Single Rail vs. 4 Rail?

[JediBob]

Power Supply question.....

I'm upgrading my systems' power supply and video card (to a GTX 260) and I've noticed the specs for a power supply being either single rail or 4 (or multiple) rail.
I'm not looking to go SLI with additional video cards...I'm just going to run one.

Would either spec benefit me over the other if I were to choose a power supply with single or multiple rail?...or does it make any difference?

Thanks.

[lectrocrew]

I bought a Corsair TX850w with single rail design for my build mainly because a single rail supplys current with all current available to whatever components demand it. With a multi rail design, it splits the total current up between components = less total current on any given rail. If components on one rail have a hi demand, there is less total current available to those components, regardless of components on other rails having a low demand.

That's all just my opinion of course. I'm sure someone else can come up with reasons why multi rails are better.
 

BTW, I run a GTX 260

[JediBob]

That's what I needed to know.

Thanks

[WSR]

I always thought multi-rails had the feature of if one rail fails, then the other components on the other rails that haven't failed still receive power.

I may be wrong, but that's my understanding of multi-rails from my Antec TP 550.

[Calum]

I wouldn't worry about multiple rails vs. single rails, it's mostly marketing material.
Obviously, there is a difference, but in my opinion it's not something to worry about.
Instead, pick a high quality PSU from a reputable manufacturer that has picked up good reviews from trusted sources.

[lectrocrew]

I always thought multi-rails had the feature of if one rail fails, then the other components on the other rails that haven't failed still receive power.

I may be wrong, but that's my understanding of multi-rails from my Antec TP 550.

I guess your right but I don't see that as an advantage. If a power supply rail fails, the components on that rail fail. This alone would be cause to shut down and repair/replace the PSU. There is really no point in supplying power to the components on the other rails if your system is going to be operating partially dissabled. JMO