PCI Express Problems?

[stokerk]

I thought I would post this information, so that others know what to
expect from PCI Express technology. Many home computer builders will
want to power their new system board with PCI Express (16x) from an
existing ATX-style power supply. While the ATX power supply has a
20-ping MB connector that can (in most cases) power the motherboard
without any problem, it will not deliver the required voltage for PCI
Express to work. Many boards need additional power (four-pin) for the
CPU and there is a similar requirement for PCI Express. The system
boards carrying PCI-E generally feature a 24-pin power connector and
the last four pins are indeed to power the hypertransport that allows
PCI-E to work correctly. If not, your video card will produce a
picture, but it will be limited on speed and functionality (3D, DirectX
etc).

You can overcome the problem two ways. You can of course replace your
power supply with one for E-ATX (24 pin connector), but if your power
supply is fine (at least 350W) you can get a E-ATX (24-pin) to ATX (20
pin) power adapter cable for less than $10. Either solution will allow
you to enjoy the full speed and functionality of your PCI Express
device.

Background: PCI Express (16x) is a newer technology that supports video
and replaces AGP technology. Since it uses hypertransport, it's
interaction with the system board is up to 48 times faster. Please
comment on this posting if you think this information has been helpful.

 

[Don Burnette]

I thought I would post this information, so that others know what to
expect from PCI Express technology. Many home computer builders will
want to power their new system board with PCI Express (16x) from an
existing ATX-style power supply. While the ATX power supply has a
20-ping MB connector that can (in most cases) power the motherboard
without any problem, it will not deliver the required voltage for PCI
Express to work. Many boards need additional power (four-pin) for the
CPU and there is a similar requirement for PCI Express. The system
boards carrying PCI-E generally feature a 24-pin power connector and
the last four pins are indeed to power the hypertransport that allows
PCI-E to work correctly. If not, your video card will produce a
picture, but it will be limited on speed and functionality (3D,
DirectX etc).

You can overcome the problem two ways. You can of course replace your
power supply with one for E-ATX (24 pin connector), but if your power
supply is fine (at least 350W) you can get a E-ATX (24-pin) to ATX (20
pin) power adapter cable for less than $10. Either solution will
allow you to enjoy the full speed and functionality of your PCI
Express device.

Background: PCI Express (16x) is a newer technology that supports
video and replaces AGP technology. Since it uses hypertransport, it's
interaction with the system board is up to 48 times faster. Please
comment on this posting if you think this information has been
helpful.

Hmnmm, interesting. I just built a new system last weekend, MSI K8N Neo4
Plat Nforce4 mb , Athlon X2 4400 dual core cpu, Radeon X850XT PCIe video
card. I noticed the difference in the 20 pin versus 24 pin, kind of threw me
at first, but after reading the mb manual realized I could still use the 20
pin connector.

I have an Antec True Power 550, sounds like I should invest in one of those
connectors? I have not experienced any noticeable issues so far, but have
only played one game so far ( Call of Duty 2 ).

Thanks for the info,