Power Consumption

As expected, 3 and 4 way options draw tons of power even when idle.

Idle Power

Quad 4870 1GB CrossFire posts an amazingly high 721.8W of power drawn at the system level under 3dmark Vantage using the POM shader test. Keep in mind, again, that this test does not stress the CPU or memory in significant ways like a game would. Expect 50W to 100W of additional power drawn when the card is stressed using a game. This means that a 750W PSU can't even pretend to be enough for 4-way 4870 1GB. When running 3 and 4-way solutions, we strongly urge those interested in this kind of a setup to invest in a PSU that can deliver more than 1KW.

Load Power

Left 4 Dead Analysis Final Words
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  • JonnyDough - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - link

    Could you please take the time to ask NV why the heck nTune crashes systems so easily? I can't even boot into Windows right now because I set up my profile to start my 8800GTS 640's fan on 100%. I can't hear it and I prefer my card to run cool, especially with NV's known heat issues. It might not be their fault though...FoxConn hasn't updated my bios in about 3 years, even though NewEgg sold me my motherboard about a year and a half ago.
  • JonnyDough - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - link

    I should point out that was coming from the standpoint of you mentioning NV driver issues. I've had more trouble running older games and stuff. They sacrifice stability and game compatibility for high frame rates in newer games. It's pathetic. I don't want to buy a card to play all the latest games. I buy it to play my slightly older games at what is now good frame rates with all the goodies. Most people DO NOT STAY ON THE BLEEDING EDGE NVIDIA. GET A CLUE!
  • SiliconDoc - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - link

    Your first mistake was thinking you know better than the top gpu maker and their manufacturing partners, and had your hissy fit to crank your fan out on lame years old games - because you're a worry wart and think nvidia would send out overheating cards - even on your far less than cutting edge slow and cool games.
    Then we have the obious - the very high temp red cards, that COOK HUMAN SKIN when you touch the HS and run at 70C plus often - and you found it in your whine to claim NV has "known heat issues".
    LOL
    It is just amazing.
  • Razorbladehaze - Monday, March 2, 2009 - link

    Hey thanks for the extra input on the image quality and addressing this post. Furthermore I hear you in regards to adoption of the tech being most important part GPGPU computing. I just hope that both ATI and nVidia can come together on this one for the consumer.

    I enjoy reading your articles and think Anand puts out some quality stuff. I also appreciate you addressing some of the comments posted. Keep up the excellent work.

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