Help identifying what connections this power supply has

[Sparktown]

I'm researching power supplies for my first system build. I'm finding them pretty confusing.

I was looking at this modular PSU. However, I can't figure out what connections it really has. Am I even saying that right? I'm referring to the power sockets on the PSU itself, not the cables. What are those sockets called? Connections? Ports?

I plan to install 2 SATA harddrives (possibly even 3), a DVD Player (which I assume will also be SATA). I will have an i5 CPU, one graphics card (which will probably need additional power) and a wireless card (which I am pretty sure normally don't need additional power from the PSU?).

The specs on the website seem to say the PSU has 9 SATA connections, but image looks like it only has 3 SATA Connections, 2 PATA connections, 4 VGA connections (what are those???), 2 EPS for the CPU, and 1 ATX for the motherboard. Can someone help me back sense of all this? Thanks.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Don't buy it , not a good power supply.

 

[terry4536]

Here is a better power supply at 650 watts.

SeaSonic SSR-650RM 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118

Another option.
XFX XTR Series P1-650B-BEFX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC With Full Modular Cables $80

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207031

 

[volcanoscout]

Short answer - this PSU has all the connectors you need.

The 3 SATA connections on the PSU are for the 3 SATA cables, each of which has 3 connectors on it. If you have three drives in a stacked drive bay, you can use one SATA cable to connect all three to one SATA connection or port on the PSU.

The 4 VGA connections are for the 4 PCIe (6+2 pin) cables that connect to your GPU (VGA). Depending on your GPU, you might only need one of these.

The two EPS connections are for the 4+4 pin CPU power cable. PSU comes with two, but you'll only need one.

The 2 PATA connections are for the 4 pin power cables for peripheral components. The two cables have three connectors each.

 

[volcanoscout]

Terry and SR-71 are both right - that PSU isn't that great. Here are four alternatives that are more expensive, but you get what you pay for. They're all fully modular also. If you check the PSU Tier List below, you'll get a feel for how they rank as far as quality and dependability. Shoot for a Tier 1 or 2 if you can afford it. May save you a lot of time and trouble down the road.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/compare/corsair-power-supply-rm650%2Cevga-power-supply-220g20750xr%2Cseasonic-power-supply-m12ii620bronze%2Cxfx-power-supply-p1650bbefx/

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

It's a very unstable power supply.

 

[terry4536]

In general, the connectors are fine tuned to the wattage of the power supply.

The power cable requirements of the graphics card are the only cabling limitations for the power supply (in general). The graphics card is the biggest power draw on most gaming systems.

 

[Sparktown]

Short answer - this PSU has all the connectors you need.

The 3 SATA connections on the PSU are for the 3 SATA cables, each of which has 3 connectors on it. If you have three drives in a stacked drive bay, you can use one SATA cable to connect all three to one SATA connection or port on the PSU.

The 4 VGA connections are for the 4 PCIe (6+2 pin) cables that connect to your GPU (VGA). Depending on your GPU, you might only need one of these.

The two EPS connections are for the 4+4 pin CPU power cable. PSU comes with two, but you'll only need one.

The 2 PATA connections are for the 4 pin power cables for peripheral components. The two cables have three connectors each.

Wait, so a single SATA cable that plugs into one SATA socket (is "socket" the right word for it?) on the PSU actually has 3 connection plugs!? So one cable can provide power for three SATA drives? It's also the same for PATA cables? Is this true universally or just for this specific PSU?

Do the rest of the sockets, cables and connections just connect one device per one cable per one socket? In other words, would I be able to power multiple devices with one cable on any of the PSU sockets? Universally or just for this PSU? Thanks.

--Updated--
Just did some reading specifically about modular PSU cables - so do modular PSU cables have a universal standard? Aside from less cables to work around, one of the big draws of modular PSUs for me was that if I damaged a cable, I could just get a new cable. However, it sounds like there really isn't a standard for PSU cables, so if I needed a new cable I would have to get replacement cable directly from my PSU manufacturer (assuming they sell them). Is that right??

 

[Sparktown]

It's a very unstable power supply.

Wow, thanks. Message received. Sounds like I a dodged a bullet. Didn't realize it was that bad. How do you guys know its bad? Reviews? Reputation? The way the voltage/amps are set up?

I'm looking at some of the suggestions people posted. I probably don't really need a fully modular 80+ Gold PSU, I just found that one at a really good price (now I know why).

I've generally been looking at 550-600W (although I maybe could get by with 500W on the build I'm considering...). I would like 80+ . Fully modular is nice, but semi modular could also be okay. In truth, it probably doesn't have to be modular. It's my first build and it just sounded like a modular PSU might things easier.

 

[volcanoscout]

Yes, one cable can provide power for three SATA drives. Not all PSUs come with these cables (or capacity) but they're not unusual.

The cables that come with a single connector are usually designed and rated to power a single device. Some devices, like high-power video cards may require two power cables.

Modular ATX PSUs have standard pin-outs at the device/mobo end of the cable. The pin-outs at the PSU end vary. You don't want to replace a cable with a non-stock one without checking the specs first.

Modular PSUs are nice because you can just use as many cables as you need without cluttering up the case with cables that you don't have connected to something. Also, when building your system, it gives you more options for routing your cables rather than being forced to feed the cable from one end.

The ratings are based on a compilation of technical reviews. They're rated based on their quality of build, quality of power transmission, and durability. The 80+ ratings tell how efficient they are in transporting power from the wall to the system, but it's possible to have a PSU that's more efficient rank lower than one that's less efficient but more reliable.