Good PSU for testing purposes?

[Andy]

Would this make for a good PSU to have on hand for testing only?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046

Would that be a good power rating for most systems and would it work with computers from around 1999 and up?

 

[atlanticjim]

That is way more than adequate.

460W
1 x Main connector (20+4Pin)
1 x 12V(8Pin)
3 x peripheral
4 x SATA
1 x Floppy
1 x PCI-e

and dual +12 rails

(I should have this in my bench machine and use its crappy PS for testing.)

Get yourself one of these Testers too.

 

[Techie]

The CM 460 Elite is a premium power supply, I use one in my gaming rig and its rock solid.
I wouldn't use it for testing (overkill) any generic 12$ ATX PS should fit that bill, just check the rails beforehand to make sure they are in spec.

 

[Andy]

Being a premium PSU means it'll perform better and last longer.
$41 is fine if the thing will last for years and years

Would this be a better PSU?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=atx_power_supply-_-17-153-023-_-Product

Also, what are the 12V rails used for? And what would be the benefit in having 2 of them on a PSU?

 

[Techie]

No, I'd stick with the Elite 460, nothing is more stable or quiet at that price point.
I have 3 Coolermaster 460 Elites on my shelf, I use them for servers or when I build gaming rigs for clients, I've never had one come back.

In theory, a dual rail ps provides increased stability since the different components that draw power from the 12v rails do so at varying voltages. Dual rails will allow for a "balance" of the current draw so as to protect against a rail being unable to meet the neccessary output. In a nutshell, it should provide increased stability and safety, while running cooler since the rails won't be drawing as much power as a single rail.

Here's an interesting article on Single vs Dual Rails from another site. http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3990

 

[thor999]

Think modular if you have space concerns.

 

[lgtechcomputers]

I think the cooler master is a good choice.

I have generally bought the thermaltakes that are on sale @ newegg for testing\spare purposes.

However for replacing and myself, I use mostly OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, Corsair or Seasonic.

 

[weezon]

No, I'd stick with the Elite 460, nothing is more stable or quiet at that price point.
I have 3 Coolermaster 460 Elites on my shelf, I use them for servers or when I build gaming rigs for clients, I've never had one come back.

In theory, a dual rail ps provides increased stability since the different components that draw power from the 12v rails do so at varying voltages. Dual rails will allow for a "balance" of the current draw so as to protect against a rail being unable to meet the neccessary output. In a nutshell, it should provide increased stability and safety, while running cooler since the rails won't be drawing as much power as a single rail.

great info. it's not only the dual rails but the amps on the rails that makes a good power supply. and it's highly debated that two rails is better or more stable than one and I believe that is the reason you said in theory.