I need to upgrade my PSU, I like the Corsair TX750W

I currently have an Antec 500W Earthwatts which is performing admirably with the following specs:

ASUS P5Q-Pro, Q6600@2.4GHz
4GB RAM
2X eVGA 9800GT GPUs
4 120mm fans
3 SATA HDDs

I just received a GTX 260-216 and the Antec balked at that(go figure eh?):-D

I found the CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC,


It's a good price for me, better than the ToughPower 750W which I really liked but too dear for my pocket. The main question here is can I power a second GTX260-216 in non-SLI mode comfortably?

Please keep in mind that I'm a heavy folder, both 9800GT's are going full tilt plus the CPU usage is over %50 ATM with an SMP and will be the same after I get the second 260. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks.

 

I decided to do some digging and found a power consumption chart at Tomshardware which stated 270W at full load for the 260 so a dual is out of the question for now. I'll wait 'till I build an i7 machine or better though that will be a while yet.

Why doesn't nVidia publish more detailed specs?:confused

 

I have that same Corsair and have had no problems. I like how it uses a single rail for 12 volts. This is good because I know if any device needs more current, it has it. Whereas multi-rail systems are crippled by their own design. They MUST keep some current in reserve for each rail, even if not used. This forces (perhaps by design - ) users to buy bigger (read: more profitable) PSUs to ensure all devices have all they need.

 

That's a good primer on rails Digerati, I always had trouble figuring out the difference as there's so much marketing gobbledygook going around that I get confused, and I have had some formal electronic/electrical training.

Ya, I hear ya though if one knows exactly what on needs then perhaps it's an advantage but I really don't know.
Thanks for the info and I'll be getting that Corsair.

 

See Power Supply Myths Exposed. Now, it was written by PC P&C, a very reputable PSU maker, but it was obviously edited by their marketing department to convince you to buy their products. So you have to take some of it with a grain of salt.
Specifically, any connection does indeed add some resistance so what they say in item 3 is technically true. But there are quality plugs and lousy plugs - a cheap generic supply will likely have cheap plugs. Also the comments about fans in item 6 is pure marketing hogwash. It compares their "well-engineered PSU" to what? Obviously some $5 generic.

Item 8 is a good read.

Well, here's my canned text for when folks ask what size PSU to get:

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

1. Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
2. Efficiency,
3. Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).

 

Ya, I used that but found it somewhat strange as the difference between one 260 and two was only some 50W, 930W for the latter config which doesn't make sense as each 260 hogs 270W @ full tilt(180W according to nVidia). Perhaps I entered the blanks wrong.:-D

At any rate, I will have two good PSUs as I'll give the Antec 500W a rest and transplant it into my AMD X2 machine along with one 9800GT. It's too bad I can't fold with a 260 and a 9800GT in the same machine, not sure what I'll do with the second one. Thanks for the PC &C link. Going to study it now.