7900gt power connector question

[SH4RKY]

A friend of mine has just bought a BFG 7900gt PCI-E.

Unfortunately I’m not sure if his PSU is compatible... Do PCIE cards require PCIE compatible PSUs??

Or am I correct in assuming that you can use a converter to go from a couple of standard 4 pin Molex’s to a 6 pin PCIE:
Included in box - Dual 4-pin to single 6-pin power cable
(From BFG website (http://www.bfgtech.com/7900GT_256_PCIX.html))

Any help is much appreciated,
Thanks

 

[killer_uk]

You can just use a converter yes, as long as his PSU is up the task.

 

[Mr Gimp]

You need a minimum of 20 A on the 12v line for the 7900 GT to run correctly, so if your PSU is up to the job then yes you will be fine

 

[SH4RKY]

That is what I’m concerned about. I believe he is using a QTEC PSU at the moment...

It’s a 600w thing but I’m unsure as I’ve only heard bad things about QTEC. I’ll assume it to be a 400w capable PSU if it states it’s a 600, haha. BFG state a 350 is needed for the 7900gt.

The 7900s are much more efficient than the 6800/7800 range aren’t they? E.g. lower power consumption and run cooler etc??

 

[Mr Gimp]

It's probably rated for 600 W peak for 3 seconds based on QTEC's past reputation. Beofre tha masses scream at you to replace it, it might be worth Googling the model number and checking out the specs to see if "it'll do"

 

[SH4RKY]

I've suggested he upgrade his PSU and he is willing...

So whats a good PSU around at the moment?? (Sli Compatable for potential upgrades later on.)

Edit: oh... best PSU on a budget.
If you couldn't already tell he is trying to save money by keeping old parts

 

[Mr Gimp]

I've been out of the loop for a few months as to what everyone else is using, but the Tagan and FSP supplies have done me proud in the past

 

[grahamjenks]

sorry to hijack - i've got a similar problem (just bought a 7900GT and am using an old 450W psu without pci-e power adapaors, because my antec sonata II smartpower wont work with my Asrock dual m/b) - do most graphics card ship with such an adaptor - are they readily avaliable?

 

[Mr Gimp]

The only cards I have seen that don't come with one are the cheapest barebox variety from POV and the like, but even if you don't get one they cost a whopping £3.47 from here

 

[easyrider]

That is what I’m concerned about. I believe he is using a QTEC PSU at the moment...

Simple answer is,if using a 200 quid gfx card do noy use a qtec psu.

follow this rule and you will be ok

 

[spb251272]

I'll second the Tagan PSU's - I'm running two 7900GTs on a Tagan Easycon 530W and it's rock solid

 

[man_from_uncle]

I'm running 2 x 7900gts too, on a hiper 580w which is a very good power supply for it's price. They start at just over £50 which is a fair bit cheaper than the Tagan 530w. Hiper's don't seem to have a great reputation but I've only heard second and third hand horror stories and on this forum there seem to be no complaints. They are also quite enough that I can't hear mine over the harddisks.

EDIT: I recommed the Type-R version which cost about £65. They are fundementally the same as the cheaper versions but much easier to install and tinker with.

NB: Having said all that......the 600w q-tec probably can run a single 7900gt without too much fuss. It may be utter rubbish, but the 7900gt is very power friendly for it's spec.