PCI-E PSU?

[Cook1]

Ok, so I'm confused here.

I thought if you're using 2xPCI-E cards in SLI that both cards take the normal 4-pin molex connector then another 4-pin molex connects to the motherboard itself. But I see people selling their PSU's because they went to "PCI-E". Are there different connectors for PCI-E in SLI? Cause I just bought a new PSU and if it doesn't have the capability then I'm not going to do SLI.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Your psu will work fine. PCI express power supplies are just a marketing term. You can buy converters that convert two molex connectors into one pci-e conector. Here's one Text
No molex connectors go into the motherboard. You might be thinking of the extra four pins that 939 boards use. If you only have a 20 pin connector, buy this Text

 

[Cook1]

You sure? I was told that when I want to go SLI I'll have to connect a four pin molex into my board. My board is a 24-pin, have the Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe using the Forton Blue Storm 500W PSU.

 

[Cook1]

Still confused about going to SLI

 

[ohnnyj]

With a A8N-SLI you will need a modern PSU and one molex will go into the mobo, a 4 pin aux connector next to the CPU and a 24 pin main power connector. There are some PSUs that have two 6-pin power adapters built in for PCIe graphics cards, but you can also use the included molex -> 6-pin adapters (that usually come with the video cards) to get power to them. But if you are going SLI I recommend to get a high quality PSU from OCZ or my preferred choice PCP&C to guarantee stability and to make it easier as they have dedicated lines for each graphics card.

 

[Waylay00]

No, you don't have to connect an extra four pin molex to your board. (There is one exception with the DFI boards where they offer a chance to connect an extra connector for extra stability)

 

[CheesePoofs]

For the ASUS sli board I believe you do need to connect the molex on the board when using sli.

 

[Melchior]

It's used for stability. Its technically needed, but the manual says its a good idea.

 

[ohnnyj]

Originally posted by: Melchior
It's used for stability. Its technically needed, but the manual says its a good idea.

[Translation] Use it. [/Translation]

 

[gobucks]

is your PSU 24-pin? Cause while the PCIe power connectors aren't that important, and a converter will be fine, a 20-pin PSU is not adequate for an SLI setup. Asus says the 4-pin EZ-plug allows you to use a 20-pin PSU, but they don't recommend them for high end video cards (6800GT, X800, etc.) or SLI setups. For these, you need a 24-pin PSU.

 

[Cook1]

I have a 24-pin 500W Forton Blue Storm PSU, I'm more then positive this PSU has enough bang where it needs it to run a SLI rig.