Stable Overclock: Graphic Cards Using Direct Power Link vs Board Powered

[aviat72]

Thanks to all the folks who guided me towards using 2x Radeon 5xxx series cards for my setup. The setup's goal is to have 2600K with some over-clocking say (4-4.5Ghz) with 24x7 reliability, and the ability to drive 6 1080p monitors for non gaming applications. The primary option I am considering is 2 HD5670 based cards which do not require a dedicated PSU connection (<75 W). The GPUs will not be overclocked.

One question which came to my mind is whether two graphic cards with only a motherboard connection and no dedicated PSU connection will pose stability problems to the CPU over-clocked setup since they will be drawing all their power from the MB.

During normal operation with no gaming, the HD57xx series will not draw too much power either, so the total power consumption is not an issue. The question is whether the power draw from the card via the motherboard only is an issue.

If and when I game, I will not be using more than three monitors, and stability is not critical. However when I am working, then stability is important.

 

[happy medium]

One question which came to my mind is whether two graphic cards with only a motherboard connection and no dedicated PSU connection will pose stability problems to the CPU over-clocked setup since they will be drawing all their power from the MB.

The simple answer is no, you will not have any problems.

 

[borisvodofsky]

The simple answer is no, you will not have any problems.

I'm just letting this out there, "Element of luck required".. you got all new stuff with new unknown bugs, etc etc.. keep it simple is the only sure way.. :thumbsup:

 

[cusideabelincoln]

The processor is basically supplied power directly from the motherboard; the motherboard provides a direct connection to feed power to and only to the processor straight from the power supply. So overclocking your processor won't put a strain on the rest of the board; it will just put a strain on the power supply. The 2600K is pretty efficient, to boot, so it won't draw that much power even mildly overclocked.

 

[aviat72]

Thanks folks. Decided to go with a pair of 5670 @ $65AR from Amazon. The 57xx combo would have cost almost double and perhaps required a PSU upgrade so it will have to wait.