PCI Express Power Connector....

[babentx]

The 6 pin power connector on an ATI X800 XT supposedly doesn't have to be connected, according to some sources I found, that the card will draw enough current through the PCI-E slot; anyone had any experience with this ? This is one article I saw: X800XT:Look,NoConnector ??. Obviously, I haven't, but I do know with earlier cards, an error message was displayed on boot up.
I saw this "shortcut" for making an adapter for the card HowtoMakeaPCI-EPowerConnector, but I don't really have but one spare PSU around, and it's a good one; haven't been able to confirm these voltages
and pinouts either.
I'll probably wimp out and see if I can't chase one down tomorrow in Houston....I sure don't want to wait 2 days for a special power adapter if I can find one locally.
Well, I really found out that I'm not going to get anything up and running tonight; the motherboard [just got it this evening (Asus P5AD2-E) takes a 24pin power supply connector; my 20 pin ain't gonna' do it......

 

[LTC8K6]

The card needs the extra power from the cable. They sell those adapters at most computer stores for under $10.

 

[Tab]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
The card needs the extra power from the cable. They sell those adapters at most computer stores for under $10.

Thats crazy, just make your own. :|

 

[babentx]

Right, and I would'nt care to power this thing up without all everything nailed down tight.
'Can't make my own now; unless there's a way around the 24 pin connector from the power supply.
And I really wanted to see what this thing would do tonight !!!!
Oh well, there's usually tommorrow !!!!!

 

[LTC8K6]

The labor involved in making your own is worth way more than $10.

Pretty one at Newegg for $8

 

[LTC8K6]

BTW babentx, the power connector is clearly visible to me in that link you gave in your first post.

NM, I see where I got mixed up.

 

[babentx]

Thanks for the replies, kind gents. 'Looks like I'll be hunting a new power supply tommorrow which will have the correct connector for the video card. But, I learned quite a bit, which counts for something.
Well, after a little more looking around, I come up with this: Intel:20or24. Wonders never cease, but I think I'll go
ahead and get a new power supply; but, according to this article, the 6-pin plug has been dropped ??
Whatever, I'll make it if I have to, but will probably run accross one when buying a PSU anyway.

 

[flexy]

>>>
he 6 pin power connector on an ATI X800 XT supposedly doesn't have to be connected, according to some sources I found
>>>
this is of course nonsense. ESPECIALLY connect this if you do NOT supply the power thru a 24pin PSU. If you use a 20pin PSU then it doesnt give juice to the pci-ex slot. (The extra 4 providing power for pci-ex). Therefore you NEED the adapter for the card to have juice.

Also...if you get the adapter its likely you do NOT need a new PSU. (Assuming your old one is strong enough)

 

[babentx]

Yeh, thanks for the advice: I wound up buying a new Vantec 520, but it didn't have the 6-pin connector, it had
an 8-pin. After a little modification [cutting wires. soldering them in correct place....shrink tubing], I had a 6-pin connector that worked just fine. And BTW, I don't know what card anyone used and stated that the power connector didn't have to be connected: my PC wouldn't make it through POST with this connector to the
X800XT off.
Thanks for the info.