Asus GTX 580 Power connector question

[Moldiver]

just replaced my Sapphire ATI 5870 with a Asus GTX 580 and when i went to connect the power cable to the 580 i noticed it has two 8-pin connectors on the card instead of the 2 6-pin connectors that the 5870 had. The 580 has an adapter in the box that turns 2 6-pins into 1 8-pin connector but that leaves one 8-pin connector unused on the card.

Any ideas how i power this thing up?

 

[xEden]

With two 8-pin connectors.. There's really no other option.

 

[Moldiver]

New PSU then?

 

[cmndr_andi]

May I ask what make and model PSU you are currently using?

 

[Moldiver]

Silver Power SP-600A2C 600W.

 

[cmndr_andi]

Looking at this review it is a decent supply, but the lack of 8 pin power connections is flagged as an issue.

You could try using a pair of adapters like these, but I don't reckon this is how it was meant to be run (since you would be drawing more current off the PSUs 6pin cables than was intended).

Personally I would suggest selling the PSU on and investing in a new one - for example this one is a good unit at a decent price - it also comes with two 6+2 PCI-E connections and two 6 pin PCIE connections (here is a review).

 

[Moldiver]

Yeah going to have to get rid of it, would this one be ok LINK

 

[cmndr_andi]

Are you planning to run a second GTX 580 in SLI in the future?

 

[Moldiver]

I probably will, i was planning on another 5870 but just bought a Samsung UE46D800 3D tv so i'm moving to Nvidia for 3D gaming.

 

[Moldiver]

The reason i mention that PSU is it's the only one that i can get tomorrow and i kinda need to keep this rig running.

 

[cmndr_andi]

In that case the Antec 900W you linked to is a very good choice. Here is a review.

 

[Moldiver]

Thank's for the help.

 

[Stu_Allcott]

if its anything like the molex to 6pin connectors you dont need to plug in all four, just make sure one goes in each pair.

 

[cmndr_andi]

if its anything like the molex to 6pin connectors you dont need to plug in all four, just make sure one goes in each pair.

Yes, such an adapter will provide sufficient voltage if only one end is connected(12V), however the current draw of high-end card (like a GTX 580) and is greater than the lower-spec cable is rated for (this is to do with wire gauge), hence you could overload the cable.

 

[Stu_Allcott]

aye it can, the only reason i know it works is because i went thought somthing similar with my 480, which with fingers crossed hasnt broken yet!