What % of a power supply do you want to use?

[Steel_Nugget]

I plan to SLI my GTX 670 FTW 4gb, and need to upgrade my PSU. So from some charts SLI gtx 670s would only need a 600w PSU. Here is what I'm going off. http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/geforce_gtx_670_2_and_3way_sli_review,4.html
So since the max power consumption is 433w with a CPU that requires more power 130w over my 84w. So would a 600w PSU do? The PSU would be 80+ certified. Also like the subject stated how much of the PSU is a safe amount? Using 90% or do you never want to go over 75-80%?
Thanks for your help!

 

[k1114]

I guess there is a risk, but shouldn't a PSU be able to handle under 80% load just fine?

It should handle 80% but I wouldn't suggest the cx600m. Psu ratings aren't regulated and while reputable companies will list continuous instead of peak, there are discrepancies with the amperage on the 12v which is more important than total wattage. For example that xfx 650w is 53a=636w while the cx600m is 46a=552w. The xfx also has 4x pcie cables vs the cx with 2, so is more ideal. I don't like recommending the use of molex adapters especially having to use 1 for each card.

 

[Steel_Nugget]

I guess there is a risk, but shouldn't a PSU be able to handle under 80% load just fine?

It should handle 80% but I wouldn't suggest the cx600m. Psu ratings aren't regulated and while reputable companies will list continuous instead of peak, there are discrepancies with the amperage on the 12v which is more important than total wattage. For example that xfx 650w is 53a=636w while the cx600m is 46a=552w. The xfx also has 4x pcie cables vs the cx with 2, so is more ideal. I don't like recommending the use of molex adapters especially having to use 1 for each card.

Okay, I guess I'll go for the XFX. Can you recommend a motherboard, or is that not your cup of tea?

 

[k1114]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g55

 

[Steel_Nugget]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g55

Thanks!