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We've just purchased a new Dell Optiplex 7020 to house a PCIe digitiser for use in scientific work. The PCIe card in question needs extra power in the from of a 6-pin 'PCIe' power cable.
Unfortunately the Dell we purchased doesn't seem to provide such a connector, so we're wondering what our options are. The PSU in question in rated at 290W and I think it should be able to power the PCIe device.
I've seen SATA-to-PCIe power cables like this , but I've read conflicting advice about whether or not using one of these is a good idea.
I'm sure there are other adapters we could use also.
The alternative is to buy a new PSU with explicit support for a 6-pin PCIe power cable. But I've also read that Dell PSUs/motherboards might use propriety connectors, and that a standard ATX PSU might not actually work.
I'm at a loss as to what to do. Can anybody please give me some advice?
digital_fate
Posted 2015-02-11T16:55:44.707
Reputation: 13
It might be enough but if there isn't a power cable then the PSU can't be used. Can you confirm your motherboard uses one of those propriety connectors? – Ramhound – 2015-02-11T16:58:31.383
I've just had a look and can only see a 4-pin Molex and an 8-pin Molex going from the PSU to the motherboard. – digital_fate – 2015-02-11T17:14:37.730
I can confirm that definitely some DELLs use proprietary connectors. So it must be checked. I agree with Ramhound - if there's no cable, do not use. Adapters like that are bad idea. OptiPlex line generally is for office use and rarely allows for expansion. Might be a good idea to check with seller if you can upgrade to different model that has the capability required. – AcePL – 2015-02-11T17:14:39.313
The connectors you describe are not propriety. – Ramhound – 2015-02-11T17:16:14.260
In that case I'm guessing a new PSU is in order. It's not like they're expensive! – digital_fate – 2015-02-11T17:24:40.827
Given the fact this digitizer is likely expensive I wouldn't want to connect it to a $25 cable that might work instead of a $75 PSU that will work. – Ramhound – 2015-02-11T17:27:57.830
BTW. Which variant? MT or SFF? It may not matter, but on the other hand - it may. – AcePL – 2015-02-11T17:36:39.320
It's a MiniTower... – digital_fate – 2015-02-12T09:34:37.230