wondering where the term comes from. Is it a standard electrical term? My curiosity arose because I’ve only encountered the word in relation to power supplies. Does it refer to a particular, tangible component? Just to the concept? ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/24 "2011-04-21T16:54:30Z")
I honestly have no idea, sorry… WAG - maybe relating to the 3rd rail of a subway (as in power delivery system)? ETA - I didn’t completely read through your question the first time. Sorry… ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/25 "2011-04-21T16:58:28Z")
Or hardcore gamers thinking of rail guns? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/26 "2011-04-21T17:05:03Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > the problem with reviews on an e-store’s site is that people seem to post their review right after they get the part, but I’m not sure if too many think to go back and update it if the thing dies within a year. This is an excellent insight and bears repeating in basically any thread about consumer products. ---
**Author:** ![Palooka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/palooka/32/2902_2.png) [@Palooka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palooka)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/27 "2011-04-21T17:05:06Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > And yes, the Japanese caps are better if the PSU states it uses them. There are also solid-state caps, but not sure if these are used in PSUs or not (they may just be available in smaller load ratings like on MBs). I make this mistake all of time too, but it’s solid capacitor not solid-state. They use a solid material instead of a liquid electrolyte. It doesn’t dry out and, more importantly, doesn’t sometimes leak out and destroy the circuits below it. They also handle more heat. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/28 "2011-04-21T17:54:41Z")
I’ve built several computers over the years and the power supply is typically the first component to fail. Rather than the usual cheap piece-a-shit, for my last desktop I bought a Corsair. Expensive, but it’s performed great and it came with a really swanky black velvet bag with a drawstring. Why, I have no idea— I don’t see myself removing it and carrying it with me, as a general rule— but there’s something about a velvet bag that makes everything seem classier. In fact, I’m thinking of inventing a line of velvet dogshit bags for rich people. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/29 "2011-04-21T17:58:56Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > In fact, I’m thinking of inventing a line of velvet dogshit bags for rich people. Sad part is, it would sell like hotcakes. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/30 "2011-04-21T18:09:18Z")
> [@Palooka](#): > > I make this mistake all of time too, but it’s solid capacitor not solid-state. They use a solid material instead of a liquid electrolyte. It doesn’t dry out and, more importantly, doesn’t sometimes leak out and destroy the circuits below it. They also handle more heat. Oops, thanks for the clarification. I was just remembering off the top of my head… :smack: ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/31 "2011-04-21T18:17:45Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > If other people can also recommend the FSP **ZipperJJ** suggested, I’ll go with it. FWIW I linked to a brand page and not a specific model, as the model I had bought is no longer for sale. I would read the reviews on Newegg for better info than I can give you. And also, I was running it on a machine with a P4, nothing too fancy. But it did last through 3 years of 24/7 use, me smoking heavily and a hairy dog (so there was lots of dirt in it). It hasn’t died yet, but I retired that computer and built a new one with a Corsair PSU. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/32 "2011-04-21T19:05:31Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > FWIW I linked to a brand page and not a specific model, as the model I had bought is no longer for sale. I would read the reviews on Newegg for better info than I can give you. And also, I was running it on a machine with a P4, nothing too fancy. But it did last through 3 years of 24/7 use, me smoking heavily and a hairy dog (so there was lots of dirt in it). It hasn’t died yet, but I retired that computer and built a new one with a Corsair PSU. Another nod to Corsair (not exclusive to them and it can vary by model) is their warranty–_seven_ years. The PSU I just got is vastly overpowered for the current use, but as I cycle through machines I’ll be able to Frankenstein it into the next generation. Seven years is a few generations computer-wise; the PSU should (in theory) last through all of them. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/33 "2011-04-21T19:28:56Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > BTW, where does the term “rail” come from and what does it mean? I know what it is in the general sense, but have always been curious as to its origins and a more technical definition. one method of low voltage power distribution is to have a metal rail or bar with screws (terminals, jacks) along its length for each voltage level. you ran a wire and fastened under a screw/plugged to get that voltage. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/34 "2011-04-21T19:35:22Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > [This one](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182006&cm_re=350w_power_supply-_-17-182-006-_-Product) has a ton of good reviews and is only $30, but to me, it just _looks_ cheap and obsolete. Any experiences with Rosewill? > > I may just go with the Corsair if that’s what people are suggesting. For the discount brands, Rosewill is so-so. I’ve had excellent ongoing luck with Sparkle Power, though. Antec’s reliability has been…suspect, to put it mildly, for me. If I’m going expensive, I go with Zalman, Aerocool, or CoolerMaster, although I’ve heard good things about Corsair. (sysadmin for over a decade.) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Angel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/35 "2011-04-21T19:49:24Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > I’ve built several computers over the years and the power supply is typically the first component to fail. Similarly, in the decade-or-so that I’ve been building my systems, I’ve found that the power supply is usually to blame when something goes wrong. Furthermore, I have had much less trouble from my computers since I stopped dreaming of getting a decent power supply for less than $100. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/36 "2011-04-21T20:00:06Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > one method of low voltage power distribution is to have a metal rail or bar with screws (terminals, jacks) along its length for each voltage level. you ran a wire and fastened under a screw/plugged to get that voltage. Awesome, thanks. So it is somewhat related to the third rail in the subway–cool. > [@Vinyl Turnip](#): > > I’ve built several computers over the years and the power supply is typically the first component to fail. Rather than the usual cheap piece-a-shit, for my last desktop I bought a Corsair. Expensive, but it’s performed great and it came with a really swanky black velvet bag with a drawstring. Why, I have no idea— I don’t see myself removing it and carrying it with me, as a general rule— but there’s something about a velvet bag that makes everything seem classier. In fact, I’m thinking of inventing a line of velvet dogshit bags for rich people. The HX-750 just arrived. Not only does it have the velvet-esque bag, but the modular cables are in a heavy plastique pouch with a solid Velcro closure. I think they’re hoping we’ll re-purpose the bags and bring them to LAN parties or whatnot and get some advertising (they’re right, though I pack toiletries for Vegas). Or they just like to put nice touches on their packaging. I wonder how much of the cost went to that? Either way, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when installing it. Good marketing on their part. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/37 "2011-04-21T21:27:10Z")
Are you changing out any components other than the power supply? If you are upgrading the video card, for example, you may want to look at a larger PS. If all the other components are staying the same, then you should be good with staying at 350v Someone upthread mentioned bearings. I’ve found that cheap power supply often have cheap and noisy fans. That may nor may not be a problem for you. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/38 "2011-04-21T22:27:05Z")
> [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](#): > > Are you changing out any components other than the power supply? If you are upgrading the video card, for example, you may want to look at a larger PS. If all the other components are staying the same, then you should be good with staying at 350v > > Someone upthread mentioned bearings. I’ve found that cheap power supply often have cheap and noisy fans. That may nor may not be a problem for you. Nothing else is changing unless I find out I need more RAM. ---
**Author:** ![pdunderhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4bbf92/32.png) [@pdunderhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pdunderhill)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/39 "2011-04-21T23:40:24Z")
Hello good people, Agent Foxtrot can I ask you what’s actually inside that box you call a PC? I don’t mean to be difficult but there are some combinations that will need a 1000w+ Power Supply Unit, and there are little HPs and Dells that could be powered by 150w PSUs. PSUs have a nasty habit of taking out, (killing), anything attached to them when they go to Valhalla, so prepare for the worst. I’d advise this to anyone reading Backup, Backup and Backup again. Get a DVD/R and make a copy of My Documents. I realize that not everyone is using MS or even XP but this in theory should apply to about 70% of all of us upright apes. Failing this, then question [micromart.co.uk](http://micromart.co.uk) ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231/40 "2011-04-22T03:34:32Z")
\*_pdunderhill,_ I think it’s safe to assume that if the one he’s replacing was 350W he won’t have to replace it with a kilowatt unit. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compgeeks-is-one-power-supply-as-good-as-another/579231.md?page=3)