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Possible PSU Problems

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - Possible PSU Problems

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Hi,

I have just upgraded my system with the addition of another ATI 4870.

The System specs are now as follows..

Corsair HX620W PSU

DFI Lanparty 790GX - M2RS

8Gb Reaper HTC 1066 running at 800MHz @2.01V

Phenom x2 940BE @3264Mhz @stock voltage (1.344 V )

1 x CD/RW drive as well as 1 x DVD +/- Drive

Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM Caviar Blue

2 x Sapphire 4870 running at stock speeds

Is this set-up pushing the psu too far? some people (web site pre sales) have assured me that this is fine, while others have reccomended upgrading the psu. I get the same feedback from different PSU calculators as well some like the xtreme rate the sytem at 627W while others are recomending an increase to 800W+.

I would be really gratefull if some one could give this a look over and break it down into an explanation that I don't need to get a physics degree to understand!

If you need more info to work it out then pls msg me!

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That PSU only says it has two PCIE power cables, but each 4870 requires 2 cables. How did you manage that? Adapters?

Its really more of a matter of Amps than total watts. That PSU has a combined 50 amps on the 12V rails which should be enough since you are not overclocked. In general 20 amps per GPU is plenty. I would not push the system by overclocking as that ups the power usage quite a bit and you are pushing the limit.

Also remember PSUs deteriorate with age so after its run for a year its not going to handle as much power draw as well as it did new.

Message edited by dndhatcher on 10-05-2009 at 07:38:41 PM

Reply to dndhatcher

Yeah I used the adapters that came with the card that converted 3 pi into the type neeeded for the second card. Does that mean that one of the cards will be drawing power from the 5v rail?

I've taken note of the overclocking point though, I will resist the temptation to OC ! :ouch:

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Sinnik

Sinnik wrote :

Does that mean that one of the cards will be drawing power from the 5v rail?

There are multiple 12V rails. Its pulling power from a 12V source designed to handle peripherals like SSDs, HDDs, etc.

Reply to dndhatcher

Ahh ok thanks, It's funny you should say that as I am looking at an additional HDD that just arrived today, I'm now thinking that that may be the straw that broke the camels back.. I was going to set up a Raid system, but am now thinking that that Is going to far on the psu that I have..
Do you think it could cope with that or should I leave it untill I can upgrade the psu?
Thanks for you help with this!

Reply to Sinnik

I'm cautious, I would upgrade the PSU. The risk of overpowering the PSU is possibly damaging any and every component in you computer. I would never take that risk. Do you feel lucky?

Reply to dndhatcher

Thanks for the reply.
I remember what happened to the bad guys in the Dirty Harry films, so I guess It's time to break open the piggy bank and see what deals are on at the moment!
Thanks very much for all your help

Reply to Sinnik

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Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - Possible PSU Problems