GTX 680 or HD7950 vid card and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

Hi all

GTX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?

I'm on a 2012 Cheese Grater Mac, and running stock video card, HDX-2 and Blackmagic video card for HDMI for the 'picture' aka the movie when doing film work - out to an HDMI 1080p screen.

I'm hoping to update my video card to one that does my 3 computer screens PLUS an HDMI all on one card, so i then have a free slot, for a 3rd HDX card, for more horsepower. I need more horsepower.

info below from a wise + trusted video card vendor / Mac Tech who i am in discussions with back and forth......

has anyone else here run into this, and how did they fix it? I hear it is possible... i am looking for specific info.

and I quote:

..."It was my understanding that the HDX-3 cards are just over the power limits for the PCI-e slots, hence the use of the auxiliary power connection.

I don't believe that you'll run into any issues in terms of power draw, however, getting the connectors situated is the tricky part.

Your Mac Pro has two auxiliary power connectors. Currently, your Radeon HD5770 occupies one, and the HDX-3 cards occupy the other.

The [cards i am looking at maybe buying] GTX 680 and HD7950 require both of the power connections.

I have had customers in the past who have modified their HDX cable by splicing it into a splitter cable. ....."

thanks for any info.

:-)

Re: TX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

update - i just found out that the items linked below allow me to get another power source from the 2nd optical bay:

(though i dont know how they would interface with the PCI cards.... and I dont know if I'd need to do any soldering, or if they are plug and play..... to be determined)

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16812200912

or

https://www.amazon.com/6In-Sata-Powe.../dp/B007ZBYKE4

Re: TX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

You could even use an external power supply with PCIe 6 pin power cables. Or you can search on Amazon or ebay for "15-in SATA power to 6 pin PCIe adapter cable."

Re: TX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

Get an additional power supply. That's what I did.

Re: TX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

Cool - any chance you have a web link to the one you bought, that works ok in this configuration?

thanks. :-)

Re: TX 680 and HD7950 and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

Update - my source said that these would be plug and play, but MIGHT need some sort of adaptor.

i have another tech who is a video card expert researching this. :D

Re: GTX 680 or HD7950 vid card and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

It's a 500w pc evga power supply. Ran cable thru front of Mac pro. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f3d588cb96.jpg

Re: GTX 680 or HD7950 vid card and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

thanks for the pic and info about the 500w pc evga power supply

i see a fan... i'm trying to avoid fans at all costs.

I'm hoping that "stealing" the power from the 2nd optical bay will work.... i am told it will. :-)

Re: GTX 680 or HD7950 vid card and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

what do people do when they have HDX-3 plus a video card that needs 2 power connections?

thanks

Re: GTX 680 or HD7950 vid card and HDX-3 - how do i do power for the cards?
 

This is the question for me... Does the Sata Port Power work with the HDX Card...
Is it enough to power the Card...
I am interested in the hint to use a Sata to 6 Pin Cable. How does this work?
The Mac HDX Cable uses the proprietary Connector for the Mac Pro, which is smaller than a normal 6 pin connection...or is this wrong?
I want to do the same thing... I use the PC Cable and a 6in Sata to LP4 Adapter...
Maybe someone, who power the card from the sata port, can tell us which adapter cable is the right one...

thanks