2x GTX285 questions.

[erocker]

I just don't see the GTX 285 being a good option. It's a great card, but it is currently horribly overpriced. If you need a video card now, get a cheaper option to get you through to Nvidia's next release of cards. I do realize you don't like ATi due to previous experiences, but I'm also confident I and the rest of the forum can help you get one working properly. It's just a matter of cleansing you system of it's previous drivers. It IS your money.

 

[roast]

Thanks erocker. I agree they are overpriced. Hoever, I'm getting a very good deal on them - €400 for both, compared to ~€300 each, which is what they retail for here. Ireland is terribly expensive for any computer components.
I appreciate the proposed help on the ATI front. Despite being able to resolve my past issues with them, I dont want to chance it again in the future. Also, from working in Sony Vaio (despite the GPU failure fiasco) I choose nVidia as being a better card in most aspects.

-Mick.

 

[newtekie1]

my Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750 watt PSU is BARELY enough for my GTX280's with no system OC'ing.

That can't be.

When I had dual-GTX285's, my main system under load was less than 600w from the wall, meaning the load on the PSU was even less than that.

I know the GTX280's consume more power than the GTX285's, but it can't be that much, and my machine has 3 extra hard drives that should make up some of the difference.

How are you arriving at the conclusion that 750w is barely enough? What are your power consumption numbers like, and how did you read them?

 

[BarbaricSoul]

How are you arriving at the conclusion that 750w is barely enough? What are your power consumption numbers like, and how did you read them?

I didn't check the power comsumption, I'm going by the whining sound coming from my PSU when I OC my system and try to play games(yes' the sound is definently coming from my PSU)

 

[newtekie1]

Coil whine is not a sign of overstress.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

I don't know, but when I put that load on it, it whines. It don't whine anyother time, what else could it mean?

 

[newtekie1]

I don't know, but when I put that load on it, it whines. It don't whine anyother time, what else could it mean?

Yes, coil whine will show itself under load conditions, however it is not a sign that the PSU ,or where ever the whine is coming from, is overloaded or even nearing its max.

 

[erocker]

Thanks erocker. I agree they are overpriced. Hoever, I'm getting a very good deal on them - €400 for both, compared to ~€300 each, which is what they retail for here. Ireland is terribly expensive for any computer components.
I appreciate the proposed help on the ATI front. Despite being able to resolve my past issues with them, I dont want to chance it again in the future. Also, from working in Sony Vaio (despite the GPU failure fiasco) I choose nVidia as being a better card in most aspects.

-Mick.

No offense but are you forced into saying that because of your job? The 5850 and 5870 are clearly better in most aspects to the GTX285. You mention past issues, what issues? Since you mind is set on Nvidia, are you able to obtain GTX 295's at a good price? The advantage with those cards are they will save on power and will scale more efficiently then two separate cards in SLi. I would also go with a 850W PSU minimum.

 

[Lionheart]

Hey Erocker, I just have to say that your system specs are so CLASSIC!!! lol, wat a beast!!!

 

[roast]

No offense but are you forced into saying that because of your job? The 5850 and 5870 are clearly better in most aspects to the GTX285. You mention past issues, what issues? Since you mind is set on Nvidia, are you able to obtain GTX 295's at a good price? The advantage with those cards are they will save on power and will scale more efficiently then two separate cards in SLi. I would also go with a 850W PSU minimum.

Why would I say it because of my job? Theres no reason to... I'm not in work right now.
Some our our most popular machines are/were based on ATI cards.

Not interested in GTX295's, and again - I'm getting a fair deal for the 285's. Its not necesarily my preference, but I cant complain with that.

-Mick.