Power for New Cards - Where do I go?

[Aderes Devorah]

Hi all

A really basic question for most I'm sure:

My last NVIDIA just connected to the PCI-E, no questions asked.

But I notice newer cards need to be connected to get power via other cables (are they 6 pin?), and some, the 7870 (for e.g.) need two connections.

I've looked in my machine (a regular thing now) and I can't see any free power ports on the mobo. I do have several Molex connectors free.

Would anybody help me understand if I can go forward with a new card or do I need a power supply and/or mobo upgrade first?

If I've missed anything out I apologise, and please tell me.

Many thanks in advance.

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[OptimaLnrg]

6pin pci-e or 8pin pci-e connections come from the power supply.

 

[Aderes Devorah]

Thanks - I'll get both sides off the case

6pin pci-e or 8pin pci-e connections come from the power supply.

Cheers for that.

Tomorrow, in the cold light of day, I'll get both sides off the case and see if there are any cables that I have missed.

The reply is appreciated.

Best

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[tommybhoy]

Just to add, most gpu's come with molex to pci-e adapters if your psu doesn't have any.

 

[Aderes Devorah]

Molex

Just to add, most gpu's come with molex to pci-e adapters if your psu doesn't have any.

Thanks for that as well.

I believe if I go for the 7850 it needs one 6-pin, and if I go for the 7870 it needs two. So I guess the former takes one Molex and the latter takes two.

I might stick with NVIDIA, but it seems that whatever I go for it's at least one power cable, and for the high-end (ish.) cards it's two.

Just getting it straight in my head...

Thanks again

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