Future proof PSU for 2x crossfire 6950

suitheist · 23 May 2011 at 11:17

Hey, im building a new system based around a 2500k and a 6950 both of which i intend to overclock moderately.

I was intending to buy this PSU:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-047-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1098

I had heard that ATI cards generally draw less power, but will 700W be enough to allow me to add a second 6950 in the future?

panyan · 23 May 2011 at 11:20

suitheist said:
Hey, im building a new system based around a 2500k and a 6950 both of which i intend to overclock moderately.

I was intending to buy this PSU:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-047-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1098

I had heard that ATI cards generally draw less power, but will 700W be enough to allow me to add a second 6950 in the future?

i have a feeling youll need a more powerful psu

ewarwoowar · 23 May 2011 at 11:23

You'll want to go for a little more headroom on the PSU than that.

Preferably a corsair 850w.
But if you REALLY want future proof, get a 1200w Corsair or another brand

They get a very long warranty, I think 7 years?
If that's not future proofing I don't know what is

tidusjar · 23 May 2011 at 11:29

You could get a 1000w+ PSU but it would be a bit overkill for what you want. Unless you want to add a ****load of power consuming cards etc.

Take a look at this Corsair Enthusiast Series TX 850W V2 High Performance Power Supply

SeeKified · 23 May 2011 at 11:32

I'd get a Corsair AX750. You won't really need more than that for a 6950 CF setup (I could probably get away with it on my TX650), but if you want to be very future-proof a few more watts wouldn't hurt.

Reaper 392 · 23 May 2011 at 11:54

your computer will run just fine on a good 700W PSU, but it wont be able to run much else

if you want it to be future proof (ie, use the next gen cards without a PSU change) then i would recommend the XFX 750W or 850W modular PSU's

if you really want it to be able to handle anything, then one of the 850W, 1000W or 1250W OCZ ZX series modular PSU's will suit you fine

Relentless81 · 23 May 2011 at 11:57

I always over spec to be on the safe side with PSU's

My current PSU is a Seasonic X-750 and its only running one GTX 560. Why? Peace of mind.

tidusjar · 23 May 2011 at 12:14

I'd say your best bet would be with a 750W - 850W PSU.

olivier renault · 23 May 2011 at 12:47

850W for me. More if SLI 580 / 480.

Meaker · 23 May 2011 at 17:45

Relentless81 said:
I always over spec to be on the safe side with PSU's

My current PSU is a Seasonic X-750 and its only running one GTX 560. Why? Peace of mind.

Really and a quality but lower rated PSU that is going to be running in its best efficiency band is a bad thing how?

700W is plenty:

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1488/18/

See, 479W from the wall, this is including losses in the PSU (which the rating does not, so a 700W 80% efficient supply draws 840W from the wall).

Here is another:

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/3744/his_radeon_hd_6950_2gb_video_card_in_crossfire/index17.html

Again, also this is done with a 4.2ghz Intel hex core.

suitheist · 25 May 2011 at 00:40

Thanks guys (particularly Meaker for the power draw figures).

I've decided to go for the 700W.

Troezar · 25 May 2011 at 07:20

suitheist said:
Thanks guys (particularly Meaker for the power draw figures).

I've decided to go for the 700W.

Interesting, after some investigation and allowing for ageing I've decided on an 850W PSU for CF 6950's and OC'd 2600K setup. Will be interested to see how you get on with your 700W, I may be overspeccing...

RJC · 25 May 2011 at 07:26

Troezar said:
Interesting, after some investigation and allowing for ageing I've decided on an 850W PSU for CF 6950's and OC'd 2600K setup. Will be interested to see how you get on with your 700W, I may be overspeccing...

Looking at Andantech, crossfire 6950's pull 470w whilst gaming, this also includes the system as well.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/299

With your 850w you will have plenty in reserve.

BringTheRain · 25 May 2011 at 07:40

Simple

ReAPeR101 · 25 May 2011 at 07:42

The below for a completely insane 1200w of power. Should power any future upgrades.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-131-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

The below for a sensible approach IMO.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-131-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

=XDC=FluphyBunny · 25 May 2011 at 10:18

XFX 850W - plenty of headroom, modular, at a good price ?