Connecting 7800GT to PSU

[dman918]

Sorry for yet another stupid n00b question, but I see that I need to hook this video card up to my PSU, and I was wondering how I hook it up to a single dedicated rail. I have this PSU: http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/CoolerMaster/Products.aspx?pid=902 . Do I use the supplied adapter and connect the two molex connectors, or is there another connector on the PSU to hook directly into the card? I haven't checked yet. Also, how do I make sure that the video card is the only thing on that one rail?
Thanks for the help!
Mike

 

[dman918]

OK, so I just went ahead and plugged the card into the pci-e slot, connected the 6pin to dual 4 pin molex connector adapter, and then took a line from the psu and hooked the two 4 pin molex connectors to it. The line from the PSU had two four pin molex adapters and one floppy drive connector on it. Did I choose the correct line from the PSU?

Further, would coolbits2 be the best prog for overclocking? Any advice on overclocking the card. With coolbits, I was able to get 475/1200 and a 3dmark score of around 7650 or so. Is that pretty decent, or should I try for more?

I had the card at 495/1200 and scored a 7840 in 3dmark, but there were some artifacts, and when I got back to the desktop, there were some major problems with the screen.

Should I update my bios to the most recent one (from evga)? I thought I heard that there were some evga cards with artifact issues and the bios fixed it.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: dman918
OK, so I just went ahead and plugged the card into the pci-e slot, connected the 6pin to dual 4 pin molex connector adapter, and then took a line from the psu and hooked the two 4 pin molex connectors to it. The line from the PSU had two four pin molex adapters and one floppy drive connector on it. Did I choose the correct line from the PSU?

It probably doesn't matter, since in a lot of 'dual rail' PSUs, the rails are drawing power together from something further upstream. However, if possible, you should try to balance the load across the rails. But you would need to consult the manual or documentation for your PSU to see which cables are attached to which rail. *Usually* they are labelled in some way, but this is not always consistent between manufacturers (or even models).

If you have a PCIe power connector on your PSU, you should use that, since it is probably already on the second rail. But otherwise, yes, you will have to use the provided adapter.

 

[dman918]

Thanks for the response. I do not have the pci-e connector on the psu, so I need to use the two 4pin molex connectors. I have them on their own line, so to speak. They don't have any labeling I notice on being on a certain rail. I will have to take a 2nd look.
Anyone have any other thoughts on my questions?

 

[dman918]

I am having some issues now where I need to restart the computer a couple times for it to post. Anyone know which cables are connected to which rail? I don't see anything in the manual or anything.
Thanks!

 

[BGuardian75]

It doesn't matter which 4 pin molex you use. +12v2 is for the CPU and mainboard, so I think peripherals and molex connections will be on +12v1. Anyway, I have this same PSU and I have a 7800GTX on the way and I have my doubts this PSU can handle it. I've searched all over google and I find many people running high end gear on it but I found just as many having problems running a 6800. So I said screw it and I ordered an Antec TruePower 2.0 550W SLi ready PSU from NewEgg for $89.99 and I hope it will do the job. Sounds like you're having PSU problems from what you describe.

 

[destrekor]

i have that PSU as well, look at my sig for stats. runs fine. voltages are nice and stable as well. (12v is actually 12.3 according to Motherboard Monitor, but thats within the suggested envelope anyway, that and the software I guess is slightly flawed).

who knows if I shall ever try SLI. I doubt it. I might just get a true SLI mobo when socket M2 comes out.

 

[dman918]

Ah, I see. I thought that each cable was a +12v or something like that.
Thanks for the responses.