Dual Power Supplies?

[jch216]

I was just looking at one of the many links that JP has floating around the forums and saw a system that had two power supplies. Would this be an alternative to buying a bigger more expensive power supply if your original power supply was under powering the system?

midgrade psu + midgrade psu = 1 super big expensive psu?


Do I have it wrong? If so, why would you bother with a dual psu set-up?


EDIT:

This is the link with the dual psu system. (Thanks JP)

http://www.speedy3d.com/articles/case_mod_p3/01.shtml

I don't know the link, but it's probably for redundancy.

I have an old Tyan dually board w/ two PSU hook-ups.

I believe it shares some of the load, but is really for if one fails.

It's kinda like having dual CPU's, you don't double the power, just gain about another 50%.

After seeing the link, they're just hooking up a second PSU for more power to apply to other drives, lights,fans, etc . . .

It's still not one big CPU, just more power for more stuff!

[jch216]

Yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking. You would relieve some of the load on one psu by running a lot of your goodies with the other psu.

I believe I would have room in my case for a second psu behind the first if the second one were turned onto its front with the wires hanging strait down. I would have to mod the rail that goes acrossed the top though (chieftec dragon case).

I would say most "modders" put in two PSU's, one for the PC stuff, the other for lights and gadgets.

[Brainchild]

It won't add to the output (wattage) of the psu.

looks like a good mod if ya have a low power system,and need more plugins
Like I have a couple of extra PSUs lying around,might try it ,and add some lights,fans ect.

[JPMiller]

It is a very useful mod, but it wont fix the problem of a poor power supply.
To find out if the mod would help first download and run Aida32 or Sandra to see what your voltages are at now. Record them and then take an extra power supply and short it like this.
set it next to or on top of your computer with the side off. Unplug all fans and unnecessary peripherals from your computer and hook them up to the extra power supply instead. Turn on your computer and plug in/power up the extra power supply at same time.
Run Aida32 or some other program that checks your voltages and see if it has made a difference to the original no#s.
If it doesnt bring them closer to spec then it wont do you much good unless you just want more "pimp" gear.
here is another good article on power upgrades.
http://www.overclockers.com/tips1027/