Antec 500 watt and HD6950?

Are you using the specs. listed on your page as the rig. your planning this for?
 
I highly suggest you go with a higher wattage for future proofing. Many say they won't, but overclocking and multi- gpu setup these days is too easy and if you so decide to do so, you won't be making another PSU purchase cause yours isn't up to par.
 
I'm mainly interested in whether or not this power supply will handle 6950(6970 bios) and an overclocked SB processor. If it's not then I'll worry about upgrading it, but if it will work I'd rather put the money I'd use to upgrade this PSU into something more performance oriented.
 
TooEasy! said:
Well, I can tell you this.....you can't go wrong with Antec as that's the only PSU I've been using for my personal builds cause not one has ever failed me. Not sure the price on that 500 watt, but this 650 watt is $69 free shipping at newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015
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Ah, see, I'm using this PSU from an existing computer so I'd rather not upgrade if I don't have to. Thanks for the recommendation though, I'll keep it in mind if this PSU isn't up to the task.
 
The SmartPower line of PSUs was prone to early failure due to a design flaw. I do not believe that your PSU is suitable for a modern high-end system. I strongly recommend that you replace it with a newer unit.
 
Oh yuck, that's an old smartpower 2.0....ancient. Obviously your caps turned out fine since you still have a working one, but poor efficiency, known cap problems on unlucky models, and extremely old. Go get a new psu immediately!
 
TruthInRuin said:
Ah, see, I'm using this PSU from an existing computer so I'd rather not upgrade if I don't have to. Thanks for the recommendation though, I'll keep it in mind if this PSU isn't up to the task.
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The SmartPower 2.0 500W unit has multiple problems that make it totally unsuitable for a modern system:

First of all is its combination of low-quality Fuhjyyu capacitors (that CWT, the manufacturer of the PSU in question, had specified for it) and a cooling fan that very seldom turns on at all. Put those two together, and you'll end up with a PSU that is prone to early death.

Second, it does not specify the total combined +12V capacity (it has one +12V wire with an OCP set at 17A and another +12V wire with an OCP set at 19A - and the common output source the two wires are connected to is unknown). For such PSUs, take the value of the lesser rail and then add 60 percent to that figure to determine the ballpark +12V combined capacity - in the case of the SP500, the combined +12V capacity turned out to be about 27A. (That is, if the caps had not deteriorated.)

Third, most SP500s lack an active PFC - this betrays the fact that it's an old design that's unsuitable for a modern system to begin with. Plus, its efficiency is relatively low even when it was new.

Lastly, the HD 6950, even unmodded and at stock, requires a PSU with at least 30A combined +12V output. Unfortunately, the Antec SP500 falls short of this minimum - only 27A combined on the +12V even when new. (The HD 6970 needs a PSU with at least 34A combined on the +12V.) NEVER, NEVER add up the amperages in "multi-rail" PSUs; it just does not work that way.
 
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I see, thanks for the information every one, a new PSU it is.

So on that note, any recommendations on a brand and output?

Obviously, something to handle a 6950(potentially with a 6970 bios) and as heavily an overclocked sandy bridge as I can get. I have no desire for cross-fire, or any elaborate raid setup. Would also like to keep it under $100.
 
For that kind of system, around 600W would be plenty. Here are a few options to take a look at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817116009
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817190027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Out of those options, my top pick would be the Antec Truepower New 650W. It's an excellent PSU, partially modular, and only $80 after the promo code.
 
Awesome, thank you. Went with the antec, as the one I'm using has served me well for years.
 
TruthInRuin said:
Awesome, thank you. Went with the antec, as the one I'm using has served me well for years.
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That particular Antec, like the rest of the TruePower New series, is made by SeaSonic. Therefore, it should be *way* better than that old CWT design.
 
You could also "go for the gold" and get the Seasonic X series. They have all been on sale lately. Just another suggestion for you.

I do like Antec as well. Back when they had all those problems they replaced not one, but two sets of PSU's not once, but twice due to failures. I had very good service from Antec in the past.
 
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