4870x2 w/ i7 core concerns

[Goldsun1715]

Hello,

My system is as follows:

-Intel i7 Core 920 (Planning on OC'ing to 3.00GHz)
-750W Corsair PSU
-3GB RAM DDR3
-ASUS P6T Deluxe
-(2) 500GB HD
-9800GX2 eVGA
-ACER p223w 1680x1050 monitor

I want to upgrade my video card to a 4870X2 Sapphire. However, I'm concerned that my current PSU will not be able to support a 4870X2. Can anyone help me?

 

[gridener]

Do you even really need to upgrade? I mean, that seems like a pretty fast system already to me.

Anyway... I think that PSU should be fine for the 4870x2

 

[Goldsun1715]

I've just had a lot of issues with my current GPU and I'd really just like to replace or upgrade it.

I've heard that having the 750W PSU with a 4870X2 and my system can damage components?

 

[kelfen]

well I would just wait for next gen cards just for the sake of getting more value out of the card you have now

 

[geofelt]

Corsair 750 is fine, and is on the qualified list from amd:
http://ati.amd.com/products/certified/powersupplies.html#pstop
There are others. I like PC P&C silencer series.

Reconsider just getting 3gb with your new i7 system. I think 6gb is the sweet spot. Here's why:
http://www.corsair.com/_appnotes/AN811_Gaming_Performance%20Analysis_6GB_vs_3GB.PDF

 

[dieseldre2k]

lol gotta love biased RAM benchmarks...did u think they would actually tell u that u only need 3GB?

 

[kyron]

I have a corsair 750W psu and 4870x2, and i can assure you it is enough and it will be fine with the card.

 

[zenmaster]

I think maybe you are thinking of 2 x 4870x2's.

There isn't muich a quality 750W psu can't run at the moment.

There are folks who SIGNIFICANTLY overestimate the amount of power systems need.
#1 - Quality PSUs such as the Corsair are rated at "Maximum Sustained Load" and can actually provide more power than their rating for peak usage. This is not to say I recommend buy a PSU that will run at 100%, but that you don't need to buy lots more than you need. If you see a "brandless" PSU in a case, its likely rated a "Peak" usage and can't provide constant power anywhere near its "rating".


This chart shows you are fine w/ about 300 Watts of your 750w just being bored...........
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3372&p=10