NVIDIA's new SLI dual graphics cards = 2 power supplies

For me, I can’t afford a 750w PSU and I want to get two graphics cards for the SLI configuration as soon as Intel makes a dual PCI-Express mobo next quarter. Even a single NVIDIA GeForce 6800 is infamous for consuming unconscionable amounts of power. Imagine what two of them would require, along with a good number of other devices inside the computer!

I have seen some tutorials on how to link two ATX PSUs together in a master/slave configuration. This is the best one I found: http://www.burningissues.net/how_to/power/psu.htm. It’s pretty straightforward.

My only question is this: Assuming I have two Antec 480 PSUs (identical), does it matter which devices I run off of which PSU? For instance, can I run the two graphics cards off of the slave and run everything else from the master?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Im not quite sure what exactly you mean by "master/slave" if you are talking PSUs. You could run two PSUs, but it would be a matter of boot both of them at the same time......I dont know if it is even possible on the ATX platform, seing as they need a signal from the board's Fron Panel. "Maybe" run one power cable to your main PSU (as you would do normally), and get another power cable, which can use the second power connector on the PSU, and run that to the second PSU. That "may" boot the second PSU at the same time as the first one.

But, when PCI Xpress 16X is released, the Power Supply market, should also change along with it, prices might drop. If thye dont well, PCI-Xpress will live a very short life, until PSU makers can find a way of brining more power to the PC! Were just going to have to wait and see!

Nic_Italiano

Nic, thanks for your reply. I guess you are right, nVidia should be releasing their PCI-E GeForce 6800 line of graphics cards sometime this month (October), and I have already started to see more PSU companies showcase their PCI-E-compatable products. We'll just have to wait! Sorry for not replying earlier, I had no computer for a very long time :-(

I used to know a guy named Nick Italia!

-MAtt