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How to Connect A Video Card Power Cable Correctly

1. 

   

   Molex Connector on a Radeon 9800 Video Card
   Underst as well as that most AGP Video cards have a st as well as ard 4-Pin Molex connector. This is the same type of connector found on most home IDE/ATAPI CD-ROM as well as Hard Disk Drives.
2. 

   

   Molex connected properly
   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) as well as press the connector into the receptacle until it is firmly seated.
3. 

   

   PCI-Express Connector, Used with Permission from Driverheaven
   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 exp as well as ed 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.

• 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 st as well as ard Molex into two) or a PCI-Express Adapter (Turns two st as well as ard Molex into one PCI-Express) rather than purchasing a new Power Supply.
• Use St as well as ard Precautions against ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) when h as well as ling computer hardware. Wear an anti-static wristb as well as , or discharge yourself by touching a bare metal object that is grounded, such as a metal chair or table.

• 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.
• Do not force plugs or attempt to wire them yourself, unless you have experience as well as knowledge of the power system in your computer.

• Special Thanks to Driverheaven.net for allowing use of the PCI-Express image.

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Added: Thu Feb 02 2006

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