"Value" PSU for 8800 GTX SLI?

[harmattan]

I've got two 8800GTX's on the way to include in my new rig (specs below). I now need a PSU capable of handling these monsters and the rest of the system. I know Nvidia has already listed their "SLI-approved" PSU's, but most are $:roll:$ or overkill for what I'm putting together. The only one on the list that comes close to being reasonable in price is Thermaltakes Toughpower 850W which comes in at around $280.

However, I can pick up either a CoolMax 1000W or Enermax 1000W for quite a bit cheaper after rebates (both with 4 12v rails at 19A). Thing is, the Toughpower is the only one that has 4 PCI-E 6-Pin cables required for 8800 GTX SLI. If I choose to go with the CoolMax or Enermax, can't I just use a PCI-E cable splitter to make the necessary 4 connections?

New Rig Specs:

C2C e6600 (hoping to OC to 3.0ghz)
eVGA i680 SLI
2x250GB Wester Digital SATA RAID 0
2XeVGA 8800 GTX SLI (hoping to OC a bit)
SB Audigy 4 Pro
nothing else too extraordinary...

 

[sirheck]

hey mr family i have heard that the 8800gtx requires 2 molex
connects and the gts needs only one.

have you any info on the uber psu,s having 4 pci-e connects?

not that i plan on buying 2 g80,s 8O

 

[Guest]

Seasonic 700w has 4 PCIe connection, 'only' 56 amps on the 12v rails, will be a bit on the short side though, just saying...

Clicky

850W seems to be enough, 2 OCed 8800 gtx, with a Kentsfield at 4.8ghz, doubt you will draw more =)

Anand

They say it approached 520W during testing...

If you shelled 1.2grand on vid card, dont skimp to much on the PSU =)

 

[harmattan]

So it seams the 30A recomendation if for a full system. Ok that is more realistic. So a good 6050W PSU with a total current output of no less then 30A will cover it. So for those who will be OCing it would be good to reccomend about 34A. Well it's good to get a bit more information about this.

If i'm not mistaking both versions of the card need 2 PCI-e connectors. There isn't that big of a diffrence between the 2 to allow for only one connection on the lesser card.

So, realistically, I could run 8800 SLI with a 700W as long as there's 30A on the 12V rails? I've got an OCZ 700W with four 12v/18A rails - would that be sufficient if I don't OC?

Also, about the cable splitters... I thought each 6-PIN connection can draw 75W. Does this mean that I'd get 75W from each split connection or would it be less?

 

[Guest]

The thing is that the 30A recommendation is for 1 card.

I agree with your ~50 A figure, should do the trick, most likely 50A of combined 12V.

So a quality 700W shoudl do it, I agree!
What about Tri-Sli for physix on a 680i/RD600 now the 1 kW doesn't sound that much of an overkill hehe 8O

 

[3Ball]

Here is that same PSU for about $28 less after u pay shipping at newegg.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371371

Just thought I would let ya know!

Best,

3Ball

 

[harmattan]

Here is that same PSU for about $28 less after u pay shipping at newegg.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371371

Just thought I would let ya know!

Best,

3Ball

Nice catch! This wasn't on Zip yesterday... Just saved me $30

I think I'm gonna go with the 850W. After thinking about it, I might want to liquid cool someday and I'll need extra power for that.

I'd still be interested in hearing others PSU choices for 8800 SLI though...