Multiple 12V rails and proper output

[JohnJSal]

I've read that the minimum you should get is 18A on a single 12V rail, but if you do gaming you should look for something in the range of 22A to 32A. But how does this work for multiple 12V rails? I know you don't just add up all the amperage, exactly, so how can you tell if a PSU is sufficient?

Here's one I'm looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153039

It has 4 12V rails, each with 18A output. How does this translate into the way the different components will use it? If a particular GPU needs something like 32A, then does that mean the GPU will draw power from 2 of the rails?

 

[StrangleHold]

To get a close estimate of amps, take the total of watts it has on the 12volt rails and divide it by 12

 

[JohnJSal]

To get a close estimate of amps, take the total of watts it has on the 12volt rails and divide it by 12

Is the total wattage on the 12V rail the same as the listed wattage (in the above case, 700W)? Or something more specific?

 

[StrangleHold]

No just the 12 volt rails
That one has 56amps total

Next generation four +12V rails(12V1, 12V2, 12V3, 12V4) supports high-end graphic card and PC system (combined loading of 56A)​

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Power/ToughPower/W0106/w0106.asp

 

[JohnJSal]

No just the 12 volt rails
That one has 56amps total

Next generation four +12V rails(12V1, 12V2, 12V3, 12V4) supports high-end graphic card and PC system (combined loading of 56A)​

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Power/ToughPower/W0106/w0106.asp

Thanks. It definitely seems more than capable. But what number do I use to divide by 12? Where do I find that?

 

[StrangleHold]

Some list it some dont about the total of watts on the 12V rails. Sometimes you just have to look at the info label or site, somtimes try to find reviews on them that give the break down in details.

 

[JohnJSal]

Some list it some dont about the total of watts on the 12V rails. Sometimes you just have to look at the info label or site, somtimes try to find reviews on them that give the break down in details.

Ok, thanks a lot. This one seems to be pretty highly rated, and it's modular, and I was shooting for 700W anyway, so I like it.

 

[StrangleHold]

This one is not bad either but not modular, has 50 amps on the 12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002

 

[JohnJSal]

This one is not bad either but not modular, has 50 amps on the 12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002

Yeah, I saw that one too. I think it's even more highly rated, but I'm still in the process of considering a modular PSU. Not necessary, I know, but still nice.