PC 7950 8 pin power

[GP-SE]

Hey guys, just got a brand new AMD HD 7950 (direct from AMD!)
but it has a 6 pin power and 8 pin power.
What options do I have?
1)buy a 6 to 8 pin adapter
2)plug both 6 pin connectors in, leaving the 2 empty pins?

I have a 2009 Mac Pro.

 

[bsbeamer]

external PSU I believe is best recommended option... some people have used the 8 > 6 pin adapters, but there's concern it could fry the motherboard.

 

[GP-SE]

thanks for the reply, I searched online, the last two pins are used as grounds. I'm going to buy a 6 to 8 pin adapter and try that first, I really don't want to buy an external PSU.

 

[Killerbob]

You should be safe; http://www.geeks3d.com/20090618/graphics-cards-thermal-design-power-tdp-database/

But, check your specific power consumption... If it is higher than 225w, you might end up frying the MoBo.

 

[ActionableMango]

You are probably safe with an adapter, but I'd just return it and get a 7950 with 2x6-pin, as there are plenty of those that are probably better than the AMD direct one anyway.

The Gigabyte 7950 has two 6-pin power inputs, runs quiet with three large slow fans, and is factory overclocked so runs slightly faster than baseline cards.

 

[GP-SE]

I got the adapter, everything is working great!
Looking at reviews for power consumption it draws as much power as the stock Apple 4870, so I'm not to worried.

 

[BigJohno]

external PSU I believe is best recommended option... some people have used the 8 > 6 pin adapters, but there's concern it could fry the motherboard.

I have yet to see someone complain on here of frying their MB from a 6 to 8 pin connector. There is a thread around here ruling out that myth.

 

[handheldgames]

Hey guys, just got a brand new AMD HD 7950 (direct from AMD!)
but it has a 6 pin power and 8 pin power.
What options do I have?
1)buy a 6 to 8 pin adapter
2)plug both 6 pin connectors in, leaving the 2 empty pins?

I have a 2009 Mac Pro.

Suggestion: return it and get one with 2x6pin connectors. The MacPro PSU runs them without a problem.

 

[GP-SE]

returning isn't an option because I got it from a friend of a friend who works at ATi\AMD here in Ontario.
So far running with the adapter hasn't caused any issues, and from google searches it doesn't appear to be an issue using a 8 pin adapter.

 

[cal6n]

If you want to monitor the power draw of the PCI slots and feeds, you can use Hardware Monitor.

 

[BConvery]

You are probably safe with an adapter, but I'd just return it and get a 7950 with 2x6-pin, as there are plenty of those that are probably better than the AMD direct one anyway.

The Gigabyte 7950 has two 6-pin power inputs, runs quiet with three large slow fans, and is factory overclocked so runs slightly faster than baseline cards.

The Gigabyte 7950 I got today has one 6 and one 8 pin connector. Going to try the adapter.

 

[GP-SE]

The Gigabyte 7950 I got today has one 6 and one 8 pin connector. Going to try the adapter.

I've been using the adapter for almost two weeks now, not a single issue, I've been playing tons of BioShock too!

 

[BConvery]

Running the 6 to 8 pin connector. I get the occasional panic or freeze if it sits for a while. I was underwhelmed with the performance increase (I think I was expecting amazing fps) from my flashed 4870 1G so I'm prolly sending it back.