4870x2 Power

[uk_mal]

Hey,

I've just ordered one of these for cheap online. However, one of the reasons it came so cheap was because the packaging and all the extras aren't included.

My issue is that the card needs one 6 pin PCI-E power connector, and one 8 pin PCI-E connector, but my PSU only has the one 6 pin connector. I'm pretty sure that had all the accessories come with the card, it would have included a 2 x Molex to 1 x 8 pin PCI-E connector. I've been searching 'round t'internet for one of these, but I can't seem to find them anywhere. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd be very grateful.

Alex

EDIT: I've just been thinking: I've managed to find lots of 6 pin to 8 pin adaptors, and lots of Molex to 6 pin PCI-e adapters. Is there a good reason why I shouldn't combine the two to get the 8 pin connector working?

[shadowmaster]

What psu do you have at the moment?

[uk_mal]

At the minute I've got a no-brand 750W PSU - one of these:

[I can't post URLs yet - it can be found by going to dabs and searching "Best Value 750W Black PSU 12CM Dual 12v CE PFC Model 750UB"]

I'm loath to upgrade it unless it's necessary, mostly due to financial reasons (ie I have no money!). If worst comes to worst, I guess I could sell it along with some other old parts I have lying around to raise some funds, but like I said, that would only be if it were a totally necessary upgrade.

Alex

[shadowmaster]

At the minute I've got a no-brand 750W PSU - one of these:

[I can't post URLs yet - it can be found by going to dabs and searching "Best Value 750W Black PSU 12CM Dual 12v CE PFC Model 750UB"]

I'm loath to upgrade it unless it's necessary, mostly due to financial reasons (ie I have no money!). If worst comes to worst, I guess I could sell it along with some other old parts I have lying around to raise some funds, but like I said, that would only be if it were a totally necessary upgrade.

Alex

http://www.dabs.com/products/best-va...B#imagegallery

I wont be the first one on this forum to say this, but I would change that psu. It looks like one of those low quality psu's that will most likely blow up if you put a load greater then 300watts on in. I would never advise someone to do an unnecessary upgrade but since you will be running a 4870X2 which requires a good quality power supply I would definitely consider changing.

If you can provide you pc specs and how much you are willing to spend on a psu, one of us could advise you on which one to get. Most likely you will need a high quality 550watt + psu to do the job

[uk_mal]

I was afraid you'd say that!

My specs are as follows:

Mobo: Asus Maximus Formula
CPU:Q6600 @ 3.1GHz
GPU: BFG 9800GT (to be upgraded to 4780x2)
RAM: 4GB DDR2
HDD: 1TB Samsung SATA HDD
HDD: 80GB IDE HDD (which I'm expecting to finally die soon!)

I'm guessing I'll need ~600 - 650W, especially as I'd like a wee bit of overhead. Something modular would be pretty good too, but price is the main issue here! Pricewise, I'd be looking for something as cheap as you think I can get away with, without compromising the reliability.

Thanks for your help!

Alex

[shadowmaster]

So far this is the best one I've found. It ticks all the boxes, cheapish, modular, good quality and 600watt. Also you can get free shipping if you are a member of OCUK forums.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=CA-031-OC

[Jasp]

Tbh given the card and specs of you PC i wouldn't risk going for a cheap brand, i would imagine a corsair 650TX would be able to cope fine as it includes 2 X PCI-E 8pins http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/650W-...e-5yr-warranty

If your after a cheaper option OCuk have a deal on the 600w modstream http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...id=123&subcat=

*edit* Bah damm that topcat beat me to it lol.

[uk_mal]

That PSU looks pretty much perfect! I don't have a OCUK forum membership, and apparently you can't just join the forums and use the discount (who'd have thunk it, eh?), so I'm having a look round elsewhere, to see if I can find it cheaper.

Thanks again for your help.

Alex

[shadowmaster]

This one is not modular but will do the job fine, plus its got free delivery-

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/127861

[uk_mal]

I've decided to go for the ModStream - it'll be arriving early next week, hopefully not too soon after the card itself.

Thanks

Alex

[uk_mal]

Oh, the irony: the first time I decide to invest in a brand-name PSU, and it dies almost instantly after installing it!

I hope OCuk do quick returns!

Alex

[shadowmaster]

oh, the irony: The first time i decide to invest in a brand-name psu, and it dies almost instantly after installing it!

I hope ocuk do quick returns!

Alex

I admit that is ironic

Just to be sure, are certain it died? Does it just not turn on or did turn on and then go off?

[uk_mal]

Yeah, it was definitely the PSU. It turned on, made a strange noise and turned off. I managed to borrow a friend's PSU and the system still works (with the new GPU), so it was definitely the power supply. I have a replacement now anyway, and my PC and all the components still appear to be working, so it wasn't the end of the world.

Alex

[shadowmaster]

Yeah, it was definitely the PSU. It turned on, made a strange noise and turned off. I managed to borrow a friend's PSU and the system still works (with the new GPU), so it was definitely the power supply. I have a replacement now anyway, and my PC and all the components still appear to be working, so it wasn't the end of the world.

Alex

Good to see everything is working now

[WorshipMe]

I bought two HD 4870 X2s, both were from Sapphire.

I found that one would work with two 6 pin connectors, whilst the other would not boot without the 8 pin.

I guess it depends on the BIOS revision etc.

[darkghost]

I bought two HD 4870 X2s, both were from Sapphire.

I found that one would work with two 6 pin connectors, whilst the other would not boot without the 8 pin.

I guess it depends on the BIOS revision etc.

Are you using both X2s in the same machine? This could possibly be down to which cables you are using from the PSU (ie, splitting the load across different rails). I have a dual 4870x2 crossfire setup and it needs a very stable PSU for intensive graphic loads. If anyone is having trouble with corruption, random artifacts not due to heating - checking your PSU and the cables used is often a good place to start.