Graphics Upgradability

[jayson1019]

I want to upgrade my video cards for my current computer(currently using 2x9600GT). I have a 780i and would like to eventually fill up all 3 PCI-E slots with video cards. But heres the problem... My power supply is a Ocz ProXstream 1000watts(4x12v@20A=???A). So without changing my PSU, what is the best 3-way SLI solution? and what about 2-way SLI?

The only other part that might contribute to a lot of power is my cpu(Q6600@3.0GHz).

 

[shadow187]

SLI?

2x GTX285 is supposed to be the best, but even then, 2x 5870 crushes it.

My advice; wait until ATI comes out with the 5870x2. Buy that, and you'll play Crysis smoothly.

 

[jayson1019]

I don't think my PSU can take 2 of them...
Are you sure it can?

 

[shadow187]

It's bad for a 1Kw, but 80A on the 12V can handle nearly anything.

 

[jayson1019]

But I heard that the 4x20A don't stack. Well, thanks for your advice.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

On multi-rail PSUs, the actual amperage is wattage on the 12v rail divided by 12.

For example, my Zalman 750 has 20amps on 4 12v rails, and a stated 720 watts for the 12v rail. So the combined amps is 60amps total...which is the same for a Corsair750watt that has a single 60amp rail.

 

[jayson1019]

How would I find the wattage on the 12v rail of my PSU?

Edit: It says 70A total on the PSU...

Can that still run 2 285GTX?

 

[shadow187]

Yes, but as I said before, if you can wait patiently for a couple of months (or less), the 5870x2 will offer you new tech (DX11), and ground-breaking performance.

 

[jayson1019]

Would the 300GTX be worth the wait instead? Not that I have anything against ATI, its just that I don't like the idea of not using SLI after spending the extra money for a SLI board.

 

[redwine01]

As there is no performance leak on GT300 its hard to tell if it is worth the wait. People say it wont but no1 can tell in concrete as there's still nothing on GT300. But anyways...

Waiting is worth anything. If u can wait no matter what u will get greater performance for less money

 

[Mousemonkey]

October the 30th, something is being released a new card of some sort apparently.

 

[coozie7]

I'd advise waiting until October 30 at least and see what is happening.
If this launch is just another rebrand and no new DX11 hardware is forthcoming my money would go on a pair of GTX275s with the 9600 used for PhysX.