PSU Inquiry for 4X 1080 GTX system

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530
Hey everyone,

I am about to start my PC build containing eventually 4 1080 GPUs, however am having second thoughts on my PSU and am nervous about running into issues with my current EVGA 1300 PSU. To start off, I am aware that the Nvidia 1080 is not SLI capable, however I am using the PC as a dedicated Octane Render/ Cinema 4D Workstation and the software makes use of all the CUDA cores linearly.

All the online PSU calculators say I should be fine with the EVGA 1300 and the build I have below, however I feel like it might be cutting it close since some of them estimate a total draw of 1100-1200. Initially I plan to start off with 2 of the MSI 1080 Seahawks and eventually put 2 of the upcoming Titan P cards in coming out in the late fall. Down the road, I want to make sure I don't have an overkill PSU (would upgrade to the 1600 EVGA PSU) and I'm also nervous that my wall outlets at home can't handle that large of a power supply since I live in an older building (can anyone advise on this/ speak from experience?)

Any advise would be appreciated. I know a lot of people tend to go with 1500/1600 PSUs however based on the calculators and the lower power consumption of the new generation Nvidia cards, I'm not sure I necessarily need that much, although I could be wrong. Here's the build:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/X2KrVY

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i v2 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus X99-E WS/USB 3.1 SSI CEB LGA2011-3 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Primo ATX Full Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans
Case Fan: Corsair SP120 57.2 CFM 120mm Fans
 
Solution
Yup.
Even then should draw 1200-1250 ABSOLUTE max, although this is unlikely. Remember that your power supply will go up to 1370 or so before safety measures will kick in, plenty of headroom there.
The GTX 1080 is indeed SLI capable, but it will only work in benchmarking applications in 4 way SLI, as 2 way is the maximum supported in games and other applications.
Honestly, it's a huge waste of money better invested elsewhere.
I'll post an improved build in a sec.
 
In regards to your concerns of electrical power draw from the wall socket, you are indeed right.
I would recommend a maximum of 1200w for that.
Note that there is also diminishing returns when it comes to SLI in more than two way, not worth the money, even if you can afford it.
Would you like the x99 Deluxe II by Asus or the Gigabyte X99 Designare?
 
Here is what I have for you. The 850 Pro is the same performance as the 850 Evo with a longer warranty, not much point splitting the two seeing as a 1TB Evo is the same price as both.
Swapped out the two 2TB Barracuda drives for a single 4TB WD Black which is much higher performance.
Also swapped out the fans for good static pressure fans, which push air through smaller gaps.
Airflow fans are only good for cases with little blockage in terms of airflow, like meshed fronts.
They also won't be able to push air through the radiator, which I have swapped for a Kraken x61 due to higher performance.

All up ends up costing $500 less than what you would have paid otherwise, and you get the fastest CPU on the planet. Good trade if you ask me.
Note that I have not listed Seahawks as they are not out yet. ^.^
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/39NMcc
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/39NMcc/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-6950X 3.0GHz 10-Core Processor ($1649.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($402.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($254.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($187.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($313.61 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($196.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($719.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($719.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Primo ATX Full Tower Case ($259.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($180.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($46.85 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($129.88 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Fractal Design HP14-PWM 78.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Fractal Design HP14-PWM 78.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Fractal Design HP14-PWM 78.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Fractal Design HP14-PWM 78.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Fractal Design HP14-PWM 78.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $5278.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-03 22:16 EDT-0400
 

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530


Hey! Thanks for the reply. I won't be putting the cards in SLI, as with Octane it doesn't benefit at all from it. It takes the individual power of each card/ CUDA cores and uses them linearly, so 4 1080 cards stack linearly when it comes to CUDA cores, however the RAM doesn't stack.
 

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530


Thanks for the updated build. I actually have all the parts already from my build though. Will definitely look into those additional fans though.

Mainly just looking for advice or input with regards to the power supply as the build is pretty set in stone
 
Ah, okay I see, didn't know that! Got a bit confused with the wording. :)
The EVGA 1200w G2 is what I would look into in your case, or the P2 if you want that extra efficiency.
Make sure you're using a surge protector given the electrical situation in your area! :p
 


Guess you prove me wrong there :)

I wasn't sure, the build you posted showed 2 cards so I was confused.
 

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530


Hey Man,

Thanks for posting. I'm going for 4 cards, either 4X 1080 Hybrid cards or 2X 1080 Hybrids and 2X Titan P (when they're released in the late fall). I don't plan on overclocking the GPUs but may (and a very slim may at that) want to look into overclocking the CPU at some point down the road. I would only overclock it slightly, not trying to push any limits or achieve insane benchmarks, just stable performance. I want stability mostly since it's going to be my main workstation PC and any downtime or issues could be disastrous for work.
 

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530


Thanks for the time and reply. So you'd recommend a 1200ish PSU for the 4 cards? Does that account for maximum wattage spikes and such? The EVGA 1300 G2 is what I currently have but am debating whether I should maybe upgrade to the 1600 G2.
 

lakerwiz

Commendable
Mar 21, 2016
35
0
1,530


Even at peaks and if I decided to slightly overclock the CPU at some point down the road?
 


Peaks aren't as important as average. Power supplies are designed to handle power spikes, which is why OPP or OCP kicks in way later than the rated amperages or rated wattage of the PSU.