I've seen adapters for sale that are either 1 or 2 4pin molex inputs to a PCIe output. I need something like this for one of my PCs. Can I make it with just 1 input or do I really need 2? Here's links of what I'm talking about in case it's not clear: http://www.twenga.co.uk/offer/31092/4090255387934142703.html http://www.outletpc.com/c8137.html I've got an ultra Xconnect 500w PSU, and was thinking of just making an adapter to plug into the modular output and go to the gfx card. Power should be sufficient. http://ultraproducts.com/product_resources.php?cPath=37&pPath=157&productID=157 They show something like this: http://ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=12&pPath=284&productID=284 Since the official part and the generic shipping costs so much I may just try to find one locally. Figure all I need is some proper sized pins and connectors, and some wire. (and a little electronics whiz assurances.)
I've never understood why they need two. It should be fine with one as long as you use reasonably thick wire - the PSU manufacturer does it, so why shouldn't you?
The guage of the wire isn't the problem - it's the weak connector which has trouble under high loads. Do a google search looking for burned out 4pin connectors.
As far as I know they have two connectors because a dual 12v-rail power supply may not be able to supply enough current from one rail alone.
Thanks for the replies guys. Thanks capn! I was thinking it might have something to do with this, but never really got it. I think since the website shows a specific connector it should be possible. I'll do a search for burn out issues, and see if I can whip one up, or find one nearby. Edit- Found this link: http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#pciexpress Which says: "If your power supply doesn't have a 6 pin PCI Express cable then you can use the adapter shown above on the right to convert two 4 pin peripheral cables into a PCI Express cable. If you use an adapter then be sure to plug the 4 pin peripheral connectors into separate cables coming from the power supply. If you plug them both into the same power supply cable then you are drawing all the power of the PCI Express connector through a single 18 gauge wire. You can usually get away with that but there's no reason to do it." (They were picturing a 2 connector adapter.) There's also a good explanation of the different meanings and uses of 12v rails: http://www.playtool.com/pages/psumultirail/multirails.html
