Is my PSU limiting my 8800 GT SLI?

[leetruski]

I recently purchased 2 8800 GT's and configured them in SLI. I posted a very low of 12,347 in 3dmark06. When I disabled SLI I broke 13k. Some have been saying that it's my PSU and the fact that its not supplying enough power. Others told me to plug a molex connector into the PWR3 AUX graphics power connector. I did so without result. The second GPU's fan barely spins when the computer is on. I should mention that my PSU is 550watts and the brand is http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16817101021 . I know it's a cheap brand but at the time of purchase I was short on money (bad choice). I should also mention that lately it hasn't been responding every time I push the power putton on my PC unless I shut it off in the back and turn it back on. However I did purchase a Corsair 620hx last night. I personally think it is definitely my PSU but I'm looking for a second opinion.
My setup:
CPU: Core 2 Duo e6600 @ 3.2GHz
Mobo: Evga 680i SLI
GPU 2x 8800 GT's @ 700/1750/2000
RAM: 2 GB Corsair DDR2 800 MHz
HD: 2x WD 500 GB SATA 2
OS: Win XP Pro 32-bit
Drivers: Beta 169.04

Thanks,
Alex

 

[DaveBC]

Originally posted by: leetruski
I recently purchased 2 8800 GT's and configured them in SLI. I posted a very low of 12,347 in 3dmark06. When I disabled SLI I broke 13k. Some have been saying that it's my PSU and the fact that its not supplying enough power. Others told me to plug a molex connector into the PWR3 AUX graphics power connector. I did so without result. The second GPU's fan barely spins when the computer is on. I should mention that my PSU is 550watts and the brand is http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16817101021 . I know it's a cheap brand but at the time of purchase I was short on money (bad choice). I should also mention that lately it hasn't been responding every time I push the power putton on my PC unless I shut it off in the back and turn it back on. However I did purchase a Corsair 620hx last night. I personally think it is definitely my PSU but I'm looking for a second opinion.
My setup:
CPU: Core 2 Duo e6600 @ 3.2GHz
Mobo: Evga 680i SLI
GPU 2x 8800 GT's @ 700/1750/2000
RAM: 2 GB Corsair DDR2 800 MHz
HD: 2x WD 500 GB SATA 2
OS: Win XP Pro 32-bit
Drivers: Beta 169.04

Thanks,
Alex

That does sound pretty suspicisous. I had an Aspire die like that. One day it just wouldn't start up any more. I would get a quality SLI certified PSU with a little head room. In case you want to OC and like a few USB gadgets.

Also, keep in mind driver support will dramatically improve.:beer:

 

[bigi]

It seems to never end. People buy $500 video cards, $50 psu.
I'd really spend 100-150 at least on a very good PSU.

 

[MarcVenice]

I saw another thread where an underpowered PSU did the same. Jonnyguru said to check the caps for bulging. And simply plugin that corsair 620hx, wanna bet it's going to run smooth? That's your second opinion right there.