What Power Supply would I need to run two GTX 970s in SLI?

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a9ch4f

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Currently, I am considering getting a second MSI GTX 970 to run in SLI. The issue is that my modular power supply has most of the slots already occupied, which leads me to believe that I would need a new power supply for this to work. After lurking through a few threads, I came across a few people that said for two 970's in SLI, I would need a power supply of around 850 Watts. This is rather concerning considering how I only have a PSU of 650.
Note: I also plan on adding a few extra fans.

So, do I really need a 850 Watt PSU to make my dream come true? And if so, does anyone have any good 850 watt modular power supplies that have more slots than my current (RM650) PSU?

Thank you very much in advance.
 
Solution
Whateverworks_19
If you're doing overclocking as well, 750W will do just fine. I can vouch for the EVGA G2 PSU as I own SLI 970 myself.

The 900-series is based on the Maxwell microarchitecture which is extremely power efficient. 850W is simply not necessary, and without overclocking a good Seasonic or Super Flower of 650W will do the job with power to spare.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438017

edit

Just saw you had the RM650. The RM is made by CWT who are either decent or terrible. The RM-series is okay though and will power your setup with two 970's. However, if you have the money do your SLI970 an honor and buy a quality PSU.
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Whateverworks_19

Whateverworks_19

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If you're doing overclocking as well, 750W will do just fine. I can vouch for the EVGA G2 PSU as I own SLI 970 myself.

The 900-series is based on the Maxwell microarchitecture which is extremely power efficient. 850W is simply not necessary, and without overclocking a good Seasonic or Super Flower of 650W will do the job with power to spare.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438017

edit

Just saw you had the RM650. The RM is made by CWT who are either decent or terrible. The RM-series is okay though and will power your setup with two 970's. However, if you have the money do your SLI970 an honor and buy a quality PSU.
 
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Solution
Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Change your memory 2x8.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $99.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-25 20:44 EDT-0400


and


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-25 20:46 EDT-0400
 
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Mousemonkey

Mousemonkey

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For the last five months I've been running two slightly OC'd 970's on a nine year old HX620w PSU with no issues whatsoever, take from that what you will.
 
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T

Tchota

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If you have more than two modules of ram, they will not work all at dual channel?

His PSU cant handle another GTX 970?
 
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Whateverworks_19

Whateverworks_19

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1) Dual per definition means two. That means, if you have more modules than two, they will not work dual channel but, if we have three modules, triple-channel. If you have four modules they will work quadruple-channel. The utilization of these different channel architectures is defined by the given CPU. A high-end CPU can utilize these different channels, thus using a technology that increases the data transfer rate between the DRAM memory and the memory controller. However, having 4x1GB or 4x2GB is not really optimizing performance at all with OP's setup. However, having 2x4GB is.

2) It can, however it is not adviceable by any means. If he has the money to buy 2x970, surely he has money to buy a SuperFlower/Seasonic PSU.
 
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Zerk2012

Zerk2012

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Whateverworks_19

Whateverworks_19

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Z97-A is made out of the dual-channel architecture. That means, having three modules will not utilize dual-channel. I own the Z97-A for my main build as well.

It is possible to imagine, if you are using QVL (qualified vendor list) for the Z97-A, that two modules can run dual-channel. However, this here is the limit of my knowledge regarding this specific topic.

Alternatively, read this for more information: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778.html

A good rule of thumb is: If your board supports dual-channel and you're running 64-bit OS, then either add 2x2GB or 2x4GB of 1600Mhz.

I have a X58A motherboard for my other PC, and that board supports triple-channel, thus I have 3x2GB to utilize that triple-channel.

Hope it makes sense.
 
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