Question on installing new video card

[bucksfanjimj1]

I have just bought this new vid card and it came with a "V" shaped 4 pin adapter. I am wondering if I will need this. I understand that the new card requires a extra power because I see the receptacle on the card.

Will I need to use this adapter to plug in both rails of PSU to video card? I have one rail that is totally not being used. There is a picture of the adapter in the image veiwer at NewEgg. It is marked as the power cable.

New video card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150210


Specs of computer

HP Pavillion a350y
Asus P5SD-LA
P4 2.8 ghz processor
NEC DVD/CD combo
Samsung CD drive
one floppy drive
one 7-1 memory card reader
NIC card
Ethernet and Fax modem cards
4 port USB PCI card
GeForce 6200 (being replaced)
Cooler Master RS-430-PMSR PSU

[TwoRails]

Yes, you can use the empty power connector if you have one. That's a splitter so that if you didn't have an empty connector, you could put that adapter between something currently in use and tap power off it from the extra connection.

[bucksfanjimj1]

Ok ran into another question, I forgot that I had to use one connector off of the other rail. Reason being that the leads are too short. What I have now is both optical drives and the floppy on one rail and the new card and hard drive on the second rail. Which leaves an open connector on each rail because they are too short to reach anything. Will this set up be all right for the new card or will I have to use the power cable that I originally started this thread about?

[TwoRails]

Won't the splitter reach from one of the opticals with the extra length of the splitter?

[bucksfanjimj1]

I haven't used the splitter yet. I can make that work. I am, if at all possible, trying to avoid using it. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, will having the hard drive and video card on the same rail together be okay?(without using the splitter)

If needed I can see about drawing a diagram to better explain the current set up.

[TwoRails]

Originally Posted by bucksfanjimj ... I am, if at all possible, trying to avoid using it.....

why? that's what they are made for.

[bucksfanjimj1]

Just wanted to let you know that all went well with the upgrade. The card is working as expected.

BTW that adapter, I have no idea what it is for. My PSU has female connectors as does the adapter. I was tired when I had started to work on the upgrade and failed to notice that. If anyone knows what is for I would like to know. Just curious.

Thanks for your input Two Rails. I greatly appreciate it.