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Power supply questions

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lricci   11-02-2008 at 06:19:12 PM

Im building my next system but have a question on a power supply. I am getting a 9800GTX to start with which requires 2x6pin power connectors. I will upgrade to a GTX280 in a couple years once the price comes way down. But I want to buy a psu that will be compatible with both cards. I noticed the 280 comes with adapters for what looks like 2x6 pin to the 8 pin it requires then 2 molex to the six pin it also requires. Is that correct? The 9800 requires 2x6 pin so Im thinking if I get a psu with at least 2x6 pins Ill be alright(obviously Im aware of wattage and so on, my only question is about the power connectors). The psu's with the 8 pin are just too expensive right now. Also, requirements for the 280 state a 12V rating COMBINED at least 26A or so. Does that mean a psu with 2 rails, say at 14A and 16A would suffice? Or do I really need a single rail? Please let me know.

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Bronze Home Brew badge WR2   11-02-2008 at 06:33:47 PM
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lricci wrote :

The psu's with the 8 pin are just too expensive right now.

The cost difference between putting a 6pin or a 8pin (or 6+2pin) connector on any PSU is very very low. More likely you're looking at an older, less efficient, 6pin PSU and comparing to a newer model PSU with 8pin or 6+2pin connectors.

The 26Amps of combined 12V power doesnt not necessarily equal adding up seperate rails of a dual, tri or quad rail PSU. 14A and 16A MIGHT NOT equal 26A of true power, especially on budget or older model PSUs.

It would help to know what PSUs you're considering (and also knowing what else you're stuffing in your new system)

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lricci   11-03-2008 at 12:41:27 AM
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well, as far as the rest of my system, Q6600 cpu, intel P45 (P5Q-E) mobo. 4 GB RAM, 640 GB WD HDD, DVD Burner and separpte DVD player. As for the PSU's Im considering.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=1079
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=1079
These two are reasonably priced but only 1x 6-pin PCIE connector and both are dual rails.
This one...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=1483
is one I know would be the best choice but I would want to make sure this would be compatible with the 280. If I can save money with one of the other choices great, I just want to make sure when I upgrade my vid card that the 280 would work with the psu I choose.

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Bronze Home Brew badge WR2   11-03-2008 at 04:57:31 PM
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When I went to check the GTX280 power requirements I found something different from the 26Amps you mentioned above. EVGA website is recommending a 550W PSU with 40Amps of +12v power.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9859/snag21xl6.th.jpghttp://img510.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif

It looks like the Apevia and OCZ PSUs you linked meet the recommended requirements for the GTX260 except for having just a single PCI-e 6pin power connector.

My suggestion would be to look at the Corsair VX550W $80 a/r. It's not that much more expensive than the other two units, has 41amps of +12v power and has 1x 6pin & 1x 6+2pin PCI-e power connectors.
And you get the peace of mind knowing it gets top-rated reviews

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Bronze Home Brew badge Proximon   11-03-2008 at 05:07:33 PM
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Why Tigerdirect?

Newegg has the 650TX for $100 before rebate

Buy.com has it for $95 up front and $75 after rebates.


Reply to Proximon
antiacid   11-03-2008 at 05:32:37 PM
- 0 +

if you are in Canada, give www.shopbot.ca a try.

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