SLI Power Supply

[ClockerXP]

I have an Antec SP-500 PSU. Do I need to upgrade it if I want to go with an SLI setup (2x7800GT)?

Thanks,
CxP

 

[DrMrLordX]

Probably not. For a true answer to your question, you should add up the power draw of all the components in your system that draw off the 12v rails and see if you'll exceed your PSU's ratings or not. SLI Certified is just a marketting term.

 

[stevty2889]

Well you technicaly don't need an SLI certified PSU..however, I don't think any that are not SLI certified have 2 PCIe video card power connectors..so it would just make more sense to get one that is SLI certified..

 

[StrangerGuy]

According to Xbitlabs, A single 7800GT draws 57W of power of power, so logically speaking 7800GT SLI draws 114W, which translates to about a 10A load on the +12V rail.

The overall power load may vary depending on the rest of the components of your system, but for me I would recommend a PSU with at least 25A on the +12V rail. Hope that helps.

BTW SLI certification means nothing if the PSU is of shoddy quality.

 

[ClockerXP]

Here are the specs. on my PSU:

http://www.antec.com/specs/SP500_spe.html

It states 17A on 12V1 & 19A on 12V2. Each rail indivually is less than 25A but combined they are more. Not sure if that's OK or not. Ideas?

I have 2 Hitachi 7K250 HDDs, a burner, and cdrom and a tv tuner. My system isn't really packed. Think I'm OK?

CxP

 

[Bobthelost]

It's alright.

 

[ShellGuy]

That ps should be fine whey they say 25a they are refering to a ps with only 1 12v rail.




Will G.

 

[ClockerXP]

Thanks for your feedback guys!

BONUS! The PSU came with an extra PCI-E power connector too (It's one of those modular PSUs).

 

[DrMrLordX]

Well there you go Clocker. Hope it works well for ya.

 

[Googer]

No you do not need certification, it is nice but not 100% necessary. The only downfall to not having a it, is some vendors of nVIDIA cards may not provide you with technical support if you do not have one that is certified.