I currently have an OCZ ZX 850 (yeah I know....) I got it for roughly 1/2 off before the company **** the bed. Anyways, I currently have the setup in my signature running off my 850. Here in lies the problem, I'm pretty sure I'm stupid enough to buy a 3rd in the near future. I am already strapped for connectors so I'm definitely wanting a new PSU simply for connectors as well as I'm pretty sure 3 cards will be pushing the wattage if not break it. Also, I plan on running a custom loop within the not so distant future, so I'm not sure what draw will be for a tri sli setup + a 4770k + a custom loop. I've seen a lot going on about rail count on PSUs, can someone elaborate on this? Also, can someone recommend a PSU? I'm seeing things like the EVGA supernova 1300w gold that will support tri sli but it has 1 rail (which with that amount of power I've hear multiple rails are necessary). I think so par aside from the rail count i'm leaning towards this PSU. Not to mention the 10 year warranty. I think $300 USD is my max budget. I love learning new things so feel free to dump any information pertaining to this on me
If you go tri SLI (though it's not worth it in my view on a cost to benefit) plus a hefty pump for watercooling then you certainly would be potentially pushing the current PSU very close to 100% load in certain scenarios. In that case I think a 1k would be just right as to have some overhead. The evga PSU G2 series are very highly regarded so it's probably a great choice. As far as rails go, I don't think it really matters as long as the amperage is right. Multi rails were a big deal for awhile but I have noticed a lot of the 'top' PSU going back to only dual or single rails.
If you want a multi +12V rail PSU, then basically your only choices are Enermax and Antec. And both those brands have decent choices in the 850-1200W range. Some people prefer single +12V rail PSUs because there has been a lot of FUD spread about regarding how they are more easily compatible with multi GPU rigs, but a well designed multi +12V rail unit won't have any problems with compatibility. Whereas other people refuse to use single +12V rails, especially when reaching 1kW+, because they think it is safer in terms of having working/useful OCP. However again it is a case of taking each unit on its merits and a well designed single +12V rail unit won't be more 'dangerous' than a poorly designed multi +12V unit. Good guide/thread discussing what 'rails' are and the pros and cons of each: http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3990 EVGA's SuperNOVA G2 units are amongst the best price/performance ratio units around at the moment, so definitely a good choice. However be aware that you only get 10 years of warranty if you register the product within 30 days of purchase.
