can you use 2 pwr supplies in one computer

[mugantenshen]

i have an extra power supply and i also have a graphics card that requires to much power is it possible for me to use both power supplies. one to power half of my sytem and another to for the other half or one to power my sytem and one to power my card

[Lead Head]

It is possible, but can be risky if not done right. You'd be better off just purchasing a new more powerful power supply.

OCZ, Antec, PC power and Cooling, Ultra(Newer PSUs only! Not X-Connect!), FSP, Sparkle are all good PSU brands, there are others that are good as well

[Dread]

Agree with Lead Head. You would more than likely be better served buy purchasing a single, more powerful PSU for your system than attempting to wire two separate ones together. Yes it can be done, and when done correctly would be safe for your system. But the risks out-weigh the potential gains in my opinion and would not do it.

One or two of our more knowledgeable members will hopefully come along with a more succinct answer.

[MantaBase]

Originally Posted by mugantenshen

i have an extra power supply and i also have a graphics card that requires to much power is it possible for me to use both power supplies. one to power half of my sytem and another to for the other half or one to power my sytem and one to power my card

Yes you can. However, unless you just want to do it for fun, you are better off just getting a bigger PSU. What size PSU do you have now?

Manta

[Stormcrow]

I've seen quite a few SLI/Crossfire setups with one PSU powering the system and the other being only used to run the video cards. It's quite common with people who have multiple PSUs from rig building, and some even design special PSUs for it like this:
Newegg.com - Thermaltake W0099RU ATX12V 250 Watts (Peak Load: 300Watts) Graphic Card power supply 90 - 264 V CE and FCC certified - Retail
Overall though better to get a single beefier PSU instead of having to mod your case to get in another one, but using another PSU for a dedicated video card PSU is fine. I just wouldn't go mixing and matching your connectors or trying to splice wires together.

[Reloadron]

Yes it can be done, and as was covered it can be a complicated affair beyond just mounting the additional PSU. Doing it correctly requires the addition of a few parts and doing some modding. This page shows an example of a second (auxillary) PSU being used as a supply for a cooling pump:

http://www.bearblain.com/the_psu_page.htm

The best and simplest way is to just get a larger PSU. Unless things are done really right, bad things (really, really, really BAD) can happen.

Ron

[zepper]

Yes you can while saving lots of money over one large PSU. Some cases like the CoolerMaster Stacker STC-T01 even have mountings for two standard ATX PSUs. Or you can get a specialized add-on PSU designed to power the new video cards that fit in a 5" drive bay. There are plans and diagrams around the web showing how to hook them up for automatic or manual starting and shutdown.

.bh.

[Death_blooms]

Like everyone else has said its easyer and safer to get a better PSU. You will use less space, it will be quieter and cooler as there would be a stupid amount of cables with 2 PSU's. If you need more molex adaptors get a Y splitter for your molex connectors (as long as you dont overlad your PSU).

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow

I've seen quite a few SLI/Crossfire setups with one PSU powering the system and the other being only used to run the video cards. It's quite common with people who have multiple PSUs from rig building, and some even design special PSUs for it like this:
Newegg.com - Thermaltake W0099RU ATX12V 250 Watts (Peak Load: 300Watts) Graphic Card power supply 90 - 264 V CE and FCC certified - Retail
Overall though better to get a single beefier PSU instead of having to mod your case to get in another one, but using another PSU for a dedicated video card PSU is fine. I just wouldn't go mixing and matching your connectors or trying to splice wires together.

The link that Stormcrow provided is essentially what you're going for. This PSU links with your system PSU and provides power to only the video cards, which in turn, is just about all the power you really need for a video card.

Pros: More power, takes the stress of your video cards off the base PSU and onto another, nVidia SLI Certified!
Cons: Takes up a 5.25" drive (depends if that's a problem), requires it's own power cord.

Regardless, I'm not sold on that product until I see some rail ratings. I'd stick with a 500-600W PSU instead.