Going Tri-SLI Soon...Which Power Supply should I get for my HP BlackBird?

[Digital_Trans]

I just ordered my 3rd EVGA GTX 280 FTW Edition Graphics card for my Tri-SLI setup. Now with using an HP BlackBird 002 I must be very selective on buying the right power supply unit. Here's the layout of my current 1100 Watt PSU from Top Power. It's powering only two of the 280's right now. I can't see how I would even be able to use this power supply for a Tri-SLI setup. With the new power supply...I want each cable to be detachable like my current one and would prefer 12-volt rails to each molex vs having them share the whole 12-volts. So what power supply out there would some of you recommend?

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8619/birdbackcp4.jpg

Current PSU Specs: http://www.topower.com/product/powerbird1100_pba.htm

[Toss3]

I just ordered my 3rd EVGA GTX 280 FTW Edition Graphics card for my Tri-SLI setup. Now with using an HP BlackBird 002 I must be very selective on buying the right power supply unit. Here's the layout of my current 1100 Watt PSU from Top Power. It's powering only two of the 280's right now. I can't see how I would even be able to use this power supply for a Tri-SLI setup. With the new power supply...I want each cable to be detachable like my current one and would prefer 12-volt rails to each molex vs having them share the whole 12-volts. So what power supply out there would some of you recommend?

Why not just sell the qx9770 + mobo and upgrade to Core i7?


Doesn't seem to be any certified PSU:s that fill the requirements you've set, so I'd say try it with the one you've got now and upgrade only if needed - 1,1Kw should be enough(most certified PSUs are 1200w). :)

[Digital_Trans]

Nope, just want a good PSU. From the picture listed, it looks like I would need to buy a new power supply since I don't have the extra pin-set to run to the the third card.

[Toss3]

Nope, just want a good PSU. From the picture listed, it looks like I would need to buy a new power supply since I don't have the extra pin-set to run to the the third card.

You can always buy converters.

How about this one?
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1245&ID=1512


http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Upload/Product/Product/1512/Photos/6c165750-aca2-49cc-b2e0-d2fdedd635f9/B_03_angleview_450.gif.jpg

[Digital_Trans]

Share with me the converters? :D What will I need and they will need to be sleeved.

[Toss3]

Share with me the converters? :D What will I need and they will need to be sleeved.

I was just talking about a basic 2x4pin molex to pci-e 6-pin adapter.

http://www.endpcnoise.com/e/images/items/6pin_PCI.jpg

[DarthBeavis]

Corsair 1k psus are great for TRI-SLI . . .

[wysiwyg]

i have a new Be Quiet 1000w PSU

it supports up to 6 8pin PCI-e cables (comes with adapters for 6 pin)

[Digital_Trans]

What about a SilverStone Zeus ZM1200M 1200Watt Modular PSU?

http://www.eastluna.com/eimages/pics/3048o3.jpg

http://www.eastluna.com/eimages/pics/3048o5.jpg

http://www.eastluna.com/eimages/pics/3048o1.jpg

[Uberpwnage]

What about a SilverStone Zeus ZM1200M 1200Watt Modular PSU?

I've have one, it's been very solid so far. As far as tri-SLI, I'm sure it's fine from a quality stand point but you might need to get another 6+8pin PCI-E connector. Mine only came with two, but fortunately I had one left over from my old Silverstone 850w.

[Digital_Trans]

I've have one, it's been very solid so far. As far as tri-SLI, I'm sure it's fine from a quality stand point but you might need to get another 6+8pin PCI-E connector. Mine only came with two, but fortunately I had one left over from my old Silverstone 850w.

So you've had this exact same PSU? The SilverStone Zeus ZM1200M 1200Watt Modular PSU? Silverstone's website claims it supports tri-SLI right out of the box. Would you please review the product page to check and see?
I think it does but having a second opinion on this PSU would be great here's the link: http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=zm1200m&area= Thank you!

[Uberpwnage]

Yes, I have the exact same PSU. The unit I have came with two 6+8 pin connectors, the 8 pin part of those connectors are really 6+2 pin so they can be used for other tri-SLI systems that require six 6 pin connectors. Silverstone is referring to those systems when they state it is tri-SLI certified, idk why they say there are three 8 pin connectors, one of the reviews they advertise shows the same number as mine: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/4636-silverstone-zeus-1200w-power-supply-review-5.html

[DarthBeavis]

I have two Zues PSUS . . .in fact am on one now . . . I am using one adapter . . .

[Ninja Prime]

S9G reactor.

[Digital_Trans]

I have two Zues PSUS . . .in fact am on one now . . . I am using one adapter . . .

Where did you get your adapter at? And is it custom sleeved all nice and perfect the way you like it? If so I want the exact same setup with the adapter sleeved in black with gold connectors.

[Digital_Trans]

Well, first I'll try to use what I've got instead. With the cost of my 3rd EVGA GTX 280 FTW Edition Series graphics card I don't really want to dump extra money on a new PSU. I talked with HP's customer care/HP Blackbird sales and support and they said my 1100W PSU would work fine and run at an 80% efficiency rate. Now for the adapter and extra molex connectors...I'll need to look in my storage for those items and buy an extra black mesh sleeved adapter 8-pin molex connector to complete the proper power connection. 1100W vs. 1200W I'm sure isn't much to gain and would be a waste of money and time to gut out my current PSU. I just hope hp is right and that I get the proper voltage and performance without issues later on down the road. Each connection on the GTX 280 needs 12v so can find that. On a final note, does anyone know who sales the 8-pin PCI-E molex connector already sleeved in black mesh with gold connectors online? If all else fails I'll buy a new PSU later.

[wysiwyg]

i gotta ask

what game needs 3 GTX280's?

[Digital_Trans]

i gotta ask

what game needs 3 GTX280's?

Crysis will use all three on high res with max settings.

[Xion X2]

Crysis will use all three on high res with max settings.

So you're spending 400$ to benefit one game?

[wysiwyg]

crysis runs maxed on 1680x1050 on one 280 for me

[bob saget]

i gotta ask

what game needs 3 GTX280's?

Vantage :D

[DarthBeavis]

Where did you get your adapter at? And is it custom sleeved all nice and perfect the way you like it? If so I want the exact same setup with the adapter sleeved in black with gold connectors.
I bought an adapter from Performance-PCs . . .if you email them I am sure they will make one up however you want it . . .tell them I sent you . . . ;)

sales@performance-pcs.com

[Digital_Trans]

Great! Looks like a plan! :) I've used this company before on a couple of custom cable installs I needed in the past. Thanks again!

[Digital_Trans]

So you're spending 400$ to benefit one game?

No, the future of gaming!!! :D

[Dreamweavernoob]

No, the future of gaming!!! :D

pfft never heard of noughts and crosess? Or the even better game called ****ing?


I joke.


A tremendously sweet rig you have there. Puts mine to shame :D :captnkill: