PCIe connectors for XFX 280x

[Raswan]

Hey guys,

Just got a new XFX 280x to replace my old 5870. It needs an 8-pin and a 6-pin. I thought my PSU came with an 8-pin cable, but it turns out it does not. It's an Antec Neo HE 550 watt, with 2 6-pin PCIe connectors. The XFX booklet specifically says not to use an adapter to combine two 6-pins into an eight (in any case, if I did I'd also have to use the also-included adapter XFX gave me to turn 2 4-pin molex into a 6-pin PCIe, and if the one is taboo I'm sure the other is too).

It's a modular PSU. Am I going to be able to find an 8-pin PCIe cable to solve this problem? Or is the PSU lacking additional rails, and I need to replace it?

Here's the psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103941

And in case the link doesn't work, specs from newegg:

Type: ATX12V

Maximum Power: 550W

Main Connector: 20+4Pin

+12V Rails: 3

PCI-Express Connector: 2 x 6-Pin

Power Good Signal: 100-500ms

Hold-up Time: 20ms at full load

Over Voltage Protection:
+5V trip point < +6.5V
+3.3V trip point < +4.1V
+12V trip point < +14.3V

Input Voltage: 100 - 240 V

Input Frequency Range: 47 - 63 Hz

Input Current:
9A @ 115V, 4.5A @ 230V

Output:
+3.3V@24A, +5V@20A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, +12V3@18A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2.5A

Features:
Connectors
1 x Main connector (20+4 pin)
2 x 12V (P4)
6 x peripheral
4 x SATA
1 x Floppy
2 x PCI-E

Thanks guys. Love to hook this baby up and go crazy tonight.

EDIT: Just to be clear, the PSU is completely modular, except the 20-pin mobo cable. That in mind, I would just need something like this, right? http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8...B-PCIE8-EXT.html?tl=g11c413&id=rhnaYybH#blank

Edit 2: added a picture

https://www.dropbox.com/s/80l0zprnns4yhnp/antec psu.jpg?m=

 

[Burpo]

Power supply is fine & I'd use the adapter that was included.. You'll be fine..
You can even use a cheaper adapter from 6 to 8 pins
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-6-Pin-PCI...S_Power_Cables_Connectors&hash=item4172edff88

 

[Kenmitch]

Looking at both of the XFX 280x's on newegg it looks like both of them include to power connectors/adapters to me. They include the 2x6pin to 8pin but tell you not to use it?

 

[Raswan]

Looking at both of the XFX 280x's on newegg it looks like both of them include to power connectors/adapters to me. They include the 2x6pin to 8pin but tell you not to use it?

Correct. Which was confusing to me. Then again, I'm easily confused.

 

[Raswan]

Power supply is fine & I'd use the adapter that was included.. You'll be fine..
You can even use a cheaper adapter from 6 to 8 pins
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-6-Pin-PCI...S_Power_Cables_Connectors&hash=item4172edff88

Interesting. So there's no additional worry from the psu-side of things? I guess I don't understand the technical difference between an 8-pin and a 6-pin. I'd assumed the 8 was built to draw a lot more wattage (in addition to providing extra grounds), and trying to adapt a 6 to an 8 risked frying the wires.

 

[Kenmitch]

Correct. Which was confusing to me. Then again, I'm easily confused.

After thinking about it for a minute or so I think I kind of understand why they gave you both adapters and how they want you to use them.

What they want you to do is split the power load on the power supplies rails most likely so you wont have any issues.

The 2 adapters will do this for you.

Take the 6pin to molex and plug it into one of the 6pin connectors on the 8pin adapter.

Take your power supplies 6pin lead and plug it into the other 6pin connector.

Plug your other 6pin connector from the power supply into the 6pin connector on the card.

Connect 2 molex connectors to the 6pin connector. Plug the 8pin into the card.

Problem solved.

 

[Raswan]

After thinking about it for a minute or so I think I kind of understand why they gave you both adapters and how they want you to use them.

What they want you to do is split the power load on the power supplies rails most likely so you wont have any issues.

The 2 adapters will do this for you.

Take the 6pin to molex and plug it into one of the 6pin connectors on the 8pin adapter.

Take your power supplies 6pin lead and plug it into the other 6pin connector.

Connect 2 molex connectors to the 6pin connector.

Problem solved.

So, the 8-pin load is essentially being split 3 ways: between two 4-pin molex and one 6-pin PCIe? And the 6-pin load just comes straight from the other PCIe? I get what you're saying, but I'm incredibly leery of using the molex as any kind of load provider, even if it's one half of one half of an 8-pin each.

Then again, that 6-pin to 6+2-pin adapter the other person linked seems like magic to me too. Just turn a 6-pin into an 8 by adding two more pins? I think I need to read more about this. Would hate to fry my spankin new gpu.

 

[Kenmitch]

So, the 8-pin load is essentially being split 3 ways: between two 4-pin molex and one 6-pin PCIe? And the 6-pin load just comes straight from the other PCIe? I get what you're saying, but I'm incredibly leery of using the molex as any kind of load provider, even if it's one half of one half of an 8-pin each.

Then again, that 6-pin to 6+2-pin adapter the other person linked seems like magic to me too. Just turn a 6-pin into an 8 by adding two more pins? I think I need to read more about this. Would hate to fry my spankin new gpu.

Yep....You should be fine with the included adapters doing it the way I stated.

People use molex to make 6pin connectors on older power supplies with adapters.

The only other real option would be to purchase a new power supply with the correct connectors.

I'm not a fan of adapters but sometimes it's use them or spend more money.

 

[Deders]

Make sure each 4 pin comes from a different lead from the PSU, otherwise it may be possible the wires could overheat.

Generally the 6 pin wires are thicker than the 4 pin wires so they can carry more current. So long as you don't over;load the wires you should be ok.