What Power Supply for SLI?

[TantrumusMaximus]

I haven't seen much on this subject... how do you best determine what power supply will handle 2 6800GT cards + 4 HD + 2 Optical Drives etc etc?

Please don't suggest one of those X-Connects as I've read some bad reviews on their efficiency.

So far I am looking at getting the Antec NeoPower 480... anyone else have this PS?

This config will use an ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe board.

Thanks,

 

[Chaotic42]

PC Power and Cooling 510SLI

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
PC Power and Cooling 510SLI

Yep, if you can afford it, that is my ultimate PSU. I've got a 6800GT (AGP) 2 optical drives and 5 hard drives and I think my Antec True 430W is getting its ass kicked. When I drop it back to 3 hard drives, everything is fine.

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
PC Power and Cooling 510SLI

There should be a sticky on the best PSU for an SLI setup

 

[Steg55]

"Voted the #1 PSU in the UKs first scientific labs test"

Tagen 480w PSU

I know several people who swear by it - its really is the best PSU out there

Steg

 

[spearsd]

Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd

 

[Mik3y]

PCP&C 510W, OCZ ModStream 520W, OCZ PowerStream 600W, or Enermax Noisetaker 600W.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: spearsd
Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd

Well, by "ass kicked" I mean it doesn't like when I added the extra 2 hard drives to my machine. My machine as it stands right now has an Athlon XP 2600+ M running at 2.2GHz (default votage), a 6800GT, 80GB, and 2 x 120GB hard drives, DVD reader, DVD burner, a few low noise fans, and some cold cathode tubes (2 x 6"). Everything runs perfect until I add the extra two hard drives. After that I get random lock ups. Maybe it's not the PSU, and maybe a mobo issue. Give it a shot in your machine and let me know how it holds up.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

Originally posted by: Mik3y
PCP&C 510W, OCZ ModStream 520W, OCZ PowerStream 600W, or Enermax Noisetaker 600W.

Any of those are fine. Try to always get a powerful PSU in case of upgrading to more power hungry GFX cards.

 

[TantrumusMaximus]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I also read good reviews about the PCP&Cooling and the 480W Tagen (I haven't heard about that brand however before the review I read on it.)

I am concerned that my system will be real noisy since the PCP&C reviews complained about the noise it produced. I probably should have stipulated that in the beginning. But how loud are 2 6800GT's anyhow?? Is it a moot point?

I am mainly concerned because a poor or low powered PS can cause the wierdest problems to a PC.

Thanks again,

 

[spearsd]

UPDATE:
MY BFG6800GT OC cards arrived and have been installed. I've since been running my system (see sig) absolutely stable on the Antec True430W PS.

-spearsd

Originally posted by: spearsd
Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd

 

[LifeStealer]

Use a multi-meter and test the rails.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Computer MAn

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
PC Power and Cooling 510SLI

There should be a sticky on the best PSU for an SLI setup

I made a thread about this, with lots of PSU info and asked for sticky. Didn't get anything.

Here's a link to it

 

[KoolDrew]

Power Supply Selection Guide

 

[spearsd]

KookDrew,

Top notch!!! Thank you!

I'm probably bumping my head on 12v rail in worst case scenario (maximum draw), but no problems so far. You know, I'm just to damn lazy to open my case and PS to measure the rails :-( LOL! If the systems starts exhibiting any strange symptoms, I'll cross that bridge.

-spearsd

 

[LifeStealer]

Mount a ciggarette lighter on the outside of it. Then you won't have to take the cover off

 

[spearsd]

Yes, hmmm... two birds with one stone!!! LOL! Hmmm... better use a "high-efficiency" lighter plug. Don't want my system crashing on my 12v rail drops

-spearsd

Originally posted by: LifeStealer
Mount a ciggarette lighter on the outside of it. Then you won't have to take the cover off

 

[peter7921]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: spearsd
Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd

Well, by "ass kicked" I mean it doesn't like when I added the extra 2 hard drives to my machine. My machine as it stands right now has an Athlon XP 2600+ M running at 2.2GHz (default votage), a 6800GT, 80GB, and 2 x 120GB hard drives, DVD reader, DVD burner, a few low noise fans, and some cold cathode tubes (2 x 6"). Everything runs perfect until I add the extra two hard drives. After that I get random lock ups. Maybe it's not the PSU, and maybe a mobo issue. Give it a shot in your machine and let me know how it holds up.

Hi, I have the Antec True430W, and i have 4 HD's running, 2 optical drives, 9700 Pro AIW, a cold cathode, 4 case fans, P4 northwod 3.0 oced to 3.3. I have run it with 5 hd's occasionnaly and didn't notice a problem there either.

 

[billyjak]

I say the PC Power and Cooling 510SLI also

I have a 450w PC Power and Cooling Power supply with 6 Hard drives 2 DVD 's Fans and have been running flawelessly for some time now.

 

[nitro28]

The PC power and cooling is top notch, however, I went with the new Fortron blue 500watt. It has dual rails, nice sleeving, pci-e connectors and has been rock solid so far., all for $90! at newegg.

Asus SLI
3200+ winchester
6800gt x 2
Seagate 120GB

 

[TantrumusMaximus]

Wow. I have an Antec True430W now in my system maybe I'll just stick with it to try it before buying another.

So far after a lot of reading the one that looks real good is the Antec NeoPower 480 (Got to hate that matrixy addy everyone is doing.... Neo is so overused now.)

The PCP&C stuff is top notch no doubt but if I can get out of spending $200+ I will. LOL.

Going to check out that thread KoolDrew, thanks.

 

[spearsd]

UPDATE:
I've replaced my PC3200 with GSkill PC4400 "D" RAM and started OC'ing my system. Well, it appears I was VERY close to my True430W 12v rail capacity. I currently have the following hardware connected:


1x A64 3500+ 90nm
1x Zalman CNPS7000A alcu
2x GSkill PC-4400 512MB DIMMs
2x BFG 6800GT OC PCI-E (at 400MHz)
2x PCI cards (Audigy2 ZS, MyHD)
3x 7200RPM HD
1x optical drive
1x 120mm case fan

- "Massive Overdraw" test in Aquamark freezes system.
- System won't boot unless I remove power from one 6800GT or remove 2 HD's
- If I remove 2 HD's and EZ-Plug, Aquamark "Massive Overdraw" does not freeze ;-) LOL

I've tried various combinations of loading, but it all has boiled down to 12v rail not putting out enough :-(
Oh well, Ka-ching, ka-ching$$$ Time for a better power supply. Maybe, I'll just get that X850XT PE and sell off my BFG's... anyone interested at $350 each?

-spearsd

Originally posted by: spearsd
Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd

 

[spearsd]

Bummer, I'm starting to have problems with my PowerStream 600W PS...

Thread over at OCZ

Hello,
I purchased a 600ADJ on January 4th to replace my Antec 430W which occasional seemed to choke under extreme SLI load after running for a while. The PowerStream 600W worked a charm until Friday evening when my system unexpectedly powered off while surfing the web in WinXP. I was able to power on again using the soft power button, but it powered off again about ten minutes later. I reconnected all power cabling and motherboard cabling including front panel control leads but the system continues to power off in seemingly random situations (while in bios, in winxp surfing, in winxp office, during gaming, during non-use idle time).

My first thought was that the over/under vollt protection might be kicking in as I have lots of things plugged into this house circuit, so I moved the computer to a circuit dedicated to the washer/dryer that is only 10ft from the breaker box. Same thing was happening!

Only after I unplugged the PowerStream 600W and plug my Antec 430W back in did the strange power-offs stop occurring. I'm really disappointed as everything I've read about the PowerStream has been stellar. So, a couple questions for you...

What's the maximum current draw allowed from a SINGLE 12v connector on the PowerStream 600W? I don't want to hear the power supply's total maximum current draw, just a SINGLE 12v connector.

Has anyone else experienced similar power-offs using the PowerStream 600W?

What are the exact thresholds for the protection circuit on the AC inputs and DC outputs (current and voltage)?

The power supply was working perfectly for the first 2+ weeks I had it in my system, and suddenly these drop-dead power-offs are happening. I'm looking forward to your (OCZ) reply.

My detailed system information is listed below...

Thanks,

-spearsd

System Specs:
A64 3500+ 90nm (2478Mhz) / Zalman CNPS-7000A alcu - Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe v1.02 (1003 final) - 2x GSkill 512MB "LD" PC-4400 (275MHz, 2.5-4-4-8-2T) - 2x BFG 6800GT OC (400MHz Core, 1000Mhz Mem) - Audigy2 ZS - MIT MDP-100 Tuner - Seagate ST380021A (80GB), 2x Seagate ST3200822A (200GB) - BenQ DW1620-0C3 DVD DL-RW (B7P9-RPC1) - Antec Sonata / OCZ PowerStream 600W ADJ


OCZ part number:-620ADJ
Module size and kit size:-GSkill 2x 512MB PC4400
CPU model and rated speed:-Athlon 64 3500+ (90nm)
Overclocked CPU speed:-not overclocked
Divider and FSB used:-5x200
Motherboard and revision:-Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe 1.02
Motherboard Bios rev:-1003
Video card:-2x BFG 6800GT OC
Power supplyowerStream 600W Adj
Operating System:-WinXP
CPU and System Cooling:-Zalman 7000, Vantec 120mm
CPU and System temps:-cpu: 31, mb: 34
Purchased at/on:-Excalibur
Country:-USA

Originally posted by: spearsd
UPDATE:
I've replaced my PC3200 with GSkill PC4400 "D" RAM and started OC'ing my system. Well, it appears I was VERY close to my True430W 12v rail capacity. I currently have the following hardware connected:


1x A64 3500+ 90nm
1x Zalman CNPS7000A alcu
2x GSkill PC-4400 512MB DIMMs
2x BFG 6800GT OC PCI-E (at 400MHz)
2x PCI cards (Audigy2 ZS, MyHD)
3x 7200RPM HD
1x optical drive
1x 120mm case fan

- "Massive Overdraw" test in Aquamark freezes system.
- System won't boot unless I remove power from one 6800GT or remove 2 HD's
- If I remove 2 HD's and EZ-Plug, Aquamark "Massive Overdraw" does not freeze ;-) LOL

I've tried various combinations of loading, but it all has boiled down to 12v rail not putting out enough :-(
Oh well, Ka-ching, ka-ching$$$ Time for a better power supply. Maybe, I'll just get that X850XT PE and sell off my BFG's... anyone interested at $350 each?

-spearsd

Originally posted by: spearsd
Jack,
Can you be a little more specific than "getting its ass kicked"? I've got an Antec True430W supply and plan on running 1x optical, 3x 7200rpm hd, 2x 6800GT, A64 3500+... no? We'll see, I suppose ;-)

-spearsd