Two PCI-E cables for GeForce 8800GT?

[itmand88]

Hi.
I have just bought a Galaxy GeForce 8800GT 512MB, and it comes with two Molex-->to PCI-E power cables. I can see that the card can have two PCI-E power cables pluged in at the same time, but do i realy need two PCI-E power cables pluged in for the card to work? Is one not enough?

PS. Who has 4 free molex cables on their PSU!!?? I sure have not!

 

[outlw6669]

Sorry to say. If your PSU is that weak you should really upgrade it before you install this card. Yes, it will need bouth pluged in before it will work properly.

 

[pauldh]

You need to hook up both molex cables to the PCI-e power adapter, but you should not need two PCI-e power connectors for an 8800GT. I have never seen an 8800GT with two PCI-e power connectors to even plug those into. Does yours? Sounds to me like they gave you an extra adapter.

 

[ausch30]

I have never seen an 8800GT with two PCI-e power connectors to even plug those into. Does yours? Sounds to me like they gave you an extra adapter.

I looked at the card and it really does have 2 PCI-E power connectors, that's the first GT I've seen like that.

PCI-E and PCI-E 2.0 supply different amounts of power through the slot. I would imagine that if you have a PCI-E motherboard you will need both plugged in but if your board is PCI-E 2.0 you should only need one. Each adaptor needs both molex connectors plugged in and the connectors on each adaptor should be on seperate lines from the PSU. Also each adaptor should be on a seperate 12v rail. If you are unable to connect it correctly you need a new PSU.

BTW I have about 10 extra molex connectors so it looks like your PSU is a bit weak.

 

[HTDuro]

galaxy had 2 version of theire 8800GT, the newer need only 1 pci-x plug, the older needed 2, my friend got the first version too and it need 2 power connector ... never understand why lol

 

[pauldh]

^ & ^^ Thanks to both of you for the info. Interesting, I have never seen one like that. What are the clocks on it?

 

[panicatak]

http://en.expreview.com/2007/11/29/reviewgalaxy-geforce-8800gt-256mb/

showing two connectors

 

[pauldh]

Wow, I have seen that review and never paid attention to the dual connectors.

 

[carver_g]

It's puzzling though since the reference 8800GT 512MB has a max draw rating of 105W. Even with an extreme o/c, it wouldn't draw anywhere near 150W which is where a second connector is needed with PCIe 1.0.

 

[SirCrono]

Puzzling, I have a 8800GT OCed and it only requieres one 6 pin extra connector, maybe you could try it with one connector only and see if it's stable.

Or return the card and get a regular one.