Which PSU under $100 should I buy for an SLI setup?

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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Hello,
I am looking for a good Power Supply to buy for an SLI setup of two 7800 GTXs. The min. requirement is 500W, and I was looking at the OCZ Modstream 520W or the Powerstream(Over $100).

Would it be bad to just be barely over Nvidia's requirements?

Thank you for your help.

Killasta
 

overst33r

Diamond Member
Oct 3, 2004
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since when is more, bad...anyway the powerstream will suffice but if you dont wanna spend that much money then get a fortron 500w instead either way i believe you will have the same results if you are not overclocking.
 

Cheesetogo

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Jan 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Spend the extra for the OCZ PS 520w.

If you get that one, make sure you get the powerstream. The modstream only has 26 amps on the 12v, compared to the powerstream with 33 amps. (I think)
 

KoolDrew

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
Originally posted by: KoolDrew
Spend the extra for the OCZ PS 520w.

If you get that one, make sure you get the powerstream. The modstream only has 26 amps on the 12v, compared to the powerstream with 33 amps. (I think)

PS = Powerstream ;)
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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I really wanted to stick with OCZ; Antec has given me trouble in the past. The required amount for amp on the +12V rail is supposed to be 34A for an SLI setup of 2x7800 GTXs. I really don't know where to go from here. I wanted to order it tonight, but it looks like I will have to research more.
 

CheesePoofs

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Dec 5, 2004
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The OCZ Powerstream 420w can be had for under $100 if you look hard enough (I think directron.com still has it for about 90). However, if you're willing to spend more, get the ocz powerstream 520w.

One thing to be aware of: its not the wattage rating that matters, what really matters on powersupplies is how many amps on the 12v rail they have. You'll want 30 or more, and the more the better. :)

EDIT: Powerstream 420w for 84 without shipping at directron.com. I got my 420w powerstream from them at about the same price.
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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I will probably go with the OCZ PS 520W, but if nVidia requires a 34A 12v rail, and this one only has 33A; will that matter?
Also, I like the way the Modstream looks and the modding capabilites it has, lol. hmmmmm

The blue and silver scheme matches my case and fans well...lol
 

CheesePoofs

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Dec 5, 2004
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He wanted a powersupply under $100. The PS600 is WAY over $100 (160, I think). At least teh PS520 is close-ish to $100.
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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Yea. I just ordered the OCZ Modstream 520W(28A/1x12V Rail). I got that 34A requirement off of google somewhere. I am not sure if it is true. The only thing I don't like about the Modstream is that it is not "true" ATX 2.0.....
It only has 1 12V rail, will that kill me a lot? I got it from Monarch with their $15 MIB, so I payed $80 for it....great deal!
 

CheesePoofs

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Dec 5, 2004
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having 1 12v rail is not bad. In most cases, it is better. The only reason they started making two rails was because after so many amps in a single rail, the likelyhood of fire goes up a bit :evil:

Personally, I would have gottent the 420w powerstream instead of the 520w modstream; its a more powerful powersupply. (30a on the 12v rail instead of 28).
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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lol. Is 28A really high then?(for being in one rail I mean) I shouldn't have any problem with fires...haha. *Hope not*. I picked the Modstream because of the cable design and the color scheme. I should be fine with this PSU though.

Thank you for all your help guys. These forums never fail me, lol.
 

CheesePoofs

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Dec 5, 2004
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No, 28 isn't especially high. They go at least as high as 35, and I'm sure they could make them go higher, they are just afraid of the tiny chance of a fire resulting in them being sued for millions.
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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I figure I won't go SLI for a while, and I need a new PSU anyway because my other Antec one went out. I want to wait for the 7800 GTXs to go down, and also wait until my gaming performance decreases to upgrade to SLI. If I go SLI will want to get a PSU with a lot of Wattage. I'd most likely go for 680W so I wouldn't have any stability issues....we will wait and see where the power supply market goes I guess.
 

CheesePoofs

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Dec 5, 2004
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You definately won't need a 680w PS for sli'd 7800gtx. Your probably can run it, its just a bit closer than with the powerstream. As long as you don't run 20+ HD's, I'd assume you'd be fine. :)
 

Killasta43

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Feb 11, 2005
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Ok. Back again, lol. I don't really want to upgrade my power supply for any reason within the next 2 years. Would the OCZ Powerstream 520W run 2x7800 GTXx, 3 HDDs, a Sound Card, CD Drive, 3500+ CPU, etc. just fine?

I was thinking about cancelling my Modstream and getting the PS.