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Recommended PSU Wattage?

CharFlo88
Level 7
Currently running 1 Matrix 7970 Platinum. Looking to crossfire with another.

What would be the recommended PSU size for this setup?

Running FX 8350, 1 HDD, 1 SSD, Crosshair V Formula Z


Thanks.
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16 REPLIES 16

Arne_Saknussemm
Level 40
Hmmm.....You can see here the max for Xfire was 525W on the standard cards at 925 core clock....your Platinums are in fact OCd already to 1100 so will draw more power....maybe 600W....this does leave you room to run the rest of the system...it will work but at full whack might be nearing the limit...?

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/HD_7970_CrossFire/22.html

I don't want to put words in HiViz's mouth ( he has heaps of experience and I would listen to him before listening to me ;-)) but I guess he means that a 1000W psu is going to run things more comfortably. It is of course best not to be running your PSU any where near it's limits where it is less efficient and stressed and will age quicker....

HiVizMan
Level 40
It is all very well to be running a system within the spec of that PSU. However would you run your motor car at 80% of max revolutions all the time. Most of us would not. It is pretty much the same with PSU's you want the capacity to max it out when needed and to get to the 80% of rated power. Ideally your 24/7 system should be at 65% of rated power. You need to have the leeway to ensure those moments of need. 🙂
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

HiVizMan wrote:
It is all very well to be running a system within the spec of that PSU. However would you run your motor car at 80% of max revolutions all the time. Most of us would not. It is pretty much the same with PSU's you want the capacity to max it out when needed and to get to the 80% of rated power. Ideally your 24/7 system should be at 65% of rated power. You need to have the leeway to ensure those moments of need. 🙂


Well, that is a very true statement. Let's go on to a slightly different question then: I would like to get a new PSU in the future. So the question would be then, Would I be able to run the Matrix in Xfire for a while until I get another PSU put in? Or is there a snowballs chance in hell that it just won't run it at all?

Zka17
Level 16
If you're not OC'ing at all, then your present PSU may do it until you upgrade...

However, why one would get such a system and do not OC it?! So, in long term, I would listen to the advices and upgrade the PSU...

Zka17 wrote:
If you're not OC'ing at all, then your present PSU may do it until you upgrade...

However, why one would get such a system and do not OC it?! So, in long term, I would listen to the advices and upgrade the PSU...


Well, like I said, my plans ARE to upgrade the PSU. However, I just want to know if it would handle the cards AS IS FOR NOW. Thanks for the input guys.

CharFlo88 wrote:
Well, that is a very true statement. Let's go on to a slightly different question then: I would like to get a new PSU in the future. So the question would be then, Would I be able to run the Matrix in Xfire for a while until I get another PSU put in? Or is there a snowballs chance in hell that it just won't run it at all?


CharFlo88 wrote:
Well, like I said, my plans ARE to upgrade the PSU. However, I just want to know if it would handle the cards AS IS FOR NOW. Thanks for the input guys.



Yes it will.
To help us help you - please provide as much information about your system and the problem as possible.

Arne_Saknussemm
Level 40
It will run definitely....but maybe best not to run furmark or unigine heaven in a loop that kind of thing....stay away from stress tests and just stick to games at stock clocks.....you could even downclock the cards slightly if you wanted while you search out an upgrade...

Have a look here at bottom of page for the symptoms of low power to system

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_radeon_hd_7970_crossfire_review,7.html