Computer graphics card question

So I just bought a pc and a graphics card to be installed. I get my computer case apart and discover that while my graphics card requires a 6-prong PCI-E power source, my computer only has flat 4 prong extra power source cords.

At this point, it would be less expensive to get a new power source than a different graphics card (got a deal on after-Thanksgiving sale). My question is: is there some sort of converter plug I can use instead of buying a new power source? Am I better off being safer and just buying the new power source instead of trying to work with what I have?

 

Perhaps this is what you are looking for?

http://nanosys1.com/cbl-pwr-lp4pcie.html

 

First off, the adapter found above are awesome. I've got about 4 of them floating around somewhere. But to get back to what you mentioned, check the specs on your new Vid Card and find out what they recommend for a minimum power supply. Make sure that your current one will meet this spec (to be safe) before hooking it up. Otherwise, you may potentially burn out your power supply quickly.

 

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll check my specs when I get home tonight.

Thanks guys

 

Your card should have come with an adapter that converts 2 Molex (4pin) to 1 6pin PCI-E connector. I've got one that came with my 8800 gts laying around somewhere, its yours if you want to pick it up. Which card did you pick up and how many watts is your power supply? You need to worry more about the amps available on the PSU's 12v rather than the total output watts.


There are other options than buying a new PSU......you can pick a secondary power supply for your card.
-Something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153037

 

yeah...for pci-e you're gonna need at the bare minimum a 300 watt ps. I have a 500 watt ps and it works fine and has two gpu powewr connectors.

 

Sorry, I dont think i was that clear with the bolded text. You should be more concerned with the combined amperage of the 12v rails, rather than the PSU's watts. Finding a psu with the recommended amps is going to provide a steady flow of current to the card. Also, if you have an nvidia 7 series card or a nvidia 8600/ ati equivalent you should be able to use your current psu.

P.S. I found the adapter

 

Which card did you get? I bought a VisionTek HD3850 and it didn't come with a PCI-E power cable too...sucks. Now I gotta go buy/find one.

Plus, my video card recommends a 450Watt power supply, mine is 350W. We'll see how long that lasts.

 

just go get a bfg 800 watt ps and be done with it. Problem solved

 

+1. Lifetime warranties FTW.