Installing videocards

[RSanders]

Ok I have installed a videocard before but I installed the ATI Radeon 8500LE 128MB without any power cables. I noticed all the newer cards have the power cables.

Can someone explain how/where you will hook the power cables into the pc? Thanks

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: RSanders
Ok I have installed a videocard before but I installed the ATI Radeon 8500LE 128MB without any power cables. I noticed all the newer cards have the power cables.

Can someone explain how/where you will hook the power cables into the pc? Thanks

Im assuming your card came with the "Y" power connector. This connector basically allows you to extend one of your PSU power lines, allowing it to have 2 floppy-type connectors on the single line as opposed to the standard 1 (and the 2 molex power connectors). Now, you can either use that to run off power from one of the power lines of your PSU, or simply plug a free floppy-type connector from any line of your PSU to your card.

I think ATi recommend using the Y cable to lead off power from the power line to which you have your HDDs connected. Thats what i have done - on the single line i have connected 2 HDDs, a fan controller via the floppy type power connector and then my 9800SE on the floppy-type connector off the Y-cable which i have led off one of the 'original' molex connectors from my PSU power line.

Occasionally you may have to mess about trying to figure out which line it is best to hook up your gfx card to depending upon the power consumption of the other bits and bobs you have connected, but i shouldnt think its a major problem.

 

[RSanders]

http://www.crucial.com/install/videocard9800pro_2.asp


I found that... it has a good diagram on how to do it.

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: RSanders
http://www.crucial.com/install/videocard9800pro_2.asp


I found that... it has a good diagram on how to do it.

Yes - thats exactly it. You dont have to use the Y connector if you have the connection required free, but its helpful nonetheless.

 

[RSanders]

What do you mean if I have the connection required free?

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: RSanders
What do you mean if I have the connection required free?

The power connector that feeds into the gfx card is the same type that feeds into your floppy drive. If you have one of those free, ie - not connected to anything else, then u can just run that straight into the gfx card without the need to use the Y cable to extend one of your existing lines.

Its not that complicated really - gfx card needs power from PSU - needs the floppy type connector to be plugged into in - Y cable or no Y cable - just plug it in!

 

[RSanders]

Ahh ok. That clears it up more. I didn't order a floppy drive with this computer so I can just use the power connector that would have went into the floppy drive for the videocard.

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: RSanders
Ahh ok. That clears it up more. I didn't order a floppy drive with this computer so I can just use the power connector that would have went into the floppy drive for the videocard.

Indeed you can. The days of the floppy drive are coming to an end now i think. I cant recall a time when i used mine Hmmm... dont think ill be buying a floppy drive ever again then

 

[Matthias99]

Also note that the newer cards use the 4-pin molex connector (the one that plugs into your CD/DVD drives and hard disks), not the 3-pin floppy power connector. So you may need that Y-adapter after all.

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
Also note that the newer cards use the 4-pin molex connector (the one that plugs into your CD/DVD drives and hard disks), not the 3-pin floppy power connector. So you may need that Y-adapter after all.

I believe he is getting one of the 9800 series which do use the floppy type 3 pin connectors, but yea, you are rite. That didnt occur to me at all . Good looking out

 

[RSanders]

Indeed you are right. I am getting the Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800SE 128MB (256-bit) videocard.

 

[ForceCalibur]

Nvm, my bad. 9800ses do use 3 pins.

OH, and DONT get the saphire, get the power color, if you want a better chance at a free 9800 Pro.

 

[RSanders]

Well I already got the Sapphire and it was cheaper (I am on very tight budget).. if it doesn't work, then I am still happy.

 

[pookie69]

Originally posted by: RSanders
Well I already got the Sapphire and it was cheaper (I am on very tight budget).. if it doesn't work, then I am still happy.

Well yea, you may not be able to unlock the extra 4 pipes, like me , but u can still o/c core and mem, and any increase in clocks is better than none. I certainly managed to see significant increases in performance with o/c's alone so fret not. The Sapphire 9800SE is a good card for the price