XPS 8700, PSU and rail requirement

Question

I am thinking of upgrading PSU on my XPS 8700 to make sure that I do not run into any problems with my new RX 580 GPU (it works fine right now with 460 W original supply).

I came across the following post, which emphasizes importance of rail matching (voltage and current per rail) https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/xps-desktops/xps-8700-compatible-psu/647f7a04f4ccf8a8de82e38e

I am tempted to get this unit 700W (good reviews and price): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014W3EAX8/?coliid=I27ALZNF0Y9PP7&colid=Y7H15JYMKR5A&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

There is also review on Amazon, which states that it works with XPS 8700

As far as understand GPU draws power from +12V rail, so this unit has plenty (630W)

However, it does not match +3.3V and +5V rails.

How dangerous is it to have this mismatch? I do not have much else in my PC (4TB HDD, 512GB SSD)?

What are other reasonably priced PSU with +500W output that would work with XPS 8700?

Chino de Oro · Answer

If you prefer that brand, you may consider this Toughpower GX2 with 140mm depth. It will be the exact fit for your XPS 8700. You had selected a white certification for energy ratings. I suggest to choose at least a Bronze class or better. With a slightly higher in cost, you can get a Toughpower GX2 with 80+ Gold certification. A better in efficiency requires a better build with higher quality components.

I wouldn't worry too much about the +3.3V and +5V rail if you have only 1 HDD, 1 SSD, and an assumed 4 sticks of RAM. While it's important to have PSU providing enough power rails for PC needs, many times, someone like to throw a minimum requirement out there without any explanation of how they came up with the numbers. Power supply calculator sites do a better job than that. It will tell you the estimated total requirements for each rails.

As for your 8700 needs, you would want a PSU that can sustain long duration at peak power demands. A 600w PSU with better quality build is way better than a 700w with basic quality build that have inferior components.

redxps630 · Answer

no worries of that discussion on rails. the more you read on those old post the more confused you would get as it was irrelevant and contains much useless info.

chino is usually correct and to the point. I would just add that if you are curious of exact amt of power you need in 8700 w rx580 then use the accurate basic psu calculator which would tell you the load wattage and recommended watt.

redxps630 · Answer

Results: Load Wattage:324 WRecommended PSU Wattage:374 W

MauiWarrior · Answer

Thank you!

PSU calculator shows that even original PSU of 460 W should work!

Just to be safe, I think I will go with bronze 80+ at 700W:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTP6MWS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Chino de Oro · Answer

That will work.

XPS Desktops

XPS 8700, PSU and rail requirement

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