HDX + Radeon 5780 = You're screwed

[trombino]

So apparently those of us who chose to factory upgrade our video cards by Apple when we bought our macs a few years ago are SOL when it comes to HDX? Are we really expected to spend another $240 to downgrade our video cards? This seems outrageous to me. Are there any workarounds or should I go ahead and return the HDX card and 16x16 interface I just bought?



My machine is using all the SATA bays so some sort of SATA power cable isn't an option. I am also using two optical drives. If anyone has any ideas for me to try (short of getting an external power supply) I would love to hear them. Thanks!

[Drew Mazurek]

Originally Posted by trombino

or should I go ahead and return the HDX card and 16x16 interface I just bought?

Problem solved!!

or you could just trade out the video card. I bet someone would swap with you and they'd make out. Why upgrade the video card on a PT machine anyway? I would think only gamers and maybe video editors would do that.

[DetroitT]

Hi. Same situation, However the folks over at PowerMax linked me this solution.
Vid Power splitter cable for $17.00 or so.
I Have not tried this yet (Pending HDX) but if you do, please post install ease and POV.
T
http://www.powermax.com/parts/show/sta-pciexsplit6

PS. For those with HDX, does this seem to be the correct connection?

[trombino]

That Startech cable the only splitter I've found, too, but the connectors are backwards. We need one that is female to two male.

Anyone know a company that can build one of these things to order? I'm not sure either the Radeon or HDX card could function without a full 12v, but I'd be willing to try.

[necjamc]

If you have the part numbers and specs perhaps this company would do it for you. http://www.v-tron.com/. I have no idea if they would do a per unit sale but worth a shot. I worked here about 20 years ago and they made cables for everything g under the sun. So I'm sure they are capable. Shot in the dark :)

[DetroitT]

The HDX install guide looks as if the card accepts a female, Motherboard male, video card female. So the star tech seems correct if 6" is long enough.
Can anyone confirm?
http://akmedia.digidesign.com/suppor...etup_75289.pdf

[trombino]

I might be calling a male connector female and vice versa, but I can confirm that the startech is backwards from what we need.

The connector on the radeon card itself is not the same as on the motherboard - it's 6 pin but substantially larger. The connector on the HDX card is quite different as well. So we can't use the startech to go directly from the motherboard to either card, we need to use the supplied adapter cables.

Basically, whatever connector is on the motherboard, we need to provide two of those. If the connectors on the startech were reversed, it would be perfect.

[DetroitT]

Duly Noted!

Avid Please note and include power splitting adaptors. Or make some appropriately available.

Thank you.
+1

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by DetroitT

Duly Noted!

Avid Please note and include power splitting adaptors. Or make some appropriately available.

Thank you.
+1

This is a very reasonable request. I hope Avid is listening.

Every roadblock to a successful HDX installation is potentially damaging to sales, and we need a substantial HDX user base in order to grow our 3rd party PI inventory.

[DetroitT]

OK.
Opinions welcome. (Avid needs to chime in here as to power detail Safety)
We know this is non-supported. We also know we work with Video needs for our audio.
Scenario:
Mac Pro 5,1 dual 6 core. Radion 5870 twin power video card.
The hopeful Safe Cure (?):
1- PCIEXSPLIT6 PCI Express power splitter cable (6-pin to 6-pin) ($15.00)
HDX Cable to Mac FIRST into the above cable. the Y cable then into the Mac and
Video Card (Power a)
2. Second Video card power direct to mac.
3. Y Cable Length: 6" (Is this enough?)
4. Here is a sketch