3870 x2 woes

[Temp_185]

Hello everyone,

I've just got a Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 but I've been out the hardware loop for a couple of years so I have a question...

The card's power connectors are as follows;

On the left is the usual GFX card power connector on the right, from my understanding - is a "new" one. (New to me )
Now if my research is right you only need one of the new ones or two of the old ones, with one plugged in the new socket? (does this work if both connectors are on the same rail?)

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Coolasmoo]

You just need 2 six pin plugs, and it will work fine.

you wont be able to enable overclocking in CCC though

 

[kylew]

You will need at least 2 pin connectors in at all times. The 8 Pin one is for "extra stability" and overclocking through the ATi control panel, but it's not strictly needed. The "new" socket is the old socket with 2 extra pins on the end. Having 2 6 pins plugged in shouldn't really affect your overclocking potential though.

 

[Temp_185]

I see, so no matter what I need both in (no wonder it wouldn't POST with one ) but if I have an 8pin I'd use that for overclocking (though I'm not looking at overclocking yet)

Most appreciated guys, thanks for your help!

 

[V|per]

iirc, the other 2 pins are only grounds, so you could easily hook something up if need be...

 

[TOL247]

ive got the same card with two 6 pin connectors plugged in and all i did with the other two spare pins is adapt an old connector so that the spare pins were both joined together and now i have overdrive...basically you short the two pins together....

 

[schumi84]

What power supply have you got?

 

[schford]

does anyone know where I can get a 6 to 8 pin convertor I tried rive and ati try tools and they both crash - so looks like I need ot use the CC overclocking tool hence I need a convertor.

Thanks

Stuart

 

[fornowagain]

The two extra pins are just earths, no extra power or stability. Its just to increase the specified rating of a the connector. In fact all the card needs to enable the overdrive is to short the two spare pins/connectors together, a wire or crocodile clip will do fine.

 

[schford]

so just to check they are theones at the far right of the card with the connectors being at the far left

 

[LoadsaMoney]

The 6x Pin goes on the outer pins, you leave the inside 2x pins clear.

As in this pic :- http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/490/

The 2x inner pins are the ones you short.

 

[fornowagain]

so just to check they are theones at the far right of the card with the connectors being at the far left

You cant get it wrong the 6 pin only goes on in one spot, two left over are the earths.

 

[schford]

Will try with the croc clip tomorrow and let you all know if anything blows

 

[Temp_185]

Sorry for my absence later yesterday, I had to go to work

Anywho, I got the card in and installed today it all works like a dream, turns out my PSU doesn't have the 8 pin connector anyway but that's no bother, I'm not looking at overclocking just yet.

So once again thanks for all the responses, greatly appreciated! *bows*

 

[Amidar]

does anyone know where I can get a 6 to 8 pin convertor I tried rive and ati try tools and they both crash - so looks like I need ot use the CC overclocking tool hence I need a convertor.

Thanks

Stuart

Why don't you just buy the proper Enermax 8pin pcie cables for your Galaxy? Thats what i have done as my Galaxy is the older model with just 4 x 6pin pcie connectors.