pci-e questions...

natnifnolnacs

Hi folks, I'm hoping you can help me out. I got a new graphics card (radeon hd 4860) which apparently needs two 6 pin pci-express connections. My existing power supply didn't have enough juice or the correct connections so I bought this
http://www.adverts.ie/power-supply-units/jeantech-storm-700w-modular-psu-power-supply-atx-pc-computer-jnp-700-a12c/2666845?comment=12923881#comment_12923881

Unfortunately, the guy didn't have a 2nd pci-e cable. So I have 1, but not 2. It seems they are not the easiest things to buy. Can I use 1 pci-e and 1 4 pin molex with a pci-e adaptor?

Or what's the best way to set it up?

Thanks in advance!

yoyo

You could simply use one of these things:

A 700W PSU should be fine

Nick

natnifnolnacs

yoyo wrote: »

You could simply use one of these things:

A 700W PSU should be fine

Nick

yep, that's the adaptor I'm talking about, but will that work with the standard pci-e cable as the 2nd connection?

I guess what I'm asking is am I better off keeping both connections the same or does it make a difference?

Serephucus

To be honest, that PSU was a very bad buy. Anything 500W+ that's around €40 or less, and you're asking for trouble. There's a reason you can get a 400W PSU for €50, or a 700W unit for €40; generally, that 700W unit will not provide 700W of power. It'll just blow up instead.

If you don't have the funds to replace it, that's fair enough - you'll probably be ok - but I'd look into replacing it with a decent unit ASAP. PSUs are one of the few components in the PC space, where brand really does matter. Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, Enermax, Silverstone - These are all good names, and usually most of their PSUs will be great (though there are exceptions to every rule, best just to ask).

If you can at all, pick up something like this:
http://www.dabs.ie/products/corsair-430w-builder-series-cx-80--bronze-atx-power-supply-8BV9.html?q=corsair%20cx430&src=16

It's the cheapest PSU that's good, that will power your setup.

Other points: There is no 4870 (well there it, but it's a laptop part), so I'll assume you meant the 4870, as the 4850 needs only one 6-pin connection. Also, yes, you can just use a molex adapter as mentioned above, though keep the points I made about that PSU in mind.

natnifnolnacs

Serephucus wrote: »

To be honest, that PSU was a very bad buy. Anything 500W+ that's around €40 or less, and you're asking for trouble. There's a reason you can get a 400W PSU for €50, or a 700W unit for €40; generally, that 700W unit will not provide 700W of power. It'll just blow up instead.

If you don't have the funds to replace it, that's fair enough - you'll probably be ok - but I'd look into replacing it with a decent unit ASAP. PSUs are one of the few components in the PC space, where brand really does matter. Corsair, Seasonic, Antec, Enermax, Silverstone - These are all good names, and usually most of their PSUs will be great (though there are exceptions to every rule, best just to ask).

If you can at all, pick up something like this:
http://www.dabs.ie/products/corsair-430w-builder-series-cx-80--bronze-atx-power-supply-8BV9.html?q=corsair%20cx430&src=16

It's the cheapest PSU that's good, that will power your setup.

Other points: There is no 4870 (well there it, but it's a laptop part), so I'll assume you meant the 4870, as the 4850 needs only one 6-pin connection. Also, yes, you can just use a molex adapter as mentioned above, though keep the points I made about that PSU in mind.

I understand your points (and you are right about it being the 4870, it's not here with me I just remembered it off the top of my head.) but it was a second hand power supply, not new. As far as I have been able to find out it was £80 new so wasn't cheap. I'm doing my best to get this running on a budget so 2nd hand was the best I could do.

TerrorFirmer

The Jeantech Storm is a pretty good PSU. I had one for a long time and it ran all sorts of Sli and Crossfire setups without a hitch. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

natnifnolnacs

Right so I've just tried to put the new PSU in. I haven#'t put the new graphics card in, just trying to get it working with the existing hardware. It is missing another cable which means I can't plug in the dvd drive, but I don't think that should make a difference?

Anyway, when I try to boot it is just giving me 5 beeps in a row. There is a small display on the back of the PSU which is displaying 002. Unfortunately, I can't seem to track down a manual for it so have no idea what that means.

Any ideas?

edit - never mind, I'm an idiot!:)

TerrorFirmer

That readout on the back of the psu monitors how much is being drawn by the system. Not very accurate though, I found.

natnifnolnacs

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

That readout on the back of the psu monitors how much is being drawn by the system. Not very accurate though, I found.

I've managed to sort it thankfully, stupidity on my part. That is good to know though, thanks!

TerrorFirmer

Would you believe I was looking for something earlier, and what did I find in my box of random computer stuff....a modular pci-e cable for the Jeantech Storm. If you still want one!

natnifnolnacs

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Would you believe I was looking for something earlier, and what did I find in my box of random computer stuff....a modular pci-e cable for the Jeantech Storm. If you still want one!

Ha! Yep, that'd be great! Where abouts are u?