PSU has 2 x 6-pin PCIE - need 1 x 8 pin and 1 x 6 pin - which converters to buy?

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victorhooi

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Apr 29, 2010
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I have a Dell T5400 workstation.

I'm trying to install a AMD Radeon R9 290X graphics card into it - this requires a 6-pin PCIE plug and an 8-pin PCIE plug:

http://i.imgur.com/S5ckPwi.jpg

However, the T5400 PSU only has two 6-pin PCI-E plugs.

There is an older thread that discusses a variety of mods:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2002806/dell-t5400-power-supply-pin-pin-socket-mod.html

However, before modding this too much, I'd like to see if there's an easier way.

Option 1

I buy a dual-SATA to 8-pin PCIE adapter:

http://www.startech.com/Cables/Computer-Power/Internal/6in-SATA-Power-to-8-Pin-PCI-Express-Video-Card-Power-Cable-Adapter~SATPCIEX8ADP

I then plug this in, along with the existing 6-pin PCIE plug

Option 2

I buy a dual 6-pin PCI to 8-pin PCIE adapter:

http://www.moddiy.com/products/PCI%252dE-8%252dPin-to-Dual-6%252dPin-1%252dto%252d2-Split-Power-Cable-%252d-Premium-Red-Single-Sleeved-(76cm).html

(No idea why this is so expensive - if anybody can recommend a cheaper source, that would be great).

I also get a dual-SATA to 6-pin PCIE adapter:

http://www.startech.com/Cables/Computer-Power/Internal/6in-SATA-Power-to-6-Pin-PCI-Express-Video-Card-Power-Cable-Adapter~SATPCIEXADAP

Is there any preference between those two options?

Also, if there isn't enough current being provided - is there the risk of permanent damage to any of the components? If so, which ones? Or is it all designed to simply shut down safely?

Thanks,
Victor
 
Solution
Gam3r01
You should not use any adapters, especially with a card with a large power draw.
If your PSU does not have the necessary connections its a great sign you arent up to the task of running the card.
Buy a new PSU, which in your case isnt an option, so I wouldnt run the card.
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Gam3r01

Gam3r01

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Jan 12, 2013
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You should not use any adapters, especially with a card with a large power draw.
If your PSU does not have the necessary connections its a great sign you arent up to the task of running the card.
Buy a new PSU, which in your case isnt an option, so I wouldnt run the card.
 
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Solution
V

victorhooi

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Apr 29, 2010
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As you've identified, simply swapping out the PSU isn't an option, since it's a Dell workstation with their own connectors.

However, it's an 875 W PSU....

I would have thought that has ample wattage to handle a single R9 290X graphics card?

Or is the issue not the wattage, but something else?
 
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jamesedgeuk2000

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Jul 21, 2009
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Apologies for bumping this as it's a year old, however I encountered the same conundrum when attempting to do this and landed on this page when seeking answers, so given that the "best answer" is incorrect I figured I should post the solution.

While the T5400 does indeed have just two PCI-E 6pin connectors enabling it to use either two GPUs up to 150w or one GPU up to 225w, it can support more. Although the "P6" connector is only a 6pin this is because 8pin didn't exist at the time, it has a dedicated 18A rail and the wiring itself is adequate in gauge to allow safe connection of a 6pin to 8pin adapter.

Thus, the solution is to attach a 6pin to 8pin adaptor to the "P6" 6pin connector, then connect that and the "P5" 6pin connector to the graphics card.
 
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M

MertG

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Jun 21, 2017
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hi James,
i have a T5500 and have p5 and p6 pins to use for r9 290X. when i use a converter for p6 to 8 pin and use p5+p6(8pin converted) my gpu works
but as soon as i push the card i got a black screen. so i assume under the load its trying to pull more power from p6 slot. so my plan is now buying a dual sata power to 6 pin converter and pull 75w from there and use p5&p6 together with help of a Y type 6pin to 8 pin cable and power the gpu with this setup. i assume as long as i get power from Sata plugs it should be fine.

what do you think?



 
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F

falaktheoptimist

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Jul 3, 2017
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I have a Titan-X Graphics cared with 250W power requirement and recommending 600 W PSU. I have a 635 W PSU with 2 x 6 pin PCIE connectors. However, Titan X graphics card requires 1 x 6 pin and 1 x 8 pin PCIE. Here are the specs http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt.... Is using http://www.amazon.in/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-6-Pin-Adapter... a possible option. If not what are my other options? I have looked up a lot of related questions here and they offer mixed opinions in the matter of using 6 to 8 pin adapters. Would your cable work for my case?
 
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DSzymborski

DSzymborski

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Give a detailed description of *all* your specs, including the brand and model of your PSU. And do it in a new thread, threads are for specific questions and topics, not catch-all locations for any questions on similar topics as the initial one.
 
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