Is my PSU SLI-Ready?

[priorpeak]

I currently have a Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply running a single Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card. However, I was thinking of upgrading my single-card system to SLI. According to PCPartPicker.com, my total system wattage will then be 363W. Am I fine with my current PSU, or should I upgrade? If so, any recommendations?

 

[Darkbreeze]

No, recommended capacity for GTX 970 SLI is 700w minimum.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm


And I'd go with another brand as well. Corsair CX, CS, RM and VS units are not reliable when used with gaming or overclocking systems. Get something 700w or more that's Tier 1 or 2 as outlined here:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html



I'd recommend this Super Flower built EVGA unit:


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $83.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-21 04:11 EDT-0400

 

[priorpeak]

No, recommended capacity for GTX 970 SLI is 700w minimum.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm


And I'd go with another brand as well. Corsair CX, CS, RM and VS units are not reliable when used with gaming or overclocking systems. Get something 700w or more that's Tier 1 or 2 as outlined here:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html



I'd recommend this Super Flower built EVGA unit:


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $83.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-21 04:11 EDT-0400

Thanks for the response! I will look into some 700W PSU's and see what gets the best bang for the buck as well as reliability. Thanks again!

 

[Darkbreeze]

Of all the Tier 1 and 2 units, which are DEFINITELY the only one's I'd recommend for SLI or Crossfire configurations, much less even just for single cards, since dual card configurations tend to put a lot more stress on the supply, the 750w EVGA B2 is the least expensive solution I'd even consider. Use of a unit not listed in tier 1 or 2 is asking for trouble or damage.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=393

 

[priorpeak]

Of all the Tier 1 and 2 units, which are DEFINITELY the only one's I'd recommend for SLI or Crossfire configurations, much less even just for single cards, since dual card configurations tend to put a lot more stress on the supply, the 750w EVGA B2 is the least expensive solution I'd even consider. Use of a unit not listed in tier 1 or 2 is asking for trouble or damage.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=393

Alright, now that I have the PSU squared away, I figured I would ask you one more question just to be safe: Will an Intel core i5 4690k (currently not OC'd) bottleneck with two Gigabyte GTX 970 G1 GPUs? I've read on multiple forum sites that it will not, however I thought I may as well ask just in case. Thoughts?

 

[Darkbreeze]

No, it will not. The 4690k is capable enough to be run with just about any dual card configuration currently available. Generally, when SLI or Crossfire is used, it's for the purpose of very high settings or resolutions, both of which drive more load onto the cards and allow some relief for the CPU. The 4690k with GTX 970 SLI is a very capable configuration.