Connect a Video Card Power Cable

As video acceleration technology advances forward, the power requirements for video cards rise dramatically, because their components require more wattage to perform optimally. If you are unsure on how to connect the power properly, then this is the article for you.

Steps

  1. Understand that most AGP Video cards have a standard 4-Pin Molex connector. This is the same type of connector found on most home IDE/ATAPI CD-ROM and Hard Disk Drives.
  2. To plug this type of connector in correctly, be sure that the molex connector is oriented with the beveled edges facing the correct way. These are here to prevent a user from inverting or putting the plug in backwards by mistake. Do not force the plug, just apply gentle pressure (sometimes a slight wiggling motion is necessary) and press the connector into the receptacle until it is firmly seated.
  3. ]Recognize that there are other types of connectors as well. More recently, another connector for PCI-Express video cards requires more power than the 4 pin Molex can provide. As a result, this expanded Molex in the photo is required.
  4. Follow the same installation for the PCI-Express. Orient the connector so that the tab is facing the same direction as the receptacle. As you can see in the above image, there is a locking tab that keeps this connector in place.
  5. Gently push it into position until the locking tab secures the connector in place.

Tips

  • In many cases, adapters may be required if your power supply does not have enough connectors, or if it does not have PCI-Express connectors. You may wish to consider purchasing a Molex Y-Adapter (Turns one standard Molex into two) or a PCI-Express Adapter (Turns two standard Molex into one PCI-Express) rather than purchasing a new Power Supply.
  • Use Standard Precautions against ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) when handling computer hardware. Wear an anti-static wristband, or discharge yourself by touching a bare metal object that is grounded, such as a metal chair or table.

Warnings

  • Do not force plugs or attempt to wire them yourself, unless you have experience and knowledge of the power system in your computer.
  • This article does not cover the use of SLI based solutions, or their power requirements.
  • Do not attempt to connect power cables to a video card while your computer is on.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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