PCI Express Power situation!!!!!

[steve s]

OK.....I'm building the new build and I get down to plugging in the power connections from the PS, and there is not a 6 prong plug for the graphics card. Am I to assume I must have another PS that offers this connector, or is there an adaptor that does it somehow. I'm betting not cause it's at least six wires in there, and all the other 12v connectors are four wires. But maybe I'll get lucky!

Give me the bad news!!!!!!!!!!

[Midknyte]

you probably SHOULD get a new PSU, since your old one may be underpowered for the new video card.

there are dual molex to 6pin pcie adapters. you should use 2 separate molex rails if you have to use the adapter.

[Train]

75 watts from the PCI-e connection and another 75 watts for each connection you have to plug into the card. That could add up to 225 watts and then you have to throw in everything else.

[steve s]

Thanks I did get another PS........and now after the build I'm having some problems..............I could use some help. Please see my thread at Tech Support

Thanks

[steve s]

Let me followup with another question related to my first one................Is the PCI-E connector (6 pin) 12v or 24? I guess I could check it with a meter, but I have them mounted and under power. I found in my last PS box an adpator with 2 4 prong input plus to one PCI-E output. Do I need both inputs (24v) or just one (12v)??

Thanks

[steve s]

Let me followup with another question related to my first one................Is the PCI-E connector (6 pin) 12v or 24? I guess I could check it with a meter, but I have them mounted and under power. I found in my last PS box an adpator with 2 4 prong input plus to one PCI-E output. Do I need both inputs (24v) or just one (12v)??

Thanks


ORRRRR......since the PCI is 6 prong we need two 12v supplies for the graphics card! After rethinking my 24v idea........12v is 12v .....unless there is a transformer inthe line, which of course there is not in this case....duh!

[Rocketmech]

Theres no 24v , the pci-e 6 pin connection is 12v from separate 12v rails or one that provides a higher current. If you use an adapter your sharing the 12v rail power, and the watts add up fast . Watts = volts x amps(current) . Thats why MK suggested using separate cables off the psu. A psu that supports pci-e is a better choice since it will provide enough current to the pci-e and the other 12v rails separately.

[steve s]

Right on!!!! I sorta discovered all that myself yesterday as I did hook up a PCI card using two rails of a mediocre PS....but the two rails offered enough watts to supply the card enough juice. Great stuff...........I'm still learning!

thanks