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.
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).
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?
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…
Or hardcore gamers thinking of rail guns? 
This is an excellent insight and bears repeating in basically any thread about consumer products.
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.
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.
Sad part is, it would sell like hotcakes.
Oops, thanks for the clarification. I was just remembering off the top of my head… :smack:
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.
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.
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.)
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.
Awesome, thanks. So it is somewhat related to the third rail in the subway–cool.
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.
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.
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
*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.