PCI-E Connector on PSU

[hampuras]

Hi,

I own an AMD A8N SLI mobo with galaxy 8600gt SLI. I would like to know what is the pci-e connector on psu is for? I dont see any connector attached to my graphic card...

Thanks.

 

[AmberClad]

Higher end graphics cards require extra power from the PCI-e connector. I can't say for certain, but I think they're fairly typical on the big, dual slot cards.

 

[John]

The PCIe slot on the mobo supplies up to 75W of power, and each additional 6-pin connector on the psu provides up to 75W of power. Each 8600GT consumes around 35-40W.

 

[hampuras]

Originally posted by: John
The PCIe slot on the mobo supplies up to 75W of power, and each additional 6-pin connector on the psu provides up to 75W of power. Each 8600GT consumes around 35-40W.

So if the 8600gt does not require this, what cards do?

 

[AmberClad]

I'm pretty sure all the GeForce 8800s variants have them. I've also seen them on some 7xxx series cards (7800 and above). On the ATi side, I'm far less familiar with the offerings, but I think the X1900 and above, as well as the X2900 and above, have the PCIe connector.

I'm not sure if I've ever seen a mid-range and below card with the connector (but with the way power requirements have been consistently on the rise, I wouldn't be surprised if even mid-range cards will need it in the future).

Check out the picture here if you were wondering what a PCIe power port on a video card looks like or if you wanted to make sure you don't have one.

 

[SparkyJJO]

7800, 7900, 8800 need the PCIe power. ATI X800, X850, X1800, X1900, HD2900 need it as well (X800 and X850 only use a very small amount from the PCIe power cable though).