PCTech Forums

How big of a PSU would I need for a new SLI w/ the following items:
(Note: I won't be starting off with 2 vid cards due to money.. but want to make sure I'll have enough extra power for the 2nd card, PLUS some extra power for OC'ing in the future or upgrading to an AMD FX)

ASUS A8N-SLI Premium
AMD 64 3200+ Venice Core
Leadtec 6600GT Extreme
1 GB Corsair PC3200 dual channel ram(prolly add another gig in a year or 2)
1 Seagate 80gb SATA
1 DVD combo drive
5 case fans


I've used a few calculators.. but they only claim a 2nd vid card will take an additional 20 watts.. giving me a total of around 320 or so.. I fail to believe they're very accurate.. just wondering what you guys would suggest... BTW... I'm not looking to go overbaord getting the PC Power and Cooling 850 watt PSU for $450.. I just wanna get a PSU with sufficent wattage to future proof myself against having to upgrade PSU when I get the 2nd vid card and either OC or upgrade processor..

i have this psu and i think you would do great with it too



my system is

3.2ghz p4
9800 pro
6 fans (i have a pilots license )
2 cd/dvd rw drives
a wimpy floppy drive as well
and a 160 hd

personally i have had rosewill psu for all my computers and ive liked them all so i would go with the 450watt psu

unless I'm seriously mistaken Kzz5... that PSU is NOT SLI compatable.. it doesnt even have the 24 power connector

I would recommend at least a 450-watt PSU but a quality one, not the cheapest one you can find.
Something with dual ball bearing cooling fans and with an efficiency rating above 75%, (450w X 75% = 337.5w)

theres this PSU that sli comp http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2005/0 ... SLI/1.html

Dunno if that any good to you maybe too much ?

robbro, I was looking at that one.. just wasnt sure if I needed that big? I suppose I could always get it to totally future-proof myself.. I'd probably be set to upgrade to dual-core in a few years when their prices drop far below the $1k range,... heh

gecko, I was thinking of either Enermax or Antec.. they the next 2 best after PC P&C(which are too expensive..).. and is that what the efficency means?? i didnt know that formula.. thnx ! that helps just a bit !

i think it would be better to get one a little bit more then needed just incase you know . But gecko the master he prolly tell u what best ;)