Power Connectors

[gfd]

Greetings,

I am new to the forum...hello. I am also new to installing high performance graphics cards.

I want to purchase an MSI GTX 980 ti Gaming 6G. I use the Prepar3D flight simulator. New versions of the sim are moving more and more work to the gpu.

Looking in my case, the installation seems to be straight forward with respect to seating and securing the card. Where I am a bit concerned is the power connections. It appears that this MSI card has 2 x 8 pin connectors. Looking at the GTX 780 currently in the case; I notice it has 2 x 6+2 pin connectors. One plug uses 6+2, while the other uses just the 6 pin connector, leaving the 2 pin connector loose.

I haven't looked at the power supply end yet. But in the cable bag there are 2 cables with a 12 pin connector at one end that feeds two 6+2 connectors at the other end. I am assuming that the 12 plugs into the psu and feeds the pair of 6+2 connectors at the other end of the 'Y'.

I have a Seasonic 1000 watt power supply. The site for the psu is here, in case you want to investigate:
http://www.seasonicusa.com/Platinum_Series.htm

I would like to ask if I can use the 12 pin to (2 x 6+2 connectors) to power up the two 8 pin plugs in the gpu.

Now I've eaten up a lot of screen space speculating on something I haven't done before. Please forgive me for over describing the situation. I just wanted to be as clear as possible.

Thanks so much in advance for taking the time to look in on this and enlighten me.

Regards,
Graham

 

[manofthem]

No worries, welcome to TPU! Sounds like you have a nice system to please fill in your system specs here

That PSU has plenty of connectors. Use 2 of the 6+2 pin pcie for the gpu, and you'll be right as rain

 

[gfd]

No worries, welcome to TPU! Sounds like you have a nice system to please fill in your system specs here

That PSU has plenty of connectors. Use 2 of the 6+2 pin pcie for the gpu, and you'll be right as rain

Thanks man,

Just so I am clear, that cable is a 'Y' with 12 pins into the psu and two 6+2 at the case end?

Thanks again,
Graham

 

[thebluebumblebee]

I haven't looked at the power supply end yet.

LOOK! All of the PCI-e cables on that PSU are that way. http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=264

 

[manofthem]

Thanks man,

Just so I am clear, that cable is a 'Y' with 12 pins into the psu and two 6+2 at the case end?

Thanks again,
Graham

As @thebluebumblebee said, you don't need a 'y" cable, just use the pcie connectors for your GPU and you're good. I have the 660w Seassonic plat and it even has ample pcie connectors. If I am misunderstanding, please let me know.

 

[gfd]

As @thebluebumblebee said, you don't need a 'y" cable, just use the pcie connectors for your GPU and you're good. I have the 660w Seassonic plat and it even has ample pcie connectors. If I am misunderstanding, please let me know.

I'll let you know when I get a look at the other side of the case. My case is compartmentalized. Will get back to you ASAP

Thanks,
Graham

 

[Ja.KooLit]

You should have all your connectors.

the 6+2 pin PCI is the same as 8 pin PCI-e. manufacturers just opted to use 6+2 so consumers can use either 6 pin or 8 pin.

actually looking at your connectors, you can even powerup 3 x MSI GTX 980 ti Gaming 6G for Tri-SLi configuration.

Although your motherboard doesnt support 3x SLI

 

[gfd]

You should have all your connectors.

the 6+2 pin PCI is the same as 8 pin PCI-e. manufacturers just opted to use 6+2 so consumers can use either 6 pin or 8 pin.

actually looking at your connectors, you can even powerup 3 x MSI GTX 980 ti Gaming 6G for Tri-SLi configuration.

Although your motherboard doesnt support 3x SLI

Thanks fox,

I'm with you on the 6+2. What I want to be sure about is the fact that the two 6+2 cables run into one 12 pin connector that plugs into the psu. Is that normal?

Thanks,
Graham

 

[gfd]

LOOK! All of the PCI-e cables on that PSU are that way. http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=264

Thanks bee,

My caution is out of ignorance. Thanks for the reply. It just threw me a bit that the two 6+2 cables didn't 'Y' into a 16 pin connector for the psu end.

Graham

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Thanks bee,

My caution is out of ignorance. Thanks for the reply. It just threw me a bit that the two 6+2 cables didn't 'Y' into a 16 pin connector for the psu end.

Graham

Seasonic just combines the ground wires - reducing the number of wires/connections needed. If you want to learn more about the 6 and 8 pin PCI-e power connectors, this is the best I can come up with in a hurry: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-specifications-atx-reference,3061-12.html
On a quality PSU like the one you have, just plug and play.

 

[manofthem]

m with you on the 6+2. What I want to be sure about is the fact that the two 6+2 cables run into one 12 pin connector that plugs into the psu. Is that normal?

Oh ok I understand now. Yes, it's normal.

If you look at the first link provided by @thebluebumblebee (shown below), it shows the rear of the psu. The pcie area has a 12 pin area where your pcie plugs go. That's normal, no worries.

Seasonic make a gest psus, you're going to be quite content with it. Install it, wire it up, good to go

 

[gfd]

Thanks you guys. I was staring (but not comprehending) all along