In case I buy a GTX480...

[Delavan]

Hi!

I got a Antec TruePower Trio 650 for the rig in sig. I might get a GTX480, that would be my last GFX card for 2 or 3 years (that's why I think of going BIG).

The TP3 650 could possibly be fitted with adapters (2 molex to 8pin) to power this 480, but I might keep it for spare...might even use it in my daughter's rig (and give her my GTX260).

Anyway, there is quite a few 750W to 850W PSUs around.

I'll go thru SKYMTL's review of "9-way 850 w PSU roundup).
MOST have multiple 6+2 pins adapters....not sure if I like that. Are the genuine 8pin PCI-e connectors a lot better?

From the specs, a 6pin PCI-e can carry 75 watts/connector. A 8pin is 150Watts. These 6+2pins seem like 6pins with 2 extra grounds...can they carry the same 150watts?

A 750w could probably do the job just fine, but a 850w (especially PMed is not much more).

With a 850, I could possibly run my "possible" GTX480 and add my "backup" 8800GTS640mb SC as a PHYSX card....

On a more serious note, is it possible to run a 2nd card for PHYSx on a P5Q PRO (crossfire board) that reverts to 8x/8x if both PCI-E slots are populated? Could it cripple a new card like the GTX480???

I know it sounds crazy...I'm just preparing for the LONG haul....I put enough money in computers, so after this "possible" move, I'll start to save for other things...

[jcmaz]

Those 6+2 pins are not adapters.... they perform just a well as the 8 pins ones...

[encorp]

Yeah they are not adapters, basically they are full connectors except two pins snap off at the end on the connector (but are still connected by the wire). It's a modular design I guess you could say, but they are just as safe as a full 8 pin.

[Delavan]

Thanks for the replies!

I think I'll settle for a GTX470. Well I'll wait until the cards show up on the market in 2 weeks, to see if NCIX will stock some, see if they get more XFX HD5870s in...see how the prices are.
At least, with these cards, my PSU is fine...

[encorp]

Well at least you have an idea what to do. I think I'll just throw my whole system out hahaah

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by Delavan

MOST have multiple 6+2 pins adapters....not sure if I like that. Are the genuine 8pin PCI-e connectors a lot better?

From the specs, a 6pin PCI-e can carry 75 watts/connector. A 8pin is 150Watts. These 6+2pins seem like 6pins with 2 extra grounds...can they carry the same 150watts?

Technically an 8-pin PCI-E connector is supposed to have one additional ground plus a +12V sense wire compared to the 6-pin, but most manufacturers substitute another ground for the +12V sense, which still works fine. There is no functional difference between a 6+2 connector and an 8-pin connector. They can all deliver the full 150W.

Originally Posted by Delavan

On a more serious note, is it possible to run a 2nd card for PHYSx on a P5Q PRO (crossfire board) that reverts to 8x/8x if both PCI-E slots are populated? Could it cripple a new card like the GTX480???

1) Yes, you can do that.
2) I don't think PCI-E bandwidth testing has been done yet with the 470 or 480 to determine whether an 8x PCI-E 2.0 slot would be a bottleneck. But just on a hunch, I would say that you probably wouldn't see any real difference.

[Sushi Warrior]

Even a 4x slot only drops performance by 8% on a 480 ;)

[upcoast604]

techPowerUp :: GeForce GTX 480 PCI-Express Scaling Review :: Page 12 / 25

Theres's some scaling.

[Delavan]

Well,
This topic that i started takes a strange twist for me.
I canceled my GTX4** pre-order and got an XFX HD5870, pricematched it to $426. I'm in no need for a new PSU now.

If I'd really need PHYSX, I guess I could buy a new PSU for me, transfer my GTX260/existing PSU in my kids rig , take the 8800GTS 640mo out an use it in my rig for a Physx card.

Not too sure if it's worth it, a new PSU would cost me a good $120 for a 750watts Pricematched (Antec, Silverstone or Corsair, XFX) and I'd loose the $100 I'm getting by selling my GTX260 to a good clanmate of mine.

So, in my opinion, it's NOT worth it to spent $220 for PHYSX...don't you think?

[_dangtx_]

was curious about how it handle the psu. theres a thread on another forum indicating issues with multiple rail units, altough it looked like april fools to me.

for physix you could use a 9800gt, i think its overkill for the good ole gtx260 to fulfill that lowly role lol