Question about PSU and 2 graphics cards.

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frillybob101

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Apr 20, 2013
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Hello all. This is going to be a pretty in depth question.

Current Specs
cpu-AMD-FX 6300
gpu-7870 myst
mobo-ASUS M5A97 R2.0 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
psu- Corsair CX 600 watt

My friend has a spare 560 (non ti) for $75 bucks. He says I can use it with my current graphics card to get a crossfire/sli type deal. The problem is twofold. First my PSU has only 2x6 pin. I would need adapters which isn't a big deal but my bigger question is can it do it?

I have another idea. Having and external 600 watt powersupply only connected to the 560 to power it and bypassing the turn on by using the paper clip trick. My friend calls it a ghetto setup. He has an extra 600 watt psu. (It's a cheaper microcenter branded one that I wouln't want taxed. So one graphics card should be fine.

I use my pc for gaming.

I know amps are a big thing but my wattage seems ok
180 tdp 7870 myst
95 tdp cpu
150 tdp 560

425 watts plus 4 fans a hyper evo and a 5400 rpm hard drive.

 
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frillybob101

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Apr 20, 2013
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He said its no problem at all! Is this really the case? There is no way to do this?

What about a 7850
With 7870 myst do I have enough power
 
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theclouds

theclouds

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Jun 24, 2013
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Hello, your friend may have confused your graphics with an Nvidia. Your Radeon is not compatible.

Here is a great starting point for PSU: http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

Don't rely on it 100%, use it as a guideline. Also, I think the paper clip trick is neat. But a word to the wise, never gamble with power. Get the right PSU or adapters for the job. Plenty of Youtube videos on what happens when you cut corners.


 
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theclouds

theclouds

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Jun 24, 2013
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Yep. 7870 le will only crossfire with 7900 series due to the Tahiti chipset.



To be fair, your conditions have closed you off of any possible increase to graphical power short of crossfiring another 7870 le, but then you'll be wise to upgrade to a psu with more capacity just to be safe. From AMD: 600W power supply (or greater) with four 75W 6-pin PCI Express power connectors recommended for AMD CrossFire™ technology. While Corsair markets some worthy psus, I never take the manufacturer's word for it. Best to have 50-100W on top of what you need to be safe, and for oc headroom if that's your thing. Efficiency is maximized between 20-80% load. I think this answers an aspect of your original question depending on what you decide.

I know this is getting long, but I hope this helps. Are you having problems running games on your desired settings? What's your native resolution? From your specs, it looks like you should be able to last at least another year if you adjust the settings a little. That may not be your thing though, as I don't like compromises either, but it is an option to save for a better video card down the road.

There are plenty of knowledgeable gurus on power supplies and video cards who may be able to offer better advice. I hope this little bump helps generate some traffic. Good luck!
 
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frillybob101

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Apr 20, 2013
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Thank you very much for the response!

I like to get 60 fps with ultra settings. I know for this rig its pushing it but I game at 1440 by 900p. I can max out battlefield 3 just fine but I wanted to be safe for the next generation of games. If I were to get another 7870 le would it boost performance significantly? The second one would run on a pci-e 2.0 x4 eltrically.

Also would you recommend two psu in one rig. It would save me money from buying a new psu. I found a pci card that you plug into the mobo and then you plug the second psu cords into and it takes care of turning everything on and off with the power button on the front of the case.
 
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