2 PSU's?

mojomonkeyx

mojomonkeyx

mojomonkeyx

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OK, I'm planning ahead now.

Eventually, my upgrades are going to be such that I'll have 2 4870X2's in my machine.

I have an 880W Hiper PSU, which is fine for a single X2, and is enough wattage for 2, but isn't a "mainstream" brand, and I'm not sure if the power cables will reach both cards. Even if they do, I'm not sure if the rails will handle it.

So, I thought to ask, to save me buying a more expensive PSU when I get the second card, what are my options for buying a second, smaller PSU?

If I do it, what extra kit do I need (do I need a Y dongle for the motherboard so that the power switch works? If so, where from, how do I do it?).

Is it advised? Is it a good option, worth saving money than buying a bigger PSU?

Case isn't a problem - easy enough room in there for a second PSU.

Thoughts? Advice?

Regards,

MojoMonkey
 
well i wouldnt get a secnd psu for a start, im not a fan of Hiper power supplies but i HIGHLY doubt even 2 x 4870x2 will need more than that

your rig including a second card wouldnt draw over 600-650watts load i would say.

but with a Hiper who knows :p

get a better quality psu
 
As above a new PSU is probably the best option.

If you really do want a second psu I remember seeing some that will fit it a 5.25" bay that are designed specifically for providing additional power for video cards.

If you just want to hotwire a standard PSU then there are plenty of guides out there.
 
Ditch the Hiper.

Known to explode if you look at them funny.**

To be extra safe you could look at the ATI list of recommended PSUs for dual 4870x2s.


For me I couldn't justify getting another 4870x2 :/
Mine at 1920x1200 is just dandy.





** I've not had any experience with Hiper products, I'm going on the general consensus of the Internet (excluding the Hiper website)
 
Before you go down the route of trying to get 2x PSUs in a system to power graphics cards, remember that: A high PSU requirement card isn't a sign of a powerful card as such. It's more a sign of being a faster card at the present time. What I'm getting at is, when I have had a fast card that needs a big PSU and comes in a box the size of a suitcase (remember those :p) and you get into thinking a huge PSU is essential, remember that in 12 months time a little, low powered card will come out that will be as fast as your current one and even if you went for the then powerful card, your current PSU would be fine with it.
 
Threads like this come up every once in a while and they always end with the same conclusion, buy a decent PSU, getting two to turn on at the same time is hassle in itself, not to mention mounting them in the case, not to mention venterlation and actually getting a kettle lead to it.

bottom line:
If you can afford the kit that requires a second PSU, you can afford a decent PSU.
 
NOthing is wrong with "HIPER" used to have one for a long time 100% stable with 4870, gtx260, gtx280.
Any "branded psu's can explode"
It depends how many amps in +12v rail requires 2 x2 cards, but I would change psu too tho :D
 
mojomonkeyx said:
Eventually, my upgrades are going to be such that I'll have 2 4870X2's in my machine.
Click to expand...
Hey mojomonkeyx,

I'm just wondering if your craving for crossfired HD4870 X2's is healthy! :p

If your a Pro-Bencher or Pro-Gamer fair enough but I just have this feeling that amount of GPU power is TOTAL OVERKILLL!!!!! :eek::D

Not forgetting the running costs! . . this is the wattage reading for one/two HD4870 X2's only! :eek: (not including any other hardware!)

radeonhd4870x2.gif

How Much Power Does Your Graphics Card Need
 
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