OCZ Powerstream 520W vs. 600W

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Gawd
Joined
Oct 10, 2002
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So i'm forced to buy a new PSU today because my Enermax decided to die on me. I have decided to buy an OCZ Powerstream PSU and have heard many good things about the 520w model, but not much at all about the 600W model. My supplier only has the 600w model in stock, so i'm just trying to see if its worth it.

And before you all start lecturing me on how watts dont matter ... I understand that, the nature of my question is that the 520w model has a single +12v rail @ 33A whereas the 600w model has two +12v rails @ 20A and 18A respectively. Based on experience would this dual rail setup be equivalent .. or better then the single rail on the 520w model? My system consists of many drives (6 hard drives, a dvd burner, dvd player, bunch of fans and other crap). Money is not an issue here ... (well I mean it is, but I am willing to pay the extra money for the 600w model assuming its at least .. and if not better then the 520w model)

Also, whats with all this SLI junk ... I highly doubt i'll ever be able to afford two high performance video cards, but just because the box doesn't say these two PSUs are 'SLI certified' with 33A and 38A on the +12v rail respectively .. how could this be a problem? Is there some sort of special power connector for an SLI setup? You'll have to excuse my newbness on this one, its just a question of curiosity.
 
Then they could be older models - that were updated to be in spec with updated ATX standards...There are two way to figure out which one you have there (other than the obvious SLI sticker) - an "SLI" suffix on the end of the model number (ie: OCZ520ADJSLI vs OCZ520ADJ - not a problem w 600w model AFAIK there's ONLY the SLI version), and the newer "SLI" models have blue fans, versus the older models that had green. It could only really be a problem in support if something goes wrong (assuming you decided to go SLI), and you tell them you didn't have an "SLI certified" PSU.

Although, in all actuality, they're one in the same supplies AFAIK, both as capable as each other, but the newer ones went thru the Nvidia's SLI certification "tests". What that entails I don't know - I get a "you give us enough money to be in and you get an SLI sticker" feeling aobut it :D . The only requirement I KNOW of for special connectors would obviously be the dual PCIE connectors - although even the non-SLI rated models I'm sure have 2 already.

If $$ isn't so much of an issue here, you could look into the PCP&C units - even a step above the OCZs (which are basically rebranded Tagan/Topower units if I'm not mistaken). There's even a 1kw model available :eek: . They also come with 6 SATA connectors standard (510w model - 15 total).

 
O I know

Trust me, I wanted a PCP&C 510ASL more then anything .... one problem

I'm Canadian, the cost to ship the PSU plus the cost of customs would bring its price tag up to over $300USD.

That and I kinda NEED my computer for my work, the time it would take to have a PCP&C delivered to me is unfeasible considering all I need to do is drive to Toronto and pick up the OCZ from BFC :).
 
I can't see to find this information anywhere. How many SATA connectors are on this PSU?
 
If you're referring to the PCP&C units, I believe I got that straight from their site..If you mean the OCZ Powerstream PSUs, I got a tidbit from a review @ hardwaremods.com for the 520w version...

-----------
OCZ Powerstream 520W Connections
This power supply should have enough connections for the most demanding
enthusiast.

24 pin main board connector and 20 pin adapter
2 x dedicated lines each with one 4 pin Molex connector and PowerShield
Technology
6 x 4 pin connectors on 2 separate lines
2 x floppy connectors on 2 separate lines
2 x Serial ATA connectors
4 x pin Pentium 4 power connector
6 x pin power adapter (for newer video cards possibly NV45)
---------
...the 600w unit seems to have 2 SATAs as well.

 
I can thoroughly recommend the OCZ 520 SLI.

If I recall the 600 watt model is quite a leap in price.

It doesn't sound like you need that much power.
 
kush said:
If you're referring to the PCP&C units, I believe I got that straight from their site..If you mean the OCZ Powerstream PSUs, I got a tidbit from a review @ hardwaremods.com for the 520w version...

-----------
OCZ Powerstream 520W Connections
This power supply should have enough connections for the most demanding
enthusiast.

24 pin main board connector and 20 pin adapter
2 x dedicated lines each with one 4 pin Molex connector and PowerShield
Technology
6 x 4 pin connectors on 2 separate lines
2 x floppy connectors on 2 separate lines
2 x Serial ATA connectors
4 x pin Pentium 4 power connector
6 x pin power adapter (for newer video cards possibly NV45)
---------
...the 600w unit seems to have 2 SATAs as well.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what I was looking for. I did however, search every review I could. Must have missed that one. Thanks.

Kind of disappointed that there isn't at least 4 though.
 
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