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Hurin
11-15-2006, 03:00 AM
Hi All,

I'm building two systems, both using Seasonic M12 700W (modular).

I noticed while building the first one that the PCI-E cable can be plugged into the power supply from any of its connectors. At first, I thought the PCI-E cable had a far end, and then it went into one connector, and then the wires "double up" in that connector and come back out, then go into the final connector. That's the way I used it on my first build (and the card hasn't burst into flames yet). To be clear, I plugged one extreme end into the PSU, then the one with wires going in and out into one PCI-E power input on the 8800GTX, and the last connector to the other 8800GTX PCI-E power input.

Now, buidling my second system, I realize that perhaps the intent was to have that "doubled up" connector be connected to the PSU directly, and then each "single" end goes into the video cards.

I hope I'm clear, I'll try to get an image posted

Anyways, the dumb question is: Does it matter which way I wire it? Should I interrupt the stress test of the first system to yank that power cable out of there? I suspect that it's safe to wire it either way or Seasonic would have made the connector different for the end that's supposed to go into the PSU.

It's times like this that I wish I knew more about electricity.

madmat
11-15-2006, 07:54 AM
The PCI-e is a single 6 pin end that plugs into the PSU and a double 6 pin (one 6 pin hooked to the cable from the PSU with a pigtail going from it to the second connector) and that's what goes to your video cards. You hooked it up exactly the way I would've was I in your shoes.

jonnyGURU
11-15-2006, 08:25 AM
Yeah. It really doesn't matter. The power is going to get to the end of the connector one way or the other. But for minimal resistance when using two video cards, you'll want to use the middle connector at the power supply.

Hurin
11-15-2006, 10:34 AM
Thanks for the answers! Sorry to post here and at [H]. But, when it's late, and you're mid-build, you hope for a quick answer by casting a large net. :D

Hurin
11-15-2006, 02:28 PM
Just FYI, got an email back from Seasonic. They too recommend plugging the "central" one into the PSU.

H

jonnyGURU
11-15-2006, 02:56 PM
Cool.