Only have one pci power plug

[hazyarc]

I have a hec 485 watt psu, and my friend recently upgraded his 260's, and gave me one. I have one 6 pin pci express connecter, however, the card requires two. I'm wondering if I could use this to power the card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=12-198-018

 

[hunter315]

On a HEC 485W unit thats not a good idea. Most low power HEC units are pretty crappy, and if it only came with one PCI-E connector, it isnt likely to be capable of supporting two, i wouldnt stress out a low end unit like yours. An EA650 is a pretty good deal now and is capable of powering any single card without issue, i would definitely upgrade your PSU if you want to use that GTX 260 for a while.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015&Tpk=ea650

 

[hazyarc]

I currently have a 250 though, and neweggs calculator says that the 260 is only 30 watts more.
So, it would work, but is not reccomended then?

 

[ko888]

A reference (i.e. not overclocked) GeForce GTS 250 will draw a maximum of 12.5 Amps from the +12 Volt rail.

A reference (i.e. not overclocked) GeForce GTX 260 will draw a maximum of 15.2 Amps from the +12 Volt rail.

What is the output characteristics (i.e. DC Amperage) of the +12 Volt rails for your power supply unit?

The GeForce GTS 250's DC current draw was most likely well within the capability of your power supply.

Using that converter cable you linked to is too risky because you'll be drawing all of the DC current from a single +12 Volt rail.

 

[hazyarc]

well, here is the psu i have, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339020
I'm looking at this part, +12V1@16A, +12V2@17A, and it seems to have enough power, although, I don't really know all to much about psu's.

 

[purple stain]

No i would not advise using that PSU at all.It has a very weak 12/v rail and it is not guranteed to work.

According to this the TOTAL SYSTEM POWER DRAW will be around 300watts total,that means everything.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-gtx-280,1953-25.html

Antec 430watt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371023

Corsair430watt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017

Corsair is a really good brand but the reviews on this PSU aren't to great,but i would still reccomend it.

In theory your PSU "should" work fine with the GTX260 but since it's a no-name brand that means it isn't reliable or of good quality.Meaning you can't really count on the numbers they provide to be accruate,could only be dilievering 200watt for all we know.

If you did want to throw caution to the wind, you will need a molex adapter(4pin to 6pin)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812887001&cm_re=molex_to_pci_express-_-12-887-001-_-Product

Although i would really reccomend getting a new PSU.

 

[hazyarc]

In theory your PSU "should" work fine with the GTX260 but since it's a no-name brand that means it isn't reliable or of good quality.Meaning you can't really count on the numbers they provide to be accruate,could only be dilievering 200watt for all we know.

Why do you consider hec to be a no-name brand?

 

[geofelt]

I have a hec 485 watt psu, and my friend recently upgraded his 260's, and gave me one. I have one 6 pin pci express connecter, however, the card requires two. I'm wondering if I could use this to power the card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=12-198-018

1) The type of cable adapter you need is like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200106&cm_re=pcie_adapter-_-12-200-106-_-Product
It may have come packaged with the GTX260.

2) The required psu for a GTX260 is 500w with 36a on the total + 12v rails. This total is not usually the sum of the individual +12v rails, but usually something less. Current psu's are now required to have this info in the psu label. Yours is lacking on both qualifications.

3) Unless your psu is defective, you could try it and see. Look for strange artifacts, mostly while gaming.

4) That said, I would forgo buying an adapter and get a 550w psu from a quality vendor. Seasonic, Corsair, PC P&C, XFX, Antec to name a few. How about this Seasonic 520W? No adapter needed, 40a.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

 

[hazyarc]

well, turn outs, I actually had one of those cables in the junk drawer, so I'm gonna try it out, thanks for all of the advice, wish me luck.

 

[purple stain]

Goodluck...

 

[hazyarc]

So, booted up, ran unigine, heard some fireworks, and enjoyed the new years .
Anyway, seems to be doing fine, so thanks for all the help.

 

[nforce4max]

I will give you one word of advice and for other do no look to power calculators for power figures and calculation. Any one who says differently is of low skill or doesn't give a damn about others.

 

[hazyarc]

Best answer selected by hazyarc.