Do you need a new PSU for a new PCI E system

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 29 Mar 2006 at 09:29

? Basically the question in the title.

I have a 3/4 year old Pc running a 40Watt Enermax PSU. I am guessing it doesnt support the connections I need.

xander_uk2 · 29 Mar 2006 at 10:16

Alright man

I assume you mean 400 Watt PSU? You will be able to pick up a PCI-E adapter for any new PCI-E card you want to purchase. Allot of the cards already come with them, so don't worry.
You'll need 2 Molex plugs spare, which then plug into the adapter, then into the card.
It may be an idea to upgrade your PSU, but unless you are going the SLI/Xfire route where you would need more power, I wouldn't worry.

Enermax make quality PSU's

Dutch Guy · 29 Mar 2006 at 11:53

You do not need a new one as you can connect the PSU to a PCIe mobo by using the 20 pin connector leaving 4 pins empty.

As said you might need a 6 pin vonvertor to connect a PCIe videocard but usually you get one with the videocard.

What you need to do though is look at how much Amps the PSU can give on the 12V rail as that is most importanat with current mobo's when a few years ago a strong 3.3V and 5V rail was important.

xander_uk2 · 29 Mar 2006 at 12:19

good point Dutch Guy.

Can you recommend a programme that will allow voltage measurement?
I've heard MBM5 is somewhat unreliable (although I cant remember why?)

Dutch Guy · 29 Mar 2006 at 12:33

xander_uk2 said:
Can you recommend a programme that will allow voltage measurement?
I've heard MBM5 is somewhat unreliable (although I cant remember why?)

The problem is that the sensors are unreliable, using a different program still means that the readings come from the same sensors.

To measure voltage the right way means using a multimeter and measure yourself.