Stupid SLI Questions

[thegisguy]

All:

I'm in the process of spec'ing out a new system for myself. The video card is driving me crazy!

I'm not much of a gamer. I occasionally play strategy games like civilization, etc, but that's is probably less then 10% of my pc use.

I have been looking at a 8600GT as it seems to give me the most bang for my buck. My question is do I then have to get an SLI power supply. I will never run two video cards, but does having one SLI video card obligate me to buying a new power supply.

My current power supply is a 430w termaltake.

If I would need to replace the power supply then I guess a 2600xt would be a better option?

Thanks in advance

 

[KeithTalent]

No, it is purely a marketing tool.

KT

 

[Arkaign]

(1)- Do not get SLI, waste of $$ unless you're an extreme gamer with tons of money
(2)- Don't get an 8600GT, save the money you'd be wasting on that junk and get a 3850 instead. You can get one for $149, free shipping, AR, from the egg.
(3)- Your TT 430W is more than adequate for a system based around an X2/C2D + 3850 + The usual (ddr2/hdd/dvdrw/misc).

 

[sutahz]

SLI PSU's are so you just have to quickly look to pick out a PSU, even then I'm sure some/lots that are sub-par. The 8600 doesn't even have an PCI-E power supplement. Keep what you got, your good to go.
3850 for a mild gamer? Nah 8600GT is $50 cheaper or so.

 

[thegisguy]

Thanks to all for the quick replies.

I assumed I didn't need the SLI power supply, but I figured I would ask rather then buy everything only to have the system not post due to a power supply issue.

I'll look at the 3850, but $150 is more then I slotted for a video card. I was hoping to keep that price to around $100. I'm more interested in processing power. I do quite a bit of video encoding.

Thanks again.

 

[Syntax Error]

You have to pay more for better performance, $100 is not enough if you want actual decent performance at high resolutions.

 

[krnmastersgt]

8600 GT XXX from TigerDirect is 90 with a rebate o_o it's what I'm using and I'm thoroughly satisfied with it. Of course I'm waiting for the 9 series enthusiast models to do my real gpu upgrade and for what thegisguy plans on doing isn't heavy gaming so no need to spend any more than he has to right?

 

[thegisguy]

I was thinking of this card. Does it seem ok? I know I won't be playing BioShock at Max Resolution, but I don't play many games on the system. That's what my Ps3 and 52" Tv are for!