5970+5870 Question (Regarding PSU)

[refraxion]

Hi guys, I was just wondering if a Corsair HX850 Watt PSU would be sufficient to support an i7 2600k @4.5ghz as well as a 5870 with an additional 5970?

Specs:

Intel i7 2600k @ 4.5ghz
ASUS P8Z68V-Pro
Corsair HX850
XFX HD5870 1GB
Corsair XMS3 16GB ram 9-9-9-24
Corsair 650D Tower
Dell U2711 (2560x1440)

I'm thinking of adding a 5970.. or would I be able to add 2 5870's? I'm thinking heat would be a problem and an 850 wouldn't be able to handle 3 5870's.. but would it be able to handle 5970 + 5870?

It'll probably cost me $400 for a "used" 5970.. or ~180 for "used" 5870's here in Canada.. I don't know what to do.. should I upgrade my PSU if i'm thinking of doing this setup?

 

[samuelmorris]

Yes, easily. Three 5870s is fine, one 5970 and one 5870 is also fine. The only problem you may have with three 5870s is you'll need 6 PSU connectors. Don't listen to the people who tell you you need 1200W to run three cards like the 5870, it's complete nonsense.

 

[refraxion]

Hmm interesting. With my case, would heat be an issue if I go three 5870s? By going 5970 it might be less of an issue right?

 

[samuelmorris]

It could be an issue with that sort of case, you'd be very cramped. 5970+5870 might be a better idea, but if you're buying cards now, why not just swap to a pair of 6950s, and make things a lot simpler? (Assuming they fit in the 690 - if they don't, neither will a 5970)