Maxwell Spanker vs. Silver Hammer vs. Annihilatrix, pt. 2

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

Actually, to test a PSU at 80% load isn't exactly fair, since no PSU, regardless of brand or type, should ever be used above 75% capacity. 50% is usually the sweet spot for efficiency on any PSU, not just this one. Also, it would have no problem powering 2 mid-range GPUs. For 2 GPUs, 150W of the total comes from the PCIe slot (75W per slot) itself, which is a large chunk of the burden this drive bay PSU doesn't have to deal with. It'd do just fine.

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JPM, I agree no PSU should ever be used above 75% capacity. This is also stated in the review. The 450w PSU failed not only the TORTURE test but the entire review. Is it a fair test? Yes, all PSU's are tested the same way. Is it a realistic test? Maybe, maybe not. For the average user, NO. For crunchers pushing their equipment hard 24/7. I think so. Especially for people like me who OC. They really didn't have anything good to say about it no matter what load was placed on it.


"The Bottom Line

The ePower Juice Box 450W power supply is an interesting niche product that was so heavily flawed that it doesn't even fit its niche. Not only was the unit incapable of running at its full rated output at realistic operating temperatures, it was poorly constructed with components that are not exactly known for long term heat tolerance and shoved into a situation where there is little ventilation and poor efficiency. All in all, had the unit not failed, not had poor DC Output Quality, and not been ridiculously loud it would have had a questionable longevity that was also not backed by any obvious warranty support. If ePower was going for the trifecta of sketchy they nailed it today with the Juice Box 450W. When we started the review for this unit was showing as being available for $20 from Newegg, and the Visiontek version was available for $70 on Amazon. (What really amazes us is how Visiontek could be suggesting any of its customers plug this into a high dollar video card. Ouch.) As it is today, the ePower unit seems to be out of stock most everywhere we look, and that my friends is damn good blessing in disguise. So all in all these guys knew what a big hunk of crap it was and nailed it before we did. Good riddance."



This PSU got a very high rating fom the same people.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/...supply_review/
Is it comparing apples to oranges? Yes, if price is included. No, If you consider its just 2 PSU's being given the same test.

The only reason I picked this review is because I own one. Apples to Apples for me. Two PSU's I own.

I only posted this so anybody considering buying one will know what they're getting.

Attachment 146

GDI i just typed a whole page of a review of that PSU review and this POS timed out on me and lost it all. WTF? I can't even begin to retype all that :(

@Harley

to summarize everything that was deleted a moment ago by some retarded unseen timer (yeah i'm quite pissed), 45C (113F) ambient is not a realistic test, although it is a fair test if all PSUs are tested this way. Basically what it comes down to is, this thing won't perform as badly as they make it seem in real-world applications (closer to 27C ambient). No, it's not a great PSU, it's not 80 PLUS Gold certified, but we knew that from the product description. It's cheap and does what it says it'll do for only $20. As F$ said, the capacitors can be cheaply replaced by organic polymers to increase efficiency. Fans could even be swapped out for something more efficient like this one.

Documentation? You plug a molex from your existing PSU into this one for the power on switch. rail 1 is the top 2 connections on the back. Rail 2 is the bottom 2. What else needs to be said? lol

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Originally Posted by Mike029

I hope you don't mind if I join the discussion here and add my soon to be built rig. If it's a problem I'll move it to it's own thread later. :)
"Sleepy Puppy" is ordered and on the way. Here is the breakdown.

Case - Rocketfish Full Tower used
PSU - OCZ ZX Series OCZ-ZX1250W New
RAM - GSkill Ripjaw 4GB New
MOBO - ASUS M4A79T Deluxe New
CPU - AMD Phenom II X2 560 Black Edition Callisto New (Hoping to unlock a core or 2)
CPU Cooler - ZALMAN 9500A-LED 92mm New
GPU (3) - Radeon HD 5870 2 New, 1 almost new
HDD - (2) Western Digital Caviar Black 500gb raid Used
DVD Drive - Lite-On used
OS - XP Pro Used

Will Dummy plug 2 of the video cards. Comments? I know I've said it already but want to thank everyone for their help and patience. I'll keep everyone updated.

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That will be one heck of a cruncher! Don't use dummy plugs. Connect them using the CrossfreX cables. Too many people have problems using dummy plugs on systems with multiple ATI cards.

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Originally Posted by Harley

That will be one heck of a cruncher! Don't use dummy plugs. Connect them using the CrossfreX cables. Too many people have problems using dummy plugs on systems with multiple ATI cards.

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Really? I have heard that you can remove the plug requirement when running headless with win7. But I found that to be hit and miss. But with dummy plugs, it works 100% of the time, regardless of the win version. This is the first I have heard of dummy plugs not working.

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Originally Posted by zombie67

Really? I have heard that you can remove the plug requirement when running headless with win7. But I found that to be hit and miss. But with dummy plugs, it works 100% of the time, regardless of the win version. This is the first I have heard of dummy plugs not working.

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I can run with a dummy plug, Maxwell cannot. The strange thing is that our systems are very similar. Lately most people are reporting they cannot run with dummy plugs. Maybe it has to do with updated drivers. :-??

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Originally Posted by Harley

I can run with a dummy plug, Maxwell cannot. The strange thing is that our systems are very similar. Lately most people are reporting they cannot run with dummy plugs. Maybe it has to do with updated drivers. :-??

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That will suck big time as I did not plan to buy Windows 7. I was going to run XP pro. I've been using a dummy plug for 6 6 months without a problem. I hope it works on the new build as well.

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Originally Posted by Mike029

That will suck big time as I did not plan to buy Windows 7. I was going to run XP pro. I've been using a dummy plug for 6 6 months without a problem. I hope it works on the new build as well.

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Ooops, sorry. I was talking about Win 7. The dummy plugs should work on XP pro.

*BUMP*

Maxwell where are you man?!?

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Maxwell where are you man?!?

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I was thinking that same thing. He has not insulted me in days.

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Originally Posted by joker

He has not insulted me in days.

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LOL! :D That's pretty bad..."known by his insult quota!" haha :p;)

Been at a conference, and not checking/responding to the boards much. But I'm back in my den of solitude now, ready to insult joker as necessary.

Silver Hammer Update: I'm down both 5970s. They need to be RMA'ed since they artifact something terrible at stock speeds. I have a 570 is the machine currently, but I'm not doing too much with it right now...

I'm really curious to see this Maxwell Spanker. I hope it puts me to shame...

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Originally Posted by Maxwell

Been at a conference, and not checking/responding to the boards much. But I'm back in my den of solitude now, ready to insult joker as necessary.

Silver Hammer Update: I'm down both 5970s. They need to be RMA'ed since they artifact something terrible at stock speeds. I have a 570 is the machine currently, but I'm not doing too much with it right now...

I'm really curious to see this Maxwell Spanker. I hope it puts me to shame...

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So do i :D have a bunch of new toys arriving monday, but am still missing the main ingredient. I'm hoping this item will be in stock monday morning so i can get it sometime next week. We shall see...

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

So do i :D have a bunch of new toys arriving monday, but am still missing the main ingredient. I'm hoping this item will be in stock monday morning so i can get it sometime next week. We shall see...

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BAH! According to tracking it won't arrive until wednesday. UPS pisses me off sometimes. Gonna have to have a chat with Newegg about this "3 day guaranteed" shipping. Ordered this stuff 10 minutes after midnight on friday morning.

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Gonna have to have a chat with Newegg about this "3 day guaranteed" shipping.

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Kick their ass Seabass!!

DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!

Secret ingredient just ordered an hour ago. No idea when it'll get here, it's just regular UPS ground shipping. Not only will this setup spank Maxwell, but i'm quite sure many of those ranked above me will fall by the wayside rather quickly. I will be putting entire farms to shame with this. Can't wait to stick it into the Pentathlon :D

I want a good spanking!

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!

Secret ingredient just ordered an hour ago. No idea when it'll get here, it's just regular UPS ground shipping. Not only will this setup spank Maxwell, but i'm quite sure many of those ranked above me will fall by the wayside rather quickly. I will be putting entire farms to shame with this. Can't wait to stick it into the Pentathlon :D

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Dang...we were duking it out there awhile back, and I just barely pulled ahead, too! Guess I'll be waving as you go by! :D

Now, just to clarify which one: Will this be added to OR replace your existing setup?

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Originally Posted by DrPop

Dang...we were duking it out there awhile back, and I just barely pulled ahead, too! Guess I'll be waving as you go by! :D

Now, just to clarify which one: Will this be added to OR replace your existing setup?

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that's a tricky question to answer...hmmm....

My production has been about half of what it was a month ago, due to me breaking a cable :p As i mentioned awhile back, I had my HD 5870 in the PCIe x16 slot on the mobo, and the GTX460 was hooked up with a PCIe X1 cable that ran from the slot to the card, which was mounted in a total void, about 2 inches off the end of the mobo. I'm not exactly sure what i did or when i did it, but i broke that cable, just barely, but it was enough to shut the GTX460 down :(

But, since the GTX460 was getting about the same credits in PG as the HD5870 was getting in DNETC, i figured i might as well pull the HD5870 out and put the GTX460 in the PCIe x16 slot. So, yeah, i've only been running 1 of my GPUs :/

I am getting a new motherboard, that will allow me to use both GPUs once again. This mobo is a socket 1155. My old one is a socket 775 with DDR2 RAM, so i also had to get new RAM and a new CPU. You also have already seen the new PSU i ordered :) Same brand and model as my current one, just a bit more powerful and more efficient.

So basically, i'll be using the same hard drive, same 2 GPUs i already have, same case and fans and pump and radiators. The motherboard, RAM, CPU and PSU will replace the ones currently in use.

But, there are also 2 additional new parts being added in addition to all of this. Very major parts... =P~

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

that's a tricky question...The motherboard, RAM, CPU and PSU will replace the ones currently in use...
But, there are also 2 additional new parts being added in addition to all of this. Very major parts... =P~

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Ah, I see! Sweetness. So, then you will have a second mobo, RAM, CPU and PSU left over for a SECOND "Mini-Me version" of the Maxwell Spanker to build up as well! :D:cool:

After looking at that PSU . . . I can only dream / hope / wish I HAD ONE of whatever that "Very Major Part" is going to be, LOL! =P~

Dun Dun Dunnn...

http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/1791354.png Yes, you can click that.

slowly creeping up the ladder...

That's pretty. I especially like what you have in red bold there...

4.1? Pfft, crank it up!

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Originally Posted by JerWA

4.1? Pfft, crank it up!

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Workin on it. Not exactly used to OCing Sandy Bridge. It's quite different

It's actually supposed to be incredibly easy for those procs. No need to worry about tweaking 800 settings. Just voltage and one other I think, and only barely voltage.

http://www.overclock.net/intel-gener...uide-p67a.html

^ have you seen that?

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Originally Posted by JerWA

^ have you seen that?

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I actually had not seen that. My main issue has been nobody seems to be able to use the same terms to describe the same thing. Very confusing. Yeah you can just change 3 or 4 setting to OC this thing, but i'm trying to keep temps as low as possible so i'm back to adjusting everything in baby steps :p

http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/1793133.png <--most recent update

You'll notice i got Vcore down just a tad while still increasing the clock another notch. Briefly hits 53C while running PrimaBoinca. Mainly bounces between 51C - 52C.

After reading that article, i see my Vcore is well below what he says it should be, but i'm using the D2 stepping where he had D1 so maybe that's the reason. Going to go drop my VTT, QPI, CPU I/O, DMI, on-die memory controller (or however many other names there are for the same damn thing) voltage a bit and get some sleep.

By this weekend, the Maxwell Spanker should be complete...until i upgrade it :D

Edit: Dropped Vtt from 1.23 to 1.07. Saved about 0.3C I'll take that any day.

4.2 is just barely into "acceptable." =))

When I get mine in a couple weeks we can compare notes for what works and what doesn't, clock wise. I hope to have mine up to at least 4.5 on the first day. :cool:

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Originally Posted by JerWA

4.2 is just barely into "acceptable." =))

When I get mine in a couple weeks we can compare notes for what works and what doesn't, clock wise. I hope to have mine up to at least 4.5 on the first day. :cool:

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I've had hardly any time to mess with it. My employee twisted his ankle and hasn't been to work since i got it put together. been working 11 hour shifts and not all that excited about clock speeds by the time i get home :p Maybe i'll hit 4.3 tonight lol

Congrats, JPM! What HSF are you using? I know my AMD 1100T could hit way higher than I have it now - I can hit 3.8GHz on the stock 1.325 VCore; I briefly did 4.0GHz at 1.35VCore, and I know you can take these puppies up to 1.5+ on the VCore.

However, I'm back at 3.8GHz because I have a $20 Rosewill 90mm HSF, and even with all the HAF 932 fans going, by the time the 2 CUDA cards heat up the air around it, ... it's just too hot for my liking on 24/7 crunching.

I think I need water cooling to really watch this thing shine. :p

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Originally Posted by DrPop

Congrats, JPM! What HSF are you using? I know my AMD 1100T could hit way higher than I have it now - I can hit 3.8GHz on the stock 1.325 VCore; I briefly did 4.0GHz at 1.35VCore, and I know you can take these puppies up to 1.5+ on the VCore.

However, I'm back at 3.8GHz because I have a $20 Rosewill 90mm HSF, and even with all the HAF 932 fans going, by the time the 2 CUDA cards heat up the air around it, ... it's just too hot for my liking on 24/7 crunching.

I think I need water cooling to really watch this thing shine. :p

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yeah i use water cooling. it's the only way to go. never have to worry about a fan failing :) and the pumps (that i use anyway) last 5 years or more. i rest peacefully.

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

yeah i use water cooling. it's the only way to go. never have to worry about a fan failing :) and the pumps (that i use anyway) last 5 years or more. i rest peacefully.

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Mind firing me off a link to the H20 stuff? Thanks! ;)

I'm pretty sure JPM uses hardware from Swiftech.

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Originally Posted by Fire$torm

I'm pretty sure JPM uses hardware from Swiftech.

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That is correct. For tubing, i use Tygon or just goto Home Depot where it's far cheaper. But do NOT use tubing where the outside diameter is less than 50% more than the inside. For example, if you're using 1/2" ID tubing, the OD should be 3/4". Otherwise the tubing is too weak and won't take the pressure from the pump for very long.

You may (actually probably haven't) have noticed my production dropped off alot the past couple days. Reason is i just rebuild the Maxwell Spanker and have spent the past day bleeding the air from the lines. Still not done. I need a day off where i have time to get something done :/

BUT! When i do finish with that, Maxwell will be sufficiently spanked :D

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Originally Posted by John P. Myers

BUT! When i do finish with that, Maxwell will be sufficiently spanked :D

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Naughty there, I can't wait to feel the pain!

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...-0009-Copy.jpg

This is the "before" picture. Isn't she sweet?

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...-0010-Copy.jpg

A closer look. You can see the GTX460 and the 9500GT right under it.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...-0011-Copy.jpg

Here we are after gutting it. Now to replace the motherboard...

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...-0012-Copy.jpg

And the sexiness has arrived :D

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...-0013-Copy.jpg

Here we put the cooler back on the RAM and waterblock back on the CPU. Now were ready to power up. But man...i sure wish i had enough GPUs to fill all those empty slots...

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/h...Photo-0014.jpg

Oh my...what have i done!

Those GPUs on the bottom sure are shiney! Wonder what they could be...