XFX HD 6950 PSU Questions

[Ibanezer]

Hi, I just bought a xfx HD6950 1GB 800mhz gpu and I'm trying to run it with the following setup:

MOBO: ASUS M4A785-M
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5235299

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 635 2.9Ghz
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5719248

PSU:ULTRA LS500 500W
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255392

The first issue I've encountered is that the 6950 requires two 6pin PCIe power connectors and my PSU only has one. With that in mind I figured I could use a 4 pin molex to 6 pin converter seen here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201004 But I've also seen cables that are 2x 4 pin molex to 1x 6pin PCIe. What are the advantages of using a twin molex to PCIe? Would either of this work with my current PSU?

If not, what PSU would you suggest that is under the $100 range, I'd prefer modular but it's not a deal breaker. If anyone could help it'd be much appreciated.

 

[rolli59]

Although minimal your PSU should handle it. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4061/amds-radeon-hd-6970-radeon-hd-6950/24
Either of the adapters should work.
Good deal after MIR on modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

 

[Ibanezer]

Although minimal your PSU should handle it. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4061/amds-radeon-hd-6970-radeon-hd-6950/24
Either of the adapters should work.
Good deal after MIR on modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

Thanks for the suggestions, I was actually looking at that very PSU earlier tonight, I'll likely pick that up here in another week or so. As far as the adapters, is there any upside/downside of using a twin molex to PCIe at all? I usually see twin molex to PCIe, but I'm wondering if there's any difference between it and a single 4pin adapter. Which do you think would be more suitable?

 

[rolli59]

The twin molex would be able to deliver more power if hooked up to two cables but in your case not necessary.

 

[beenthere]

If you want to objectively, accurately and scientifically determine what PSU power is required for your Vid card and PC in both watts and 12v rail amps., the forum Utility link below will show you how easy it is to calculate this information and objectively determine which PSUs are quality built, reliable PSUs that can meet your needs. Be advised that the available 12v rail amps. is just as important as the total PSU wattage. You need both to be correct.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314712-28-please-read-determine-power-required

 

[gnomio]

heres another
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Got a great psu review database as welll

 

[ilysaml]

As far as the adapters, is there any upside/downside of using a twin molex to PCIe at all? I usually see twin molex to PCIe, but I'm wondering if there's any difference between it and a single 4pin adapter. Which do you think would be more suitable?

The PSU you picked up is a cheap PSU, it might get you in troubles when the PC is full load, always garbage cheap PSUs don't deliver the written wattage.
the one recommended by Rolli59 is good enough to run your system perfectly. Using Molex adapter is safe only with high quality PSUs & since quality PSUs have PICE 6 pin and 8 pin connectors you don't need to use molex adapters.