New PSU for dual Xeon server

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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bigred
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New PSU for dual Xeon server

Post by bigred » Sat Sep 06, 2003 4:25 pm

Hi, I’m planning on buying a quiet PSU for my Dual 2.66GHz Xeon server but I am confused about which would be best.

I am thinking that I will want 400+ watts because of the dual CPU's, the 6 IDE Hard Drive's, the 2 DVD/CD drives, and add-in cards. I realize that most average systems use ~150w, (mine uses 125 at most) but this one isn't average. The Dual CPU and Raid-5 array has me wondering what the requirements would be.

So far I'm looking at the SilenX 400w, the Seasonic Super Silencer 400w, and the Seasonic Super Tornado 400w.


What do you guys think?

limee
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Post by limee » Tue Sep 09, 2003 1:41 pm

You'd want to go with the Seasonic's, unless you can keep the case temp relatively low...not sure what the minimum temp would be to keep it inaudible either. The Super Tornado would be preferable over the Super Silencer. :D

bigred
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Post by bigred » Wed Sep 10, 2003 10:35 am

Okay cool. Thanks for the suggestion.
Anyone else have any input on this?

MikeK
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Post by MikeK » Wed Sep 10, 2003 10:15 pm

I play on buying the Super Tornado 400 or 350 when they come out

Ralf Hutter
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Post by Ralf Hutter » Thu Sep 11, 2003 3:49 am

Don't those server boards need one of those special server PSU's with the 24-pin ATX connector? That would take all of our special quiet PSU's out of the running......

bigred
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Post by bigred » Thu Sep 11, 2003 3:07 pm

Nope. Some server MoBo's let you use the standard ATX connector and a regular molex connector for 12v power.

Plus as and example the SilenX PSU's are Xeon compatible. (i.e. they have the 8pin 12v connector)

UrbanVoyeur
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Post by UrbanVoyeur » Thu Sep 11, 2003 10:50 pm

With a system like that running all the time with a load, 350-400 W may not be enough.

You might consider a 500-600 W PSU and quiet it down with temp controller fans.

I run 2 systems of dual P3's with 4+ hd ea, 2 DVD drives, other stuff. Even without the power hungry video cards, 350 W is barely enough.

With a full load and video cards, most 350's get very very hot. Some have shut down.

Your system will draw as much if not more power.

bigred
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Post by bigred » Fri Sep 12, 2003 12:58 am

Have you metered it in some way to check the draw?


Right now it looks like SilenX is in the lead. Its Xeon compat. and I've sort of got a credit with them. The only thing I'm worried about is the air flow. I am going to have 2 L1A panaflo's right above it for exhaust, and I'm worried that may create a "negative pressure" in the case.

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