May attempt dual GPU?

[Eblim]

I want to upgrade my overall graphics performance, significantly, over my antique EVGA GTX 460-SE. I want to install two '**NVIDIA EVGA GTX 980' into my rig. However, I feel that installing that will require more than 850W of power. Or... That having a second GPU with that kind of computing power will be insignificant with my CPU, or won't it? Also, how easy is it to install two GPU's and having them both operating simultaneously?

Thank you.

EDIT** EVGA GTX 980, not NVIDIA. Big difference. Lol

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I would attempt one 980 at first you may find that it's more than capable for your needs. If not then look to 1200-1500w and go for it !

 

[townsbg]

You have to have two pci-e x16 slots to take full advantage of 2 cards. You also have to have a model that allows for linking the 2 cards. I can't tell if those can.

 

[AddRAM]

What do you mean, not NVidia ? NVidia makes the gpu on the card. And you won`t get one soon, EVGA doesn`t have any, I`m still waiting for them to come out, from EVGA.

And you can sli all of them.

I also agree with Alan, but my HX750 powered my 2 770`s no problem, but I upgraded to a EVGA 1000 P2 watt anyway.

You should be more then satisfied with 1 980

EVGA - Products - Graphics - GeForce 900 Series Family - GTX 980

 

[Eblim]

You have to have two pci-e x16 slots to take full advantage of 2 cards. You also have to have a model that allows for linking the 2 cards. I can't tell if those can.

I have three PCIe 3.0 on my ASUS ROG Maximus V Formula ATX motherboard.

What do you mean, not NVidia ? NVidia makes the gpu on the card. And you won`t get one soon, EVGA doesn`t have any, I`m still waiting for them to come out, from EVGA.

And you can sli all of them.

I also agree with Alan, but my HX750 powered my 2 770`s no problem, but I upgraded to a EVGA 1000 P2 watt anyway.

You should be more then satisfied with 1 980

EVGA - Products - Graphics - GeForce 900 Series Family - GTX 980

Yes, I will be waiting for them to come out. NVIDIA designs the cards, there are just manufacturers that overclock them and upgrade them from an NVIDIAs original designs. And EVGA has also been my favorite ever since I bought a PNY model 7 years ago.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Well the mobo will handle them and all I can say is you have some deep pockets to SLi those 980's. I would look to one of EVGA's outstanding PSU's or I prefer Seasonic's:

EVGA 220-P2-1200-X1 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Full Modular Power Supply 10yr Warranty New 4th Gen Intel CPU Certified - Newegg.com

SeaSonic Platinum-1200(SS-1200XP3) 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Power Supply - Newegg.com

As well I would max out my case fans with quiet but powerful fans as those two 980's running full tilt gaming are going to generate some heat.

 

[Eblim]

Well the mobo will handle them and all I can say is you have some deep pockets to SLi those 980's. I would look to one of EVGA's outstanding PSU's or I prefer Seasonic's:

EVGA 220-P2-1200-X1 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Full Modular Power Supply 10yr Warranty New 4th Gen Intel CPU Certified - Newegg.com

SeaSonic Platinum-1200(SS-1200XP3) 1200W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Power Supply - Newegg.com

As well I would max out my case fans with quiet but powerful fans as those two 980's running full tilt gaming are going to generate some heat.

I think I'll take yours and everyone else's advice. I'll start out with just the 980, and then upgrade to two of them in addition to my PSU later if needed.

Also, no one answered, is my CPU insignificant for dual GTX 980s, therefore needing an upgrade on that as well?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

No your i7 will push that 980 or a Sli'd pair nicely !

 

[essenbe]

The EVGA 980 Classified has a max power draw of 165W. 2 of them won't require near the power everyone expects. A Quality 850 will be more than sufficient.
EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Classified ACX 2.0 - 04G-P4-2988-KR

 

[Eblim]

The EVGA 980 Classified has a max power draw of 165W. 2 of them won't require near the power everyone expects. A Quality 850 will be more than sufficient.
EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Classified ACX 2.0 - 04G-P4-2988-KR

Specs require 500w minimum. I think that's the number everyone is looking at. Yes it may work with 850W, but I'm thinking about the strain I'd be putting on my PSU, which is why I questioning it.

 

[Eblim]

No your i7 will push that 980 or a Sli'd pair nicely !

And ok, thank you! I was only questioning because my CPU is a third-generation processor, that being with a lower clock speed than the fourth-generation CPU's.

 

[essenbe]

The EVGA 980 Classified has a max power draw of 165W. 2 of them won't require near the power everyone expects. A Quality 850 will be more than sufficient.
EVGA - Products - EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Classified ACX 2.0 - 04G-P4-2988-KR

Specs require 500w minimum. I think that's the number everyone is looking at. Yes it may work with 850W, but I'm thinking about the strain I'd be putting on my PSU, which is why I questioning it.

The specs also say max power draw of 145 Watts. That means the max 2 would pull is 290W. That leaves 560 Watts for your 95 Watt CPU and everything else. It's your computer, so you can do whatever you want, and should. Most PSU's the 'sweet spot' is in the 60-70% of max. That's when they are most efficient.

 

[AddRAM]

They are 2 excellent suggestions Alan.

EVGA has great support and I recommend their Cards and PSU`s

Here`s a PNY http://www.pny.com/GTX_980_4096MB_GDDR5_PCI-E_3_0?sku=VCGGTX9804XPB-CG