power connectors..

I want to buy the xfx ati 4890 but it says its needs both a 6 pin and 8 pin power connector..now i believe i am using a 6 pin power connector for my current gpu (its a pci/e power connector), but what is the 8 pin? Can that just be plugged into a molex connector because i have one spare in my machine.. Would like some feedback, because im confused as to whether i will be able to use this card if i buy it..

I believe you would need 2 spare molex connectors to fit the 6+2 pin adaptor. You may want to consider looking at a PSU that has these connections standard. Its a very good indicator that the PSU is designed to provide sufficient current for your hardware.

I believe you would need 2 spare molex connectors to fit the 6+2 pin adaptor. You may want to consider looking at a PSU that has these connections standard. Its a very good indicator that the PSU is designed to provide sufficient current for your hardware.

Snotweasel530

My machine is really new, im not prepared to upgrade my psu for the sake of a gpu, i just need to know whether or not i can run this card, i doubt it needs two molex connectors though, if you want i can post the spec of my psu? sn4k3_64

Well If that's the case, then it doesn't really matter. It will work or it won't. Excessive current draw and subsequent insufficient output from your PSU will severely limit the life of your PSU, then you definitely will be looking at upgrading the PSU. Not trying to scare, but to make sure you are cognizant of what could happen. A failing PSU tends to do it rather subtly.

My advice would be to look at the power consumption of the specific card you're looking to buy and compare that with the output of your PSU. Total watts of a PSU is a ballpark figure, which makes it a useless tidbit of info. Where the rubber meets the road is on the sticker on the chassis of the PSU that gives you the amperage ratings of each rail. Watts = Volts x Amps.

I want to buy the xfx ati 4890 but it says its needs both a 6 pin and 8 pin power connector..now i believe i am using a 6 pin power connector for my current gpu (its a pci/e power connector), but what is the 8 pin? Can that just be plugged into a molex connector because i have one spare in my machine.. Would like some feedback, because im confused as to whether i will be able to use this card if i buy it..

sn4k3_64

[QUOTE="sn4k3_64"]

I want to buy the xfx ati 4890 but it says its needs both a 6 pin and 8 pin power connector..now i believe i am using a 6 pin power connector for my current gpu (its a pci/e power connector), but what is the 8 pin? Can that just be plugged into a molex connector because i have one spare in my machine.. Would like some feedback, because im confused as to whether i will be able to use this card if i buy it..

mike4realz