[Deejay100six]

I have quite a lot of old computer parts including several (probably) low grade PSU's. Ready cash for upgrading the psu in my machine is not in so much abundance so this morning this idea popped into my head. I wonder if its possible to splice two psu's together, eg, 300w + 300w = 600w?

I see from a quick google that this may in fact be possible. Add2Psu is one option but at $20, I'd be better off putting the money towards buying a replacement.

What about something like this?

Other discussions I've come across include it being as simple as splicing a single wire from one psu to the other but I wonder if that would be way out of my area of expertise? I like that idea the best because, of course, its cost free. :smile:

Anyone here ever tried this? Does it/can it work? Would both psu's have to be the exact make and model and/or specs?

As the title suggests, this is more of an experiment than intention to use such a configuration as an end product.

I'd be interested to hear anyone's comments.

 

[Tyree]

Re: A little experiment

It is "possible" but never recommended. The PSU is the most important component in any PC.
600W range-
Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

 

[Deejay100six]

Re: A little experiment

Hmmm, quite expensive. I know Antec is a good brand and I suppose you get what you pay for but how would you rate the cheaper ones on this page?

Power Supplies - 501 - 600W PSUs | Ebuyer.com

 

[Tyree]

Re: A little experiment

Antec, in general, are lower quality. The one I linked to is made by SeaSonic.
The units in that link range from junk to mid-quality with the exception of the XFX: Xfx Proseries 550w Power Supply Unit (core Edition) | Ebuyer.com

 

[Deejay100six]

Re: A little experiment

Ok, thanks. :thumb:

 

[Tyree]

Re: A little experiment

You're welcome and good luck.

 

[LMiller7]

Connecting 2 or more PSUs in parallel is not as simple as it may seem. A reasonable assumption would be that the 2 PSUs would equally share the load but that would not normally be the case.

The problem is that the PSUs have a regulated output voltage and this voltage is never going to be exactly the same for both. The PSU regulates it's output current so as to produce a voltage that matches an internal standard. With 2 PSUs in parallel the one with the highest output voltage will essentially take the full load. The other will reduce it's output current in an attempt to bring the voltage in line with what it believes it should be, effectively shutting itself down in the process.

I haven't actually tried this. It is based on theoretical knowledge of how regulated power supplies work. I hope this is understandable to someone who does not have an electronics background.

Another problem is reliability. Low quality PSUs have a tendency to take out the motherboard and other components when they fail. With 2 PSUs you are doubling the chances of that happening.