N580 SLI Questions

[StonedPenguin]

Hi all.

I have a couple of Q's regarding upgrading to SLI, I am looking to get another MSI 580 Frozr. Currently running 1920x1080 but will be upgrading to 2560x1440 in the v.near future.

This is purely for gaming (Dirt 3, BFBC2, Crysis 2, MW2. - MW3 & BF3 come sep/oct)

Will this be a worthy upgrade or is it overkill/pointless?

Can my PSU handle this upgrade?

Thanks

 

[Cleeecooo]

I think it can be a worthwhile upgrade.

Your PSU can handle it but I wouldn't use your system 24/7!

Personally, I would upgrade to a 1kw instead of taking the risk.

 

[StonedPenguin]

Your PSU can handle it but I wouldn't use your system 24/7!.

What do you mean by that mate? If it can handle it then why upgrade the PSU too? Would it be running at max?

 

[Ovr]

Too close to the wire, you wouldn't be able to run furmark and prime at the same time for example (not that you ever would) but it's a good indication of too much strain for the system.

 

[harmony]

700W is what I measure between the wall and the PSU for my GTX580 SLI and i7 980X. I'd recommend 850W minimum just for sure.

 

[StonedPenguin]

Something told me I should have gone for the 850w PSU instead of the 750w, It's frustrating and costly just for that 100w more.

If I brought the 2nd 580 and put it in and started gaming would it damage the components if the TX750 wasn't cutting the mustard? IIRC I read a review on the TX750 being able to run at 820w or there abouts but can't find it now.

 

[harmony]

Something told me I should have gone for the 850w PSU instead of the 750w, It's frustrating and costly just for that 100w more.

If I brought the 2nd 580 and put it in and started gaming would it damage the components if the TX750 wasn't cutting the mustard? IIRC I read a review on the TX750 being able to run at 820w or there abouts but can't find it now.

Usually the PSU will be safe, but the graphics card may be in danger. When I had my Corsair HX1000, one of my GTX580 in SLI was damaged. It was because HX1000 is essentially made of a pair of 500W PSUs (between which load-balancing is impossible), and each +12V rail can only supply 40A current. The GTX580 connected to the same rail as my i7 980X was damaged.

Thus my advice is: before you try 580 SLI with a 750W PSU, make sure your cards are covered by warranty.