Will MY PSU take "TWO" GTX 280's?

V

VectraP

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 22, 2001
Messages
421
Hello,

I had a new pc in March (Quad 9650/Asus Striker Mobo Formula With 3 PCie 16x slots) and it came with this power supply, a OCZ GXS850 http://hardware.gotfrag.com/portal/story/38681/?spage=2

I have 2 GTX8800's in SLI at the moment, but was wondering about these "8 pin connectors" required by these new Geforce cards (GTX 280),

Well, i was wondering if (one day when the prices come down:), I could put TWO of these in my System. My PSU has 4 PCie connectors, but NO 8 pin. However, there are TWO "2 pin" connectors along side the 6 pin ones, and was wondering if these "make-up" an 8-pin, not sure.

Thanks in advance.

VP
 
The OCZ GameXtreme power supplies are based on the FSP/Sparkle Epsilon platform and are generally not recommended for their out-of-spec ripple when loaded to near their max wattage rating. If you load the rails up properly you can get the system running just fine with dual GTX280 cards, but the high ripple on the +12v rails could very well lead to a shortened lifespan on all of the components in your rig - especially the motherboard and video cards. The high ripple is very hard on the power regulation circuitry in your motherboard and video cards....

I haven't taken a look at the GameXtreme 850 but I have no reason to believe it's been changed at all from the previous Epsilon design.



As for the connectors, yes... the 'breakaway' extra 2 pins are what make the 6-pin connectors into 8-pin connectors.
 
Thanks Blue Falcon for the reply. But I'm assuming i will be "ok" running these cards won't I? - I wouldn't need to invest in another psu I hope! thanks anyway

cheers


VP
 
VectraP said:
Thanks Blue Falcon for the reply. But I'm assuming i will be "ok" running these cards won't I? - I wouldn't need to invest in another psu I hope! thanks anyway

cheers


VP
Click to expand...


The GTX280 cards in SLI are going to load that PSU up quite a bit. Since it's a multi-rail design you'll need to pay attention to how you connect things up so in order to spread the load out. Once that's sorted things should run OK, although again due to the high ripple on that unit I wouldn't connect two $600 video cards to it and risk reducing their overall lifespan.

It's really a decision you must make on your own.

If you do choose to grab a new PSU, I'd suggest the Corsair 750TX which can often be had for under $100 after rebates (check out www.provantage.com as they seem to have the best deals on these as of late)
 
Thanks again. Not really had a chance to check psu requirements on a GTX8800 Versus GTX 280 (will do that now), but heard they don't take up that much more power. However, your post on rippling etc may also apply to my SLI GTX8800 yes?. I have one hard drive (750 Gig 32mb cache) two DVD opticals, floppy drive, and a Quad 9650, with 2 GTX8800's. My guess is that i may be ok if i don't stuff my case with 4+ SATA HD's.

Cheers

VP
 
Aelfgeft said:
The bigger question is, will your bank account take two 280s? :eek:
Click to expand...

Well here in th UK, they are priced at about £469, (lots of dollors too!) but will wait till they come down anyway. I believe there will be some sort of refresh in the fall (or something) called the GTX 280x2??, not sure, but does sem nevewr ending:) ATI's latest offerng seem a good bang for the buck it has to be said, and will favour people with crossfire mobo's


Cheers


VP
 
VectraP said:
However, your post on rippling etc may also apply to my SLI GTX8800 yes?. I have one hard drive (750 Gig 32mb cache) two DVD opticals, floppy drive, and a Quad 9650, with 2 GTX8800's. My guess is that i may be ok if i don't stuff my case with 4+ SATA HD's.
Click to expand...

Yes, the ripple problem applies to your 8800GTX SLI setup as well. 8800GTX cards do use quite a bit of power.
 
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