Lightweight, powerful and durable PSUs, are there any? Price and size largely irrelevant

[prof_kerfuffle]

I'm planning on building a portable demanding system, which will be lugged around a lot, and the major weight contributor is currently the psu.

The system will preferably feature dual gfx cards as well as a ssd raid setup, so preferably a unit with higher wattage capacity.

I realize good psus usually feature larger and heavier components, so this might be a tricky combo, but I figure I'd check.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

What sort of power are you talking about? 600W, 1200W????

 

[prof_kerfuffle]

What sort of power are you talking about? 600W, 1200W????

I figure above 650W, but as high as possible. I may adapt the other components if there's only lower wattage options.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Thanks, another clarifying question. Approximately how many kg/lb is your existing supply (heavy and high are so subjective) so we know what you are living with?

 

[prof_kerfuffle]

Thanks, another clarifying question. Approximately how many kg/lb is your existing supply (heavy and high are so subjective) so we know what you are living with?

The psus I've used in my systems over the years have usually been standard higher end psus (around 750W), which I guess have weighed around 3kg, not sure really, as it's not usually a factor you consider, and which you often don't see listed.

Sorry about the ambiguity in regards to weight and wattage, I'm just aiming for as high wattage and as low weight as possible, which is why I haven't specified anything, but if I could've picked the ideal one it would've been <1kg and around 900W (gold efficiency and above).

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The shipping weight of the PSU will give you a clue as to the weight of the PSU itself, if it is not mentioned in the specifications.

The laws of physics are operating against you. For that power, you need good heat-sinks and cooling, which requires weight unless expensive and exotic cooling systems and materials are used (did I mention expensive?) Even components at that power level are reasonably heavy.

The only PSUs I know of in that range, that I would consider using myself, weigh about 3kg

 

[prof_kerfuffle]

For that power, you need good heat-sinks and cooling, which requires weight unless expensive and exotic cooling systems and materials are used (did I mention expensive?) Even components at that power level are reasonably heavy.

What kind of cooling systems are we talking? I'd be willing to spend up to around 600 euros for the psu in total (including cooling). Could go higher, but then it would have to be very long lasting.

Edit: (If the cooling system is part of a general system cooling setup, I'd be willing to spend quite a bit on it).

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I don't know of anything in computers. I was thinking of supplies and coolers used in scientific instruments like small magnetic resonance machines.

We are outside my competency at this power/weight for computers.

 

[prof_kerfuffle]

Hm, perhaps need to compromise on the graphics cards in that case and try to find low power ones.

If I can get the consumption down to 450W-600W, does anyone know of a good reliable light weight one? Preferably >1kg

There are some sfx options like:

Silverstone SX600-G
(1.45 Kg)
http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=524&area=en

FSP Group FSP450-60GHS(85)-R 450W Micro ATX12V 80 PLUS BRONZE
(2.31 lbs)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104132

Athena 600W / 800W
(2.25kg/?)
http://athenapower.com/product/power-supply/micro-sfx/ap-mp4atx80fep8#

If possible I'd like three pci-e connectors.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I am using the 450 watt Silverstone.

Here is a review of the 600W SFX

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/SilverStone-Strider-Plus-600-W-ST60F-PS-Power-Supply-Review/1751/13

And heres a review of a 400W Athena SFX

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=281