GTX 260 SLI question

[heremy8]

Ok heres my problem, I have this psu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153039
and I want to sli my gtx 260 but my problem is it uses both of the 6 pin connectors. How do I hook up the second card?

 

[theAnimal]

You'll need to use Molex to PCIe adapters.

 

[hundredislandsboy]

Be careful. It'll be slightly tricky finding four (2 for each PCI-E plugs on the GTX 260) molex connectors that aren't all coming off the same rail. Which games do you need to speed up with a second GTX 260?

 

[geofelt]

A new gtx260 should have some molex to pci-e adapters in the box. You should be able to use those.

However, your psu might not be sufficient.
A single GTX260 requires 38a on the 12v rails, and a 500w psu. You are ok there.
As I recall, a sli configuration will require a 52a psu, and I calculate that yours has only 43a.

You could try it, but be prepared to change out your psu if you encounter problems.

As an alternative, why not sell the GTX260 and use the proceeds towards a stronger single card?

 

[theAnimal]

Be careful. It'll be slightly tricky finding four (2 for each PCI-E plugs on the GTX 260) molex connectors that aren't all coming off the same rail. Which games do you need to speed up with a second GTX 260?

GTX260 uses less than 10A, the rails don't matter.

 

[theAnimal]

As I recall, a sli configuration will require a 52a psu, and I calculate that yours has only 43a.

His PSU actually has ~56A on 12V.

 

[geofelt]

His PSU actually has ~56A on 12V.

The label on his psu says that the 3.3v and 5v output combined is 180w.
That leaves 520 watts (700-180) for the 12v output or (520/12) 43.3 amps.
I do not believe you can use the sum of the maximum amps on the three 12v rails.

 

[theAnimal]

The label on his psu says that the 3.3v and 5v output combined is 180w.
That leaves 520 watts (700-180) for the 12v output or (520/12) 43.3 amps.
I do not believe you can use the sum of the maximum amps on the three 12v rails.

You can't subtract the 3.3 & 5V total to get the 12V total. And there are four 12V rails.

 

[geofelt]

You can't subtract the 3.3 & 5V total to get the 12V total. And there are four 12V rails.

You are correct, there are 4, not 3 12v rails.

You are also correct that the toughpower web site says 56a combined. It is not the sum of 4 18a rails.
Without that info on newegg I was estimating based on the psu label.