Connecting 8800GT - single PCI-E cable or dual molex connectors?

[Participant]

Hi all.

I received an 8800GT earlier this week and plugged it into my Akasa PaxPower 460W's PCI-E cable. All looked good and I breathed a sigh of relief, a moment too soon however! The card came with a double molex to single PCI-E adaptor, but I decided to use the PCI-E connection as I figured it would be better for stability.

Anyway, I don't know if this was the sole cause, it may have just been a tired / underpowered PSU; but as the PC entered the Windows splash screen, the computer shut down instantly and I couldn't reboot it. Assuming it is indeed the power supply, I just hope to god it hasn't taken anything with it.

I've ordered a Corsair HX520 along with the rest of the world and it arrives tomorrow, but what I'd like to know is, this time, is it better to use the double molex connections and "share the load between two lines", or use the Corsair's dedicated PCI-E line? Just don't want to repeat the blunder, if there was one! There were no instructions on which was preferable with the card.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[dr. sarf]

If your PSU has a dedicated PCI-e connector (which your new one will) then definately use that.

I believe the adapters have 2 molex connections on them as 1 alone wouldn't supply enough power.

 

[Participant]

Ok thanks - so basically my PSU couldn't handle it any which way and died as a result?

 

[dr. sarf]

Sounds like it.
The Corsair you have chosen is a good, reliable PSU and you shouldn't have any problems with it.

 

[Raikiri]

I am using a 500w Akasa with an 8800gt, clocked C2D etc. and have had no issues, I doubt it's your PSU personally (although I could be wrong).

 

[MoD_Callidus]

mmm got my GT as per sig on the shuttles 300w psu with a single molex to pci-e coversion lead. my core and ram are at max stable limit's anything over and bsod's to hell. If I used two molex's would I be supplying more power / current to the card and increase the odds of a higher clock ?

 

[Participant]

OK back online with Lazarus aka my PC. The Corsair's in and there are zero issues so far. Everything seems very quiet! So it looks like it was the PSU giving up.

Thanks for the help all, much appreciated. Off to try some games now with my spanking new 8800GT .