6 pin PCI Express Power Cable question

[Malgor]

My computer already has an Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 1GB graphics card by EVGA in it that was installed in the factory where I had it built.

I'll admit I'm somewhat computer component challenged.

I bought a second video card (exactly the same) to put in my other open PCI Express slot in my computer.

When I took it all out of the box today it has a 6 pin PCI Express Power Cable, which in the directions it "highly recommends" connecting it to the power source with the (very short) supplied cable.

The builder used zip ties to make the inside of my machine neat and clean so the closest power I could tell coming from the power supply was about 12" away. Even if I cut the zip ties the cord would never reach them (if in fact these are what I'm supposed to plug this into).

The cable has one black plug which connects to the video card and two white/clear plugs that I assume plug into the plugs coming out of the power supply. Here is the image:

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/pcie6.jpg

So my two questions are:

1. Am I correct these white/clear plugs plug into the cables coming from the power supply? (If so I can't reach them so have already ordered extensions to help me reach them.)

2. Do both of the white/clear plugs need to be plugged in or just one of them? (There are only two existing male connectors that I can see remaining from my power supply so I'd have to use both.)

Thanks for any advice,

Malgor

[angeldeelite]

The white connectors are called molex's and yes on these molex to PCI-e Connectors both molex's need to be
connected or it wont work, but they will be fine used with an extension :)
Is your other card connected with the same cables or has it got it's own 6pin cable direct from the PSU ?
just usually on most decent PSU's with a 6 pin PCI-e cable it will have another spare :)
Hope that helps

[Malgor]

My other card has a direct connection into the box of the power supply so I can't see it's connection, so I assume it was wired in at the factory that way, but from the card, yes it has the PCI-e connection.

There are 2 "spares" that I see I can connect to inside the box at two different locations. They look like an extension of another molex (thanks for the terminology).

[Malgor]

Oh quick other question. Are there ways to get a molex splitter? So that instead of just one connection you then have 2 at the same spot?

EDIT: NM I see that there are. I will add that to my newegg order as well.

[Malgor]

Thanks again, Angeldeelite - That solves all my questions. I am just waiting on parts from newegg now.

[angeldeelite]

Thanks again, Angeldeelite - That solves all my questions. I am just waiting on parts from newegg now.

Your very welcome :D glad some of the crap in my head is some use :P GL with the install

[Bollwerk]

A few thngs worth mentioning.

Power supplies usually only have enough connectors for their rated power output. In other words, power supplies that output more power will have more connectors. In general, you want to avoid using splitters to add more devices because you can end up pushing your power supply too hard.

Also, the 2x male 4-pin to 1x 6 pin power cable that came with your card is meant to have both 4-pin ends plugged into outputs from the power supply, if you don't have an existing 6-pin connector free. Simply put, 2 4-pin connectors equals 1 6-pin connector (in power supply output terms). Likewise, 2 6-pin outputs equals one 8-pin output.

Hope that makes sense.

[alcattle]

A few thngs worth mentioning.

Power supplies usually only have enough connectors for their rated power output. In other words, power supplies that output more power will have more connectors. In general, you want to avoid using splitters to add more devices because you can end up pushing your power supply too hard.

Also, the 2x male 4-pin to 1x 6 pin power cable that came with your card is meant to have both 4-pin ends plugged into outputs from the power supply, if you don't have an existing 6-pin connector free. Simply put, 2 4-pin connectors equals 1 6-pin connector (in power supply output terms). Likewise, 2 6-pin outputs equals one 8-pin output.

Hope that makes sense.
a little confusing but it is true. The "4 pin" molex only have 3 pins, so 2 of them plug into the 6 pin PCI power connector.
Also true to be careful using a low ratied Power Supply to power 2 PCI cards. The power supply companies will not underate their units, it can only power what they tell you, get more power then you need to be safe.

[universal]

though if your psu is in the 500watts range you're most likely safe. unless you got a really cheap psu ;)