900W PSU for 2 x 5870 Vapor-X Cards?

[keith263]

Hi community,

Getting ready to build a new system, not sure of the CPU & MOBO yet but wanted to use 2 x Sapphire 5870 Vapor-X cards.
I already have a Lian-Li X2000 case (beautiful) and after checking with the PSU calculator in the link on Tom's Hardware
a 900W Be-Quiet PSU.
The PSU calculator on Tom's Hardware (after filling in details of a draft system) recommended a PSU
rated at 650W, so I thought 900W gives me plenty of headroom. The doubt in my mind started after going on Be-Quiet's
site and using their calculator (same spec) and they recommended 1200W.
Do they recommend 1200W just to safeguard themselves and would I be ok with the 900W?


Draft specs:
Lian-Li X200 case (4 x 140mm & 2 x 80mm fans)
Intel i7 920/950
Noctua NH-U12P SE2 cooler
Asis/Gygabyte mobo (haven't decided yet)
6GB DDR3
2 x 5870 Vapor-X
1 x 1TB Samsung Spinpoint F3
2 x Sony Optiarcs
Maybe a soundcard
900W Be-Quiet PSU

Any input would be appreciated.

Regards keith263

 

[Silvune]

I don't know if Be-Quiet make good PSUs, altho I've certainly never heard them cited as one of the good brands for PSUs. Where are you from? I'm sure that if we knew where to look that we could find a PSU that is powerful enough for that system and cheaper (at worst it would probably be a similiar price, unless you are getting a 'good' deal on that PSU). And that we would trust.
I did my own calculations based on TDP of those components and I came up with 650W, so you do want some buffer, probably a good 850W PSU would be suitable and my recommendation. And yes the 1200W from the Be-Quiet calc you stated is to make absolutely sure that they are covering themselves.
It would also be helpful if we knew the exact model of the PSU because then we could do our own research on it. You can also do your own research on it.

 

[keith263]

Hi Silvune,

Thanks for your reply. I'm from England.
It's a Dark Power Pro P8 (new model) and already purchased. I've had one of their PSU's before with no complaints and this latest model is well put together with a handy overclocking key that groups the individual 12v rails into a single 12v rail to help with high performance graphics cards.
I've not read any reviews on this particular model but my previous PSU was highly rated in magazine reviews.
As I have already bought it my main concern is to wether it can power 2 5870's, or will I have to stick to just 1.
Once again thanks for your input.

Regards keith263

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I want this PSU:

http://www.80plus.org/manu/psu/psu_reports/ANTEC_SG-1200_ECOS%201518_1200W_Report.pdf

Certified as 90+ Gold on 07/29/09 and 7 months later we still can't buy it

Tho it was seen in vegas last month

http://pcper.com/comments.php?nid=8230

Until that arrives there's the Silverstonemodels that get 9.5 or 10.0 performance rating

Silverstone ST1500 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=175
OP1000-P http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=160
Zeus ZM1200M http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=104


These get a 9.0

Corsair HX1000 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=89
Antec Truepower Quattro 1200W http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=177
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=15


These are 9.5's

Antec CP-1000 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=142
Enermax Galaxy EGA1000EWL http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=173
Enermax Revolution 85+ 1050W http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=138
BFG LS1200 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=162
BFG LS1000 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=161

Some 10.0's

Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=145
Thermaltake Toughpower 1200W (W0133) http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=45

Beware similar sounding models as this one didn't fare so well

Zeus ZU1200M http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=97
Silverstone Strider ST1200 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=107
Silverstone OP1000-E http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=112
BFG EX1000 http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=151

 

[Silvune]

and already purchased.

Sorry about needing to be told twice... Here's a review of it: http://translate.google.de/translate?u=http://www.technic3d.com/article-1011,1-be-quiet-dark-power-pro-p8-900w-netzteil-im-test.htm&sl=de&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

 

[keith263]

Hi Silvune,

Thanks for the link, seems to be a good review although the translation is a bit iffy.
It still leaves me uncertain though over my original concern about running 2 5870's with this PSU, probably ok but
still hope to hear from someone with a similar set up to confirm.

Hi JackNaylorPE,

Impressive list, thanks for your input too, but as I've already bought this PSU I'm going to have to work around
what I've got.

Thanks again Guys
Regards keith263

 

[Kewlx25]

PSU's are about optimal around 80% load, so you won'tw ant a 900watt PSU when you only need a 650.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025&cm_re=tp_750-_-17-371-025-_-Product

TP-750 is pretty good. It has 4 12v/25amp rails. Not only that, review sites were able to put a 33amp load on a single rail just fine. One site even put a 940watt load on the PSU and they said it ran flawlessly, albeit at 79% efficiency instead of the bronze 80+ rating.

If you only need a 650watt psu, I think this 750 will give you plenty of upgrade room.