PCI Express Power Adapter

Printable View

08-06-2005, 04:20 PM
hwAnalyst

PCI Express Power Adapter

Just a quick question...Why are there two power connectors for the PCI Express power adapters if the graphics cards only need one?
08-06-2005, 07:49 PM
Ravens Nest

Not sure but you need to use two IDE power connectors which have 4 pins on them to make up for the 6 pins needed on the videocard.

And you do need both plugged in at all times.
08-06-2005, 08:12 PM
Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravens Nest

Not sure but you need to use two IDE power connectors which have 4 pins on them to make up for the 6 pins needed on the videocard.

And you do need both plugged in at all times.

Incorrect... in practice at least. :)

It's supposed to ensure that enough current can be provided, and you're supposed to use molexes from two separate chains of wiring coming from the PSU. However, I've run a 6800GT from a cheapo PSU (temporarily) with just one molex plugged into the PCIe power adapter... didn't have a single hitch.

So, you CAN get away with just one, but you're better off plugging two in.
08-06-2005, 08:17 PM
Ravens Nest

Yes i've done it with one molex, so it seems safe to run it with one but i would not risk it myself.. ;)
08-06-2005, 09:08 PM
Timmy!!!

Yea it should be fine, after a while the wire may heat up a little though. And its yet another thing to cause resistance and lower voltage for PSUs
22-06-2005, 02:57 PM
hwAnalyst

thanks for the responses guys, it seems that it is not happy with me plugging in two, although I must admit I'm not 100% sure I tried with two seporate chains of wiring. It's running fine with 1 cable right now, so I'll leave it at that.