A query about GPUs and PSUs

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:15

Just a quick one guys,

I fancy shoving another HD 5870 into my box for some crossfire fun, I'll need to get a higher wattage PSU than my 750w, correct?

If so; http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-050-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat= , would this be a PSU you'd recommend?

Also, would I be daft in thinking that I can only run 1GB cards with 1GB cards, or would the 2GB 5870 I've got my peepers on work perfectly in crossfire?

Last but not least, maximum price you'd pay for a used 5870? Would £130 be a safe bet, and maybe £150 for the 2GBer?

Thanks in advance,

-Mikchi

Reaper 392 · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:17

it depends on what make/model 750W PSU you have. if its a decent one then it might be enough
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/300

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:38

It's an OCX StealthXStream 2.

Cost me about £65 or thereabouts.

daveash · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:40

That'll be fine, my brother runs 2x6950s in CF on a 650w antec PSU with no problems. I'm sure 750w will be enough for CF 5870s.

Redmint · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:42

Is this your power supply?

http://www.ocztechnology.com/ocz-stealthxstream-2-700w-power-supply.html

It could probably deliver enough power, however it seems to only have 2x PCIE connectors and I'm not really a fan of running high powered graphics cards on molex converters.

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:44

Cool, thanks Dave.

Any opinion on the last question at all? I don't want to get mugged O.ó

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:46

Redmint said:
Is this your power supply?

http://www.ocztechnology.com/ocz-stealthxstream-2-700w-power-supply.html

It could probably delivery enough power, however it seems to only have 2x PCIE connectors and I'm not really a fan of running high powered graphics cards on molex converters.

Ah yes, 700w not 750w, my bad.

I forgot about the PCIE connectors, that was mentioned earlier today when I was running it past my computer-minded mate.

So probably want something with 4 connectors then.

Redmint · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:47

The prices you stated seem fairly reasonable, there aren't loads of 5870s on the 2nd hand market right now so I doubt you'll find them super cheap.

Redmint · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:49

Well the cheapest decent option with 4 connectors seems to be this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-057-OC

only a very slight upgrade on your current PSU and still non-modular though.

If you wanted to splash out slightly more you could go for this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-116-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:54

I like the Antec one, very sleek.

I myself have been browsing the higher market ones, say 1000w+ as I (hopefully) plan to splash out on an AMD 7 series card whenever they decide to be released.

Seeing that my current .. well, a 750W could run my gubbins, I suppose picking any old 1000w+ would equal 'win'.

Redmint · 6 Sep 2011 at 17:58

TBh if you're planning on going for 7 series cards soon after release I probably wouldn't bother upgrading the crossfire 5870s unless you're struggling to run the games you want to play.

But anyway, slightly cheaper option if you really want a 1kw beast:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-053-OC&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

Mikchi · 6 Sep 2011 at 18:12

Bookmarked, thank you sir.

I'm more-so wanting another card so I can happily play Battlefield 3, I fear my lonely 5870 will struggle at any form of decent setting. What's the point in playing a game if you can't have it looking nice aswell, huh?