In upgrading to SLI Technology, why does the power supply need to be SLI ready?

Question

I'm building a new pc, I'm quite new to SLI Technology but I do already have 1 of the two graphic cards I will be needing. (still waiting on the motherboard, here's the specs on it: http://www.directron.com/crosshair.html#caption ) but I have noticed here lately even the power supplies are labled "SLI Ready" will a standard power supply not deliver the power needed?

Answer 1

Because SLI idle and load power requirements are almost double that of traditional video cards. You need to select the Power Supply based on the current demaning items in your system such as the Video cards & Motherboard/Memory etc.

The most efficient & quiet power supplies are from Seasonic; such as, the S12+650

http://www.seasonicusa.com/s12plus.htm

Here's one of many reviews:

http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=15&page=15

Here's a nice primer on Power Supplies:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article28-page1.html

Answer 2

Some of the SLI motherboards have a extra power input to support the extra power these newer video cards require. And some of the SLI cards have a power connector right on the card that requires a special connector that the SLI ready power supples privide.

Answer 3

Any power supply thats says it can support sli is fine. Usually anything above 500 watts is good.

Answer 4

yes they will, just that sli setup sucks alot of juice from the power supply and the MB. if the power supply drops in load, the system becomes unstable and the games will usually stop playing.

Answer 5

jhghj

Answer 6

...unless you want your computer to go "boom!"