Help me see if I'm on the right track with the Gigabyte Gtx 970 mini

[diablo8]

Here's my current setup:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K91D8FY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's the card:

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GeForce-Overclocked-Graphics-GV-N970IXOC-4GD/dp/B00OQUMGM0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416949969&sr=8-3&keywords=gtx+970+gigabyte

I've got a 500w psu and this 970 says it requires 400w. I don't know the brand of the psu as it came stock in this computer. The catch is it needs an 8 pin pci. I can find no dedicated pci cables off of the psu. There is one available molex so if i use a splitter and then a molex to 8 pin pci adapter would that work or is that playing with fire? I've only upgraded smaller less powerful cards in the past which had no pci auxillary power so this is new to me. My only other concern is that the PCIe x16 is right below the ram slots and I'm hoping they won't be in the way. There's just a gt 720 in the slot now that came with the computer. Any comments or suggestions appreciated as I attempt to enter the big leagues.

 

[markwp]

The connector you are looking for is a 6+2 pin configuration. Do not confuse this with the 8 pin EATX that goes next to the cpu. Lenovo is a pretty good brand, and that psu shoud have the proper connector. I would advise against using the molex.

Mark

 

[diablo8]

So the 6+2 would fill in the 8 pin slot? Thanks for your reply. I just want to be sure because the information I read about the card specified an 8 pin connection which I thought was different from the 6+2.

 

[markwp]

The 6+2 is purposely designed in that manner to allow it to be used for either a 75w (6pin connector) or 150w (8pin connector) configuration. PSU makers recognize that gpu's may require a single 6pin, a 6 and an 8, a single 8, etc and design the pcie connectors to be configured as needed by virtually every gpu.

A full on 8pin (solid) connector is generally designed/used to supply additional voltage to the cpu and board through the EPS connection near the cpu.

Mark

 

[diablo8]

Just one last thing I have to ask then, is there a certain way you plug the 6+2 into the 8 pin on the card or is any order ok? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[diablo8]

I cracked the case open one more time. The psu is a liteon and the only information I could glean off of it is that it said the +3 +5 and 12v rails should not exceed 250w @50 degrees c. Don't know if it helps. Also I could not find any PCI auxillary power cables, just some free sata and the aforementioned molex.

 

[markwp]

The connector is keyed and will only fit one way.

That being said, you need a new psu. Lenovo apparently follows the trend of other "names" and spares EVERY expense when it comes to a psu. Think about why you said you had a 500w psu (Lenovo quote?), and what you really found (do not exceed 250w) don't match.

You seem to use amazon, and there are several quality brands there. HERE is a link to a psu rating chart that reflects, IMO, substantially correct info. Choose a brand/model from Tier 1 or 2, see if amazon carries it and find a price range you can handle. If you are willing to purchase online elsewhere, go to pcpartpicker.com and choose the psu category. You will find a gazillion entries and the best prices for each. Again, choose a tier 1 or 2 supply, find it on partpicker and choose the price that suits you.

Mark

 

[diablo8]

Well as my father always said, expect to be disappointed! Thanks for the input and the link.

 

[markwp]

You're welcome. Disappointment is just another word for learning.