Multiple 12V Power Rails

[descombobulator]

Just before Xmas I upgraded to a PowerCooler X1950 Pro 512 graphics card; am important factor was that it used less power that competing products. However, I was dismayed to find that the system requirements for this card is for a 450 Watt PSU, with 30A!! on the 12 V rail. I have a Antec 430W model with 20A on 12V.

I have seen in other posts that many people are running their cards with lowed-rated PSUs. However, I'm considering a new PSU so that I can overclock various components and I am puzzled that many of the decent PSUs offer > 30A, but across more than one 12v Rail? So....

1. Is the 6-pin power connector the sole source of 12V for the graphics card?

2. If so, how can it draw power from more than one 12V rail?


Incidently, the 6-pin to 4-pin power convertor that came with the card was an absolute bitch to fit. It took a huge amount of force to get the plug in; I thought I was going to snap the board. How did anyone else get on? Is it a crap plug or crap socket?

 

[descombobulator]

Thanks very much for the answers, guys. I think I might put off the new PSU for a bit. I need a new hard drive anyway

dmsims: That link makes very interesting reading; a reminder that the manufacturer's spec is often little more than advertising. It pays to dig a little deeper.