PSU selection

ShoeMaker · 26 Jul 2007 at 09:25

Just new to the forums, so I thought I'd start by asking for a little help with chosing a suitable PSU for my soon to be PC. The components listed here .

Yes, that is two GeForce 8800 Ultras set for SLI. Its far from cost efficient, but thats the way I like it.

I'll be using up to an additional 4 Nexus 120mm fans on top of whats on the list, so if thats the expected maximum load, how in the world does one calculate the wattage needed? I've tried some outdated calculators which dont seem to give me anything substantial, and I've looked at slizone.com and been recommended between 1000w to 1300w... though I'd have considered 750-850w to be sufficient.

Whats your take?

Will_3rd · 26 Jul 2007 at 09:31

Hi and welcome

However you are spending silly money, which within a couple of months will be out of date.

I'm sure someone will come along and spec something that will be better as well as cheaper.

Alex UK · 26 Jul 2007 at 09:34

Wow, that's one spec you got yourself there. As for the PSU, well certainly 1000W - 1300W is over the top I would have thought. I read an article which proved the Corsair 620W could handle a water cooled and overclocked QX6700, along with 8800GTX's in SLI. However, even I'm starting to doubt the almost legendary Corsair. I'd say that this or this would be sufficient.

Edit: Can I ask what resolution you'll be playing at? Anything less than 2560 x 1600 and SLI really isn't necessary. Why do you need so much power?

ShoeMaker · 26 Jul 2007 at 15:45

I'm thinking 750w will be sufficient, certainly cant see why it will have to be 1000 to 1300w, that'll suck the grid through the wall socket.

Reason for SLI 8800 Ultra is mainly several:
-Been without a gaming PC for over 3 years now, survived with a dell inspiron XPS2 labtop... Want something that'll dig its grave and sow the farm ontop.
- Work with a multitude of high performance 3D applications for both my studies and privatly, and of course to run games at heart breaking resolutions and quality. I know these are specific for gaming applications and not brilliant for modelling, but with 1.5Gig of mem it can handle it I think.
- And simply bragging rights... though hopefully by the time I buy this in two months time the price will be significantly lower on most of the items and worth the expence.