Power Supply for SLI

danklumpp

Senior member
Jul 13, 2005
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What would be the cheapest power supply to get along with 2x 6800s. Since they don't need an extra power connection, do you still need good amperage on the 12V line?
 

deadseasquirrel

Golden Member
Nov 20, 2001
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Originally posted by: danklumpp
What would be the cheapest power supply to get along with 2x 6800s. Since they don't need an extra power connection, do you still need good amperage on the 12V line?

The words "cheapest" and "SLI" shouldn't be used together.

Yes, you still need a good PSU. If you're willing to spend the extra money for a 2nd GPU (assuming it wasn't a gift), spend the extra little bit for a good PSU. There are several threads on the forums talking about PSUs for SLI so do a quick search and you'll see some good advice.
 

Diasper

Senior member
Mar 7, 2005
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I'd recommend going with a single rail PSU with that setup given any potential load balancing issues - unless you can work out exactly how to balance dual rails (1 rail to motherboard powering CPU, RAM, and 75W x 2 for the PCI-E slots for the graphics card and any other PCI peripherals ...ok that's alot of demand on a single rail)

Seasonic and Tagan both do excellent single-rail PSUs. Tagan is the one I can vouch for - the 530W unit has 32A on the +12V (and 48A on +5V)


Out of interest why aren't you going for a 7800GTX given its faster than SLId 6800s, is less expensive and draws less power? If I had a 6800GT I'd sell it and buy a 7800GTX if I really anted that sort of graphical power.
 

Diasper

Senior member
Mar 7, 2005
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Doesnt a 7800GTX use the same or less power than a 6800GT or Ultra at the very least?

I think the 7800GTX is 95W
 

danklumpp

Senior member
Jul 13, 2005
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You do have a point there. I think I'll try the "SLI-Ready" 500 Watt power supply from CoolMax.
 

Azndude2190

Golden Member
Jul 4, 2005
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you should really consider looking into antec,ocz,enermax as sli psu brands...and higher than 500w...get a quality brand
 

Cookie Monster

Diamond Member
May 7, 2005
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Enermax noistaker, Antec truepower, OCZ powerstream , Seasonic 600W...

DO NOT GET COOLMAX.. or any other brand of PSU apart from the ones listed above...
 

KeepItRed

Senior member
Jul 19, 2005
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The X850XT PE Crossfire only requires 500W, and those cards use more power then dual 6800's. Anything 400W~500W and you should be safe, just get the brands Cookie Monster suggested and your perfect.