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Too much power? Not enough? (Crossfire R9 280x)

vanakka
Level 7
As you can tell by my build in my sig, I am upgrading and will be needing more headroom from my PSU. I am planning (currently) on 2 R9 280x's and liquid cooling my build. Right now, everything is at stock clock, but I plan to OC my processor.

I have 2 concerns, as this is my first experience with dual graphics in my own build. First, I want to make sure that I am not holding back my GPUs with my PSU selection, and second I want to make sure that I am going to have the power to OC them in the future.

As a reference point, this MSI branded card recommends 1000w for 2x crossfire (read off the box).
In addition to the theoretical 1000w (under load I hope) I want to OC an FX8150 and run this pump through 1/2" tubing, 400mm push/pull radiator, both cards, and CPU.

This is the PSU I have in mind: Thermaltake 1200w.

Ordinarily I would just say "**** it" and buy hundreds of watts more than I need, however I don't have the extra 100-150 dollars lying around, and I am having trouble finding a good deal for one.

If you want to tell me that I have made an awful GPU decision for this (yes, I am aware it is a rebranded 7970), I am open to that too.
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.
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11 REPLIES 11

HiVizMan
Level 40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151109

For that money buy the best.
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

vanakka
Level 7
For some reason, I am unable to see my original post. Anyways, why are those Silverstone PSUs better? Here is a comparison I brought up. I see that it is single rail, and cheaper. I also see that the Thermaltake has a 7 year warranty, while the Silverstone has 3 years.
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.

HiVizMan
Level 40
That link is incorrect, sorry and I have fixed it.

SeaSonic X-1250 1250W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply New 4th Gen CPU Certified Haswell Ready

Is the PSU I was trying to link you too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151109
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

vanakka
Level 7
In the details it says crossfire: No. That seems like a deal-breaker. After a google search about "crossfire ready vs certified" I am even less sure. Obviously it has enough power, is there another consideration?
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.

HiVizMan
Level 40
LOL that is total rubbish. It is one of the best if not the best PSU for multi cards.

I would buy this PSU any day of the week for my system. But I would not buy the original PSU you listed.
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

vanakka
Level 7
What is the main reason? The brand? As far as I can tell it is right on par with other PSUs, and the ratings are similar. I am about to pull the trigger on a PSU now, and I am just trying to make sure I have considered everything.
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.

HiVizMan
Level 40
NewEgg customer ratings do not mean anything to me sorry mainly because most of those folks really do not have a clue when it comes to hardware. No disrespect to them at all, they are not in the industry or working with the stuff on a day to day basis.

I base my views on either my own testing or the testing by those who really know what they are doing. There is only one guy who can test a PSU correctly and that is Johnny Guru.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=243

Go over to his review site and read up about the different PSUs you are interested in.

If you have set your heart on that PSU then get it, it will do the job no worries.
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

For anyone curious I ended up reading this review and buying the Rosewill 1300w for 199.99, free shipping. Its lowest rating (an 😎 was due to price, and it is 70 dollars cheaper (90 after rebate) since the time he reviewed it, and it has a 5 year warranty.
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.

vanakka
Level 7
alright, thanks
NZXT Phantom (white/blue), ASRock Fatal1ty 990FX, ASUS HD7850 2gb, FX8150, 1TB 7200x HDD, 240GB Sandisk SSD, 16GB G.Skill Ares 2x8 @ 1866, Corsair 650w.