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Thread: PCI Express Power Adapter

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    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?

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    "Are you local?" Ravens Nest's Avatar
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    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.
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    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.
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    "Are you local?" Ravens Nest's Avatar
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    Yes i've done it with one molex, so it seems safe to run it with one but i would not risk it myself..
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    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

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    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.

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