PC Gaming

[Brainiac]

So, I'm getting a second GTX 780 to run in SLI with my current Asus GTX 780 Direct CU II OC card. I just figured, why the heck not. I don't play on going beyond 1080p for quite some time (aside from some DSR usage), and having two 780s should perform substantially better than a single GTX 980.

But, the only thing that's concerning, is the power draw from two cards. I have a 700 W PSU (80 Plus Certified) with 25 A on each of the 12 V rails. I'm wondering if it'll be enough for now. Which leads to a question... for you guys with SLI setups, how much power does your entire system draw?

You can use this to calculate power draw
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator - The only power supply calculator trusted by PSU manufacturers and computer enthusiasts

 

[Solidus]

Thanks, but I was hoping for some actual, real-world feedback on it; preferably from those who are using SLI. I guess my PSU is rated above the minimum power-draw required, so at least that's good....

 

[Kibagami]

I have a 1000 W PSU. I'm not sure how much power my system draws.

My friend took it a step further and added this thing to the PSU which measures how much power is being used.

 

[Vader AL]

I have two 980 Kingpins, 4790k, 100i water cooler and 6 or 7 fans and the highest power measured at the plug was 759 watts after oc'ing the cpu and gpu's and running Firestrike.

I plug this into my surge protector and the psu power plug into it...i have it set to only show the highest wattage used...it's still on 759.

UPM Marketing EM100 Energy Meter with LCD Display - - Amazon.com

 

[Solidus]

I have a 1000 W PSU. I'm not sure how much power my system draws.

My friend took it a step further and added this thing to the PSU which measures how much power is being used.

I've read (on PC forums) that some people were able to use low-wattage power supplies with high efficiency ratings for their SLI cards. It sounds pretty neat. And it seems like you can get better efficiency out of your PSU if you can approach the maximum wattage without exceeding it.

I have two 980 Kingpins, 4790k, 100i water cooler and 6 or 7 fans and the highest power measured at the plug was 759 watts after oc'ing the cpu and gpu's and running Firestrike.

I plug this into my surge protector and the psu power plug into it...i have it set to only show the highest wattage used...it's still on 759.

UPM Marketing EM100 Energy Meter with LCD Display - - Amazon.com

Thank you! I've read that, on average, the 980 runs about 100 W less than the 780. So, I guess a PSU upgrade is definitely in order for me.

I do need to pick up a power meter, too.

 

[Solidus]

Well, I just bought a Seasonic MKII 850W PSU from Amazon. I should be fully operational with SLI by next week.

As for my old PSU, I'll be selling my OCZ ModXStream Pro 700 Watt unit (semi-modular), for around $50 shipped. It's a good PSU; provided consistent power delivery in the two years I've used it. If anyone's interested, let me know.

 

[Solidus]

Um... does anyone know where I can buy a backplate for an evga GTX 780? I just need to cover up that PBC board - it looks fugly being all exposed.

 

[Vader AL]

Um... does anyone know where I can buy a backplate for an evga GTX 780? I just need to cover up that PBC board - it looks fugly being all exposed.

Dang...sold my extra last week on ebay....was the 780ti one though.

The backplates looks awesome. Ebay is probably the only option.

 

[Solidus]

Ah shucks . Yeah, I definitely need one. Any idea if a Titan backplate will fit on a 780? The cards are fairly identical...

 

[Vader AL]

According the question at the bottom of this they do and also in one of the reviews: Amazon.com: EVGA GTX TITAN Backplate 100-BP-3790-B9: Computers & Accessories

 

[Solidus]

Sweet! Thanks for the info. I'm keeping an eye on one right now.

 

[Brainiac]

Did EVGA stop giving out free backplates.... I never got one for my 770 classified

 

[Solidus]

Well, evga is selling the 770 backplate on their website for $19.99.

EVGA - Products - Accessories - Accessories - Hardware - Backplate

How did your 770 manage without a backplate, by the way? Did the PCB board ever start sagging?

 

[Python]

Backplates should be included as standard on high end cards like these.

 

[Solidus]

Every company includes backplates by default, except for evga. It's so strange...

 

[Brainiac]

Well, evga is selling the 770 backplate on their website for $19.99.
EVGA - Products - Accessories - Accessories - Hardware - Backplate
How did your 770 manage without a backplate, by the way? Did the PCB board ever start sagging?

No its perfect atm....
and Thanks for the link... I'll have to get one

 

[Butttornado]

I've been in the fence for a long tine in wether or not I should upgrade my vid card.
My current system is
Intel i7 4670
Nvidia gtx 760
33 gb ram

I do mostly photoshop work but it's also my main system for gaming. I'm satisfied with my current performance but was wondering if there's a card out there currently that would give me a significant upgrade. Should I just wait until next generation?

 

[Solidus]

The GTX 970 is probably the best upgrade you get for the money. The prices have dropped since last year - it retails for around $320 to $400. It'll be a significant improvement from the 760, and it overclocks much higher than the 780 (which I currently have).

It's best to upgrade your GPU based on what you need now (that goes for any component). You can always wait for the new generation of GPUs, but they'll come at premium prices.

 

[Solidus]

@Brainiac:

This is what I was referring to about card sagging. Notice my EVGA GTX 780 at the top and my drooping Asus DirectCU II OC 780 at the bottom . The Asus card has a heavy stock cooler, and even with the aluminum plate, it still sagged over time. Of course, it would have been much worse if it didn't come with the plate.

I'll need to find something for my EVGA card...

 

[Vader AL]

Sweet lord

Did you screw it in the two holes to the rear of the case?