Adding 2nd 6-pin power connector for GPU

[Herr_Koos]

Hi all,

My current PSU (rated at 500W) only has a single 6pin connector for a GPU. I have the opportunity to swap my 8800GTS 320MB for a 9800GTX+ 512MB at no cost (the other party doesn't need the horsepower). From the PSU calculators I've used, the 500W should be enough.

However, the 9800 requires two 6pin power connectors to work. Since I don't have a second one attached to my PSU, does this mean I am out of luck and won't be able to power the card? Or can I add an additional 6 pin by connecting it to one of the unused white 12V connectors? I believe the 9800 has one included in the box.

Any advice would be welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[mi1ez]

You should be able to do it through the molex connector(s). Depends on your PSU's amperage and how it is balanced. Not sure if it takes one or 2 though.

 

[Herr_Koos]

Thanks! I've been doing some reading, and it seems you need 2x 4pin Molex for one 6pin PCI-E connector. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Yes. The molex to 6 pin adapter has two molex connectors on one end and the 6 pin PCI-Express connector on the other end. Plug both molex connectors into the power supply. Video cards that require two 6 pin connections usually come with the adapter. If not, the adapter can be purchased for a few dollars from online vendors.

http://www.outletpc.com/c6652.html

 

[Herr_Koos]

OK, so even though my PSU didn't include a second PCI-E power connector, I may still be able to power a card that requires two connectors?

 

[mi1ez]

Depends how many amps go through the molex'.

what make and model of PSU is it? the fact it has PCIe suggests it's a reasonable unit.

 

[Herr_Koos]

Huntkey 500W, came bundled with the case. Not sure about the exact model, will have to check.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Huntkey is mainland China's largest power supply manufacturer. The power supplies they sell in Europe under their own company name lack PFC which is an EU requirement. They are also sold in the USA under the Dynex and Rocketfish brand names. Technical reviews indicate their power supplies perform very poorly and cannot deliver their advertised power ratings. Data labels on the psu's have false information. Some of them exploded during testing. Definitely not recommended.

Here are links to six technical reviews of different Huntkey power supplies:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/527

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/556

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/557

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/668

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/672

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/754

 

[Herr_Koos]

Strange thing is, I've had no trouble with it so far...

 

[JohnnyLucky]

That may very well be. That happens. Still, I would not suggest applying a heavy load.