GA-X58A-UD3....which psu?

[shadostalker]

hi all

I've just received my GA-X58A-UD3 motherboard rev2 and wondered which would be the best choice of psu to go for when i intend to link 3 pci-e graphics cards eventually if not straight away? I also see from other posts here that some psu's are causing problems with annoying sounds, has anyone found the ideal one to avoid this? Also this will be my first attempt at building a system with crossfire or SLI(not sure which yet) and wondered if all used graphics cards are powered by one pci-e plug when linked or do they all need one individually requiring a psu with 3 of these?

any help would be appreciated

thanks shado

p.s. sorry if this is long winded or noobish, will be my first ever post

[Dark Mantis]

There are several exellent PSUs on the market . Personnally I like the Corsair HX1000 for your setup. I have the Corsair HX850 and am very pleased with it  and it also carries a seven year warranty.
This would give you plenty of good, clean power for your graphics triple.  You will need a seperate power source for each card.

over to you onemilimeter....

[onemilimeter]

You may consider one of the Gigabyte own branded PSUs. I believe Gigabyte must have tested their PSUs with their motherboards and they should work well with UD3R.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes the Odin Pro 1200 would be a nice choice.

[onemilimeter]

I'm not sure where is the OP from... but I think not many major PC retailers in UK carry Gigabyte PSU stock... weird...

[onemilimeter]

Yes the Odin Pro 1200 would be a nice choice.

That's a great unit! If one is bad luck to get a problematic Gigabyte PSU unit which does not work well with the motherboard, it will be easier for Gigabyte to provide tech. support because they know "in-and-out" of their PSU and motherboard.

[Dark Mantis]

He's from the UK. I think that http://www.overclockers.co.uk carries some of their power supplies. Just checked they definitley don't have the Odin Pro 1200. In fact I did a search through Gigabyte's own website for suppliers and there wasn't any in the UK for that PSU and very few for any of their PSUs. I think they need to wake up and start marketing.

[Peteruk]

If your going to put three HD 5970 you might need more then 1000W but here's two more to look at:
1000W Coolermaster SilentPro M1000 Modular
1000W Silverstone ST1000-P Strider Modular

Single +12V rail is the way to go with bronze/silver/gold certified.

[Dark Mantis]

Agreed about the single 12volt rail, definitely the safest bet. I think that 1000w of certified power should be enough for any three gfx cards that keep within the ATX standard but obviously you don't know what's coming along next so to be safe you certainly could go bigger.

[shadostalker]

thanks for the replies everyone.

Had to do some more thinking (my head hurts), just wondering if it's worth putting 3 cards in as one of the slots is *8 and would cause a bottleneck or am i wrong? and if it does knock them all down to *8 would it still be beneficial?

Thanks again for the heads up on the psu's

[Peteruk]

Its not some much a bottleneck but more of a scaling performance in most games where you don't get any or must more FPS in a three card setup then a two card setup and depending on the game might scale better (if at all) for SLi then CF and so on. 

[shadostalker]

Thanks again for the reply, it's been a great help here and i am looking forward to getting started. I am thinking now that 3 cards may be a little overkill for my needs and will probably go for the cheaper 2 card setup. Will let you know how i get on

[Dark Mantis]

No problem glad to help. I think you are right about not going for the full three card option probably better to get two really good cards and crossfire them.

[Peteruk]

SLi with GTX 460 is good.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-460-sli-review/5
But you can't 3-way SLI them only the GTX 470 & 480 can.

[Dark Mantis]

SLi with GTX 460 is good.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-460-sli-review/5
But you can't 3-way SLI them only the GTX 470 & 480 can.

Personally I prefer the ATI cards at the moment but any of the better cards dualed up would be good.