600W PSU for SLI

SycoSight

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Nov 14, 2013
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What would be the best gpus that could run fine with only a 600w psu? I want to buy a relatively low power draw gpu that could later be sli'd and I would prefer the ones that would give the most performance. How would sli 660s compare to a 780? Im hoping to save a few bucks later down the line. Also a gpu that is under 200 btw
 
Solution
Most systems with a single 660 will be around 300W. That is why a PSU of 430W is recommended. That leaves extra room and 300W PSUs are rare and cutting it to close to actual power draw. Here are some systems to back up what I'm saying:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6276/nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-review-gk106-rounds-out-the-kepler-family/17
http://www.techspot.com/review/572-nvidia-geforce-gtx-660/page11.html

And we know the 660 draws around 140W. So if 300W is single 660 then a second is around 450W. So, 600W is more than enough.
I believe the GTX 780 would still be better compared to a 660 SLI, I'm not sure though.

But, in general, I think it'd be easier and sometimes better just to have a single card setup over a multicard setup just because there are some games that don't take advantage of the second card, or some games would have trouble running with SLI.

Another thing: Unless that 600w psu is a well known and high tier PSU, it's not a good idea to put it in an SLI system. A single GTX 780 can run on a 600w PSU if it has enough amps on the 12V rail to support it.
 
A 600W PSU can SLI just make sure the cables can accommodate it. It should be ok, each 660 needs 1x6pin and most 600W PSUs have 2x6pin.

However, SLI introduces microstuttering so most people recommend sticking to 1 GPU unless you really need 2. SLI/Crossfire is best for 3 monitor gaming or 144Hz gaming or 2560x1440.
 
D

Deleted member 217926

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Here is a list of recommended power for every single or multiple card setup available. You can trust the list.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

As said above I would not try it even with lower end cards if the unit in question is not a higher end unit from a quality manufacturer.

In almost every situation a single more powerful card is a better idea than multiple cards. Even though Sli is quite good there are still titles that do not support it as well as microstuttering.

There is also the VRAM issue. Even 2 GTX 770s in Sli will still only have 2GB of VRAM useable where as a single GTX 780 although slower has 3GB. You can easily run out of VRAM even in older titles like Skyrim with mods and the new game Watch Dogs will not even allow setups with less than 3GB of VRAM to select the highest settings although a single GTX 770 would easily max the game.
 

kalijaga

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Nov 5, 2012
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For safety and peace of mind, I suggest at least a good 650w PSU or better still 750W for future SLI. I think you may find the difference in prices will be quite small, and in the long run you will not regret it.

If that cheap PSU burned out it may take out your whole rig with it, so be safe than be sorry.

Just my humble opinion.

Cheers.
 
Most systems with a single 660 will be around 300W. That is why a PSU of 430W is recommended. That leaves extra room and 300W PSUs are rare and cutting it to close to actual power draw. Here are some systems to back up what I'm saying:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6276/nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-review-gk106-rounds-out-the-kepler-family/17
http://www.techspot.com/review/572-nvidia-geforce-gtx-660/page11.html

And we know the 660 draws around 140W. So if 300W is single 660 then a second is around 450W. So, 600W is more than enough.
 
Solution