Correct PCIe Cable Setup?

Viperking · Oct 16, 2014

So I have been thinking of upgrading my GPU from a GTX 660 to a GTX 970. Except the 970 requires a 6 pin and an 8 pin connector. My PSU only has 1 6+2 pin PCIe connector. The GPU doesnt come with a PCIe cable splitter. So I dont know what to do. Should I buy another 6+2 pin PCIe cable?

GPU I want: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-259-MS
PSU that I have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powercool-Modular-650W-Single-Efficiency/dp/B00647HXBC

P.S: Im pretty sure that my PSU is the correct wattage for what the card wants (im hoping that I wouldnt have to get a new PSU)

Vexillarius · Oct 16, 2014

I wouldn't trust that PSU to deliver 650w. I wouldn't trust it to do anything actually. It's on the Replace Immediately list here on Tom's: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

The fact that it only has 1 PCIe connector is proof that the PSU is not up to spec in my opinion.

Bottom line, get a different PSU. You don't want to fry you new card.

C12Friedman · Oct 16, 2014

Here's what I found, which is very little, about the Powercool Modular 650W; There are two models of that PSU, the newer on being the single 12v rail one while the earlier model has two 12v rails. Either way there should be enough cables (should be two modular 6+2 cables).
The bad news here is, like Vexillarius says, the PSU really should be replaced with a higher quality model. Although I'm not a fan of the tiered PSU list (I prefer my own research) when a PSU is placed at tier 5, it's there for a reason and IMO should be replaced ASAP - even without a high end graphics card in there, the protections built into a quality PSU to protect your system are likely not there which can put all downstream components at risk (not just the graphics card). Cutting the budget with the PSU is very risky business - think of the price difference as a one time insurance cost (there really is a value there). A good rule of thumb for PSU purchases, avoid anything with less than a three year warranty (some high quality models offer 10 year warranties now but they aren't cheap) if you see a one or two year warranty, go on to the next one.

Viperking · Oct 16, 2014

Vexillarius :

The thing is, I think (if I read correctly) the PSU is supposed to come with 2 6+2 pin PCIe cables. However, I ordered my PC from a company called MESH. What I think happened is that MESH dont really expect anyone to upgrade the PC, so they only kept one PCIe cable in there (as thats all that is needed for the GTX 660). Therefore, the PSU should be up to spec, but MESH dont provide you with the second cable that isnt in use. On the other hand, I understand that my current PSU is on the Replace Immediately list. So unfortunately I probably will replace it if I do upgrade my card.

Thanks for the reply.

Vexillarius · Oct 16, 2014

Yeah system builders do that sometimes. I had it happen with my case, I'm missing a few mesh plates and the VGA duct. One more reason not to buy prebuilt

Replacing the PSU is a wise choice. Best of luck!

C12Friedman · Oct 16, 2014

All I can say is that is a messed up practice, I've done a few builds for others and would never consider keeping their parts (I even try to give them the boxes the stuff came in).
You can use the tiered PSU list to find a replacement or, if not adverse to doing your own research, this is a good start http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm

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Correct PCIe Cable Setup?

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