Adding Supplemental Power to PCIe2 Cards

Before adding supplemental power to PCIe2 cards, review PCIe and PCIe2 slot and power specifications (see PCIe and PCI Expansion Slots).

This section contains the following procedures for adding supplemental power to PCIe2 cards in single and dual card configurations:

• To Add Supplemental Power to a Single PCIe2 Card

• To Add Supplemental Power to Two PCIe2 Cards Using the Splitter Cable

• To Add Supplemental Power to a Single PCIe2 Card Using the 8–Pin Adapter Cable

To Add Supplemental Power to a Single PCIe2 Card

Use this procedure to add supplemental power to a single PCIe2 card (for example, Nvidia Quad FX3800).

1. Locate the 6–pin auxiliary power supply cable with the connector labeled To GFX Card or Splitter and release the cable from the cable retainer.

2. If the splitter cable is attached to the connector, remove and retain the splitter.

   

3. Connect the 6–pin power supply connector to the six pin connector on the PCIe2 card.

4. Secure the cable in the cable retainer.

To Add Supplemental Power to Two PCIe2 Cards Using the Splitter Cable

Use this procedure to add supplemental power to two PCIe2 cards (for example, two Nvidia Quad FX3800 cards).

Before You Begin

You must have the auxiliary 6–pin splitter cable that was shipped with your workstation.

The 6–pin splitter cable might be installed on the 6–pin auxiliary power cable.

1. Locate the 6–pin auxiliary power supply cable with the connector labeled To GFX Card or Splitter and release the cable from the cable retainer.

2. If necessary, connect the 6–pin splitter cable to the 6–pin auxiliary power supply cable.

   

3. Connect the 6–pin connectors of the splitter cable to the 6–pin connectors on the PCIe2 cards.

4. Secure the cable in the cable retainer.

To Add Supplemental Power to a Single PCIe2 Card Using the 8–Pin Adapter Cable

Use this procedure to add supplemental power to a single PCIe2 card that requires the use of the 8–pin adapter cable (for example, Nvidia Quad FX5800).

Before You Begin

You must have the auxiliary 8–pin to 6–pin adapter cable that was shipped with your workstation.

1. Locate the 6–pin auxiliary power supply cable with the connector labeled To GFX Card or Splitter and release the cable from the cable retainer.

2. If the splitter cable is attached to the connector, remove and retain the splitter.

3. Attach the 6–pin connector on the adapter cable to the 6–pin power supply cable.

4. Attach the 8–pin connector on the adapter cable to the 8–pin connector on the PCIe2 card.

   

5. Secure the cable in the cable retainer.