question about SLI with 8800

[mentalcrisis00]

I just replaced my Epox socket 939 mobo with an Asus a8n-SLI, this is the first time I've done anything SLI related. My question is if the SLI bridge and retention bracket are still needed for SLI mode? I heard somewhere that the new drivers negate the need for those 2 items.

Secondly I have an older Enermax 485W PSU with only 1 PCI express connector. I'm wondering if I decide to go SLI with an couple 8800GS cards if my PSU could handle it with a molex to PCI-X power adapter?

Finally I'm curious whether an SLI 8600GTS would be just as good as an SLI 8800GS? Obviously the 8800GS would have better performance but I'm wondering if the performance to price ratio would be worth it?

 

[cubeless]

8600gts sli depends on the resolution and the game... there's a bunch of tests out there if u google around... the psu is probably at the bottom end of possible for any sli... u need the bridge, the retention bracket is just to hold it in...

going 8600gts sli is not cost effective to buy all at once... it's a nice boost if u already have one card and now can get a second cheap... but u have to stay at sub 1680 resolutions due to the small memory and 128bit bus...

 

[PCTC2]

8600GTS is not worth it. For that price, a better card will completely outperform it. A single 8800GTS 512MB will give you much better performance.

SLI, unless with the top of the line cards, is not really a solid performing cost effective technology. You are much better off with a better single card solution.

If you really want SLI, go with dual 9600GT's or 8800GS's or preferably 8800GT's. Otherwise pick up just a single 8800GT or 8800GTS (both 512MB).

 

[Dorkenstein]

Would 2 x 8800gts 512 be a good pair or would it take too much power?

 

[dasracht]

Too much power for which psu? It would take more than the OP's Enermax 485W could provide.

Theres another thread about sli power supply going on now (but with 8800gt) http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2166183&enterthread=y

It might have the info you need

 

[Puffnstuff]

They make a great pair however they do consume some power. I run an enermax galaxy 850w because I wanted headroom when I bought it. Turns out that a year later I built this machine which does require power. If I hadn't considered that when buying that ps then I'd have to shell out more money for another one. Whatever you do don't skimp on your ps. There are many good buys out there right now so you can get a descent ps for not too much money.

 

[mentalcrisis00]

I've been looking about and I've seen people using the ENERMAX Liberty ELT400AWT 400W PSU with SLI 8800GTS. The difference over mine that I see is that it's a bit more efficient and sli certified, so it seems like the wattage isn't the biggest factor in some cases. I believe that was brought up in the other SLI discussion thread.

 

[mentalcrisis00]

Actually I was also wondering about those suplimental PSU's that fit into a cd drive bay. Are these units just snake oil or do they actually work?

 

[Blazer7]

I have 2 factory oced GTS cards on a Galaxy 850 and the power consumption under load is just above that of my old GTX. Like Puffnstuff mentioned, it is not a good idea to skimp on your PSU. That said, a supplemental PSU is not a very good idea either. Cable management is a nightmare as you?ll probably have to route the incoming power cord through one of the card slots on the back of the case and that?s not the worst of it. The worst is heat. Like all PSUs supplemental PSUs generate heat mostly because of the components used to convert AC current to the low DC voltages needed by the various pc components. Since most of the supplemental PSUs draw cool air from the front they cannot extract the hot air out of the case and this doesn?t help at all. On top of that many people like yours truly have cases that feature covers or doors that hide the 5.25 bays and this does not help either.

If somebody is willing to spend some more $$$ for an additional VGA then that somebody should consider spending some more $$$ on a good quality PSU. It?s not only about heat. It has to do with reliability also. Lots of bad stuff can happen if you are running an oven with 2 PSUs.