SLI Compatible Power Supply?

[sbrylski06]

What makes a Power Supply SLI compatible?

I recently perchased an Asus A8N-SLI motherboard, though I am only going to use one video card for the time being. I am wondering what exactly I need in a power supply. If I am only using one video card do I still need an "SLI Certified" motherboard? Do other power supplies work that aren't officially certified by nVidia?

I basically bought the SLI motherboard because I figured that it was worth the extra $20. It would be very easy to upgrade. But now I'm alittle dissapointed that the "SLI Certified" power supplies are so much more expensive.

Suggestions? Recommendations? (Remember, my funds are low!)

 

[superslug]

Even with an SLI motherboard, if you're not going SLI, then a nonSLI PSU would be okay, because then it's just another Asus board, just with an empty PCIx slot. Great mobo choice, btw.

I know your funds are limited, but a PSU is not something you want to go too cheap on, as it's the most overlooked part of PC building quite often. It will be cheaper for nonSLI, though (~$50 for a good one versus ~$100).

To determine how much you need, you might want to check out this PSU calculator. I would however add to whatever total it computes, as the only thing it doesn't take into account how much RAM is in the sticks. 7watts per 128mb seems to be a good rule of thumb.

Once you have that number, surf Newegg for PSU's at or above that number. Balancing ratings versus price will be your own decision, although I'd strongly recommend looking at PSU's that have been out a year or more, as those will be indications of long-term reliability.

Hope all that helps.

 

[superslug]

I just remembered that I should point out that SLI is rarely worth it. Two cards means 2x the price but only 130% of the performance. Unless you need to run 4 monitors or have a resolution enough to fill a barn-sized screen, then SLI really doesn't even make sense.

It may in the future, so you did make a good choice in mobo, but for now a single GPU is the way to go.

 

[Russe]

SLI compatible power supply is more powerful than ordinary and it has two 6-pin connectors ( used for additional power on high-end video cards ) instead of one.

I just remembered that I should point out that SLI is rarely worth it. Two cards means 2x the price but only 130% of the performance.

In games like FEAR you get ~190% performance in modes like 1600*1200+AA&AF.