Corsair AX860i & AX1200i

[KingDazza]

Perhaps. But then "everyone" is a broad generalisation. For me it depends on perspective, philosophy and personal preference.

Consider running multiple heavily overclocked top tier cards, whilst wanting to keep the psu from being noisy, at maximum efficiency (which means running less than maxed out if you look at normal efficiency graphs) and large PSU's can start to appeal, even if not absolutely mandatory. Besides, sometimes having no limits of headroom can appeal - after all even if you're only utilising 50% you'll often be on a sweet spot from an efficiency perspective. Its not like you'll be punished for not running at 100%.

I understand to a point where you're coming from and my choice will be based on how extreme my build is likely to go, which I'm still debating.

 

[WillSK]

Perhaps. But then "everyone" is a broad generalisation. For me it depends on perspective, philosophy and personal preference.

Consider running multiple heavily overclocked top tier cards, whilst wanting to keep the psu from being noisy, at maximum efficiency (which means running less than maxed out if you look at normal efficiency graphs) and large PSU's can start to appeal, even if not absolutely mandatory. Besides, sometimes having no limits of headroom can appeal - after all even if you're only utilising 50% you'll often be on a sweet spot from an efficiency perspective. Its not like you'll be punished for not running at 100%.

I understand to a point where you're coming from and my choice will be based on how extreme my build is likely to go, which I'm still debating.

I get what you're saying and yes "everyone" was perhaps too much of a generalisation but surely an 860 for example would be nowhere near maxxing out even with 2 overclocked cards and watercooling??

 

[KingDazza]

I guess that depends on how close to the max you want to push it. Just going sli certainly will push me into the 700 to 800 bracket easily, let alone going triple. Bare in mind my current 1000w has been fine, but Corsair jump from 860 to 1200, so the 1000w marker isn't even there to debate. Just one card alone you have to allow 250w.

The type of question you're asking of the 860, is a good one though. I've been debating it myself for some time. Though if I do go multiple card route, I'd likely be happier with a bit more headroom. Personal perspective and philosophy of course Rest assured, I'm aware of how much power I'm going to likely need whichever route I go and also where I'm comfortable to place that in terms of everyday psu stress/capacity. Which is why it wasn't the advice I asked after - we all have our own views of course.

 

[NeverBackDown]

I guess that depends on how close to the max you want to push it. Just going sli certainly will push me into the 700 to 800 bracket easily, let alone going triple.

SLI titans pull less than 700 watts. Triple is around 820ish watts(last i checked?) so an 860 watt PSU will easily handle anything. Add in overclocking cpu/gpu and watercooling and you're still fine. Keep in mind you will only pull near the components max TDP when doing HEAVY stress testing. During gaming you will pull about 100-200w less. So with SLI titans during gaming you will probably pull around 400-500w consistently.

 

[KingDazza]

I have tried hard not to get sucked into this debate - it seems to always happen when asking advice on anything PSU related lol.

But I'll simply say this, I'd personally allow for potential max draw for multiple cards for the next 7 years (warranty length of psu). At the moment I'm running a heavily over clocked 780 which is rated at potentially having a max draw of 250w. Times that by 3 and cards alone you're looking at 750w. Now factor in the many hard drives, mobo, cpu etc etc and personally an 860 is not what I'd be comfortable with. I know its max theoretical, but that's how I personally would base it.

BUT, I may well not be going that extreme and in which case an 860 will be fine.

Unlike you both though, I'd be more comfortable at say 70% psu capacity than say 90%.

Anyway, I'll let you know what I go for when I do. Cheers!

 

[JR23]

If I was going 3 way SLI I would go for an AX1200i and if I was going 2 way SLI I would go for an AX860 (not i) and I did. It seems to get a lot less negative publicity and the Seasonic heritage speaks for itself, I don't hear Flextronics being mentioned too often on any forum, apart from the Corsair support forums!

 

[KingDazza]

Interesting. Trouble is, as good as Seasonic are, the reports I read implied they were more prone to coil whine over the i version. But who knows how great a problem that really is in terms of percentage and also if it were a problem, is it still one today. Good part of the reason why I started the thread.

So no probs your end then?

 

[NeverBackDown]

The coil whine problem was only with a specific batch that went out and with the X650 only. The issue was fixed quite quickly as well.

 

[Excalabur50]

If I was going 3 way SLI I would go for an AX1200i and if I was going 2 way SLI I would go for an AX860 (not i) and I did. It seems to get a lot less negative publicity and the Seasonic heritage speaks for itself, I don't hear Flextronics being mentioned too often on any forum, apart from the Corsair support forums!

The main reason you don't hear much about Flextronic is they are mainly a server oriented company