Not Enough PSU Cables For Graphics Card (needing a 6-pin)

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

As an issue i'm having, I was going to buy a GTX 660 but I don't have a 6-pin free cable, or even a 4 pin. I was really looking forward to installing the card but this has been the huge barrier. I'm not too familiar with the types of cables the PSU has, so I don't know what these cables are for, but I've taken pictures of the 2 cables that are free. My case has fan lights and two other front lights so they are apart of using up some of the cables. If there is any way to sort the issue I'd be very grateful for your help

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

What power supply do you have?

One looks like a floppy power connection.

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

It's an ATI-500b as the model name, a 500w

bignastyid · Jun 6, 2014

The PSu not having the proper connections is usually a good sign that you need a new PSU. Whats the make and model of your current PSU?

yatys93 · Jun 6, 2014

bwl :

using the top 1 (sata) u can get a molex adapter then a molex to PCIe adapter, not an ideal set up tho, would recommend a new psu mate, plus alot of extra wires, some PCIe adapters need 2 molex aswell

geofelt · Jun 6, 2014

Exactly what psu do you have?
A GTX660 wants about 430w and a 6 pin connector.
If a psu does not have a 6 pin connector, it is either very old or a cheap unit that can not deliver sufficient power.
If you think your psu is adequate, You can use a molex(that's your top photo) to pcie 6 pin adapter.
One may well come with your GTX660.
It looks like this: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/19362/cab-1491/Akasa_4-Pin_Molex_to_6-Pin_PCI-E_Adapter_Cable_AK-CB4-6.html?gclid=COOr0oqU5r4CFXRo7AodvSwApQ

Or... you could use a GTX750ti which is very power efficient card that needs no 6 pin aux power.

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

That is a very poor power supply , you need to upgrade , what case do you have and what budget for power supply.

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

bignastyid :

an ATI 500w, this is a very new build so I'm not too keen on buying a new PSU right away

bignastyid · Jun 6, 2014

I can't find anything on that model(usually not a good sign). Take a picture of the side of the PSU(where it have the model number, wattage and amp information). Most likely it needs replaced

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

You need to , that PSU is very very poor.

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

This is what can happen with a cheap power suppply.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezk9OA7aKOE

Supernova1138 · Jun 6, 2014

If the only remaining free connectors left are a single SATA power connector and a legacy floppy connector, and there are no 6 pin PCI-E cables at all, then that PSU likely can't deliver sufficient power for a GTX 660. The 660 also requires two 6 pin connectors, so even trying to use an adapter is out of the question. You're probably going to need a new power supply in order to use that graphics card.

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $49.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-06 17:14 EDT-0400)

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

darn...so will that power supply have all the cables I am using right now plus the ones I need for the card?

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

bignastyid :

it said ATX-500b as the model

bignastyid · Jun 6, 2014

bwl :

Yes, and the current unit definitely needs to be replaced.

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

Yes the XFX 550 listed above is a very high quality unit with more than enough connections.

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

I guess I'll buy a new PSU and then get a new gpu, I suppose it's better than taking the risk

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

Yes it is , never go to cheap on the power supply it puts your other components at risk.

bwl · Jun 6, 2014

I've never replaced a PSU before, as someone helped me out last time so do you know of any good tutorials on how to do it? Just in case I end up putting the cables in the wrong connection on something which is something I'd do lol

Dark Lord of Tech · Jun 6, 2014

It's easy , takes very little time.

Not Enough PSU Cables For Graphics Card (needing a 6-pin)

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