Chris2814

If I remember correctly, the PNY GeForce 550 Ti graphics card require PCIe 6-pin supplementary power connectors, did the card you installed require this and if so, was this connected to the graphics card?

Bev.

Hi, Bev.

Yes, it came with a six pin supplementary power connecter.  I can't tell if this parrt is supposed to be required or not.  The diredtions say it may or may not be required.  I tried hooking it up earlier this morning, but I can't find the place to connect the two plugs.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

Chris2814

For the video card to work, you need to connect the PCIe 6-pin connector to the power supply.

Does the video card require one, or two 6-pin connectors.

The Dell 300w power supply wiring harness usually does not have a supplementary PCIe 6-pin connector, you will need to replace the power supply with a unit that is compatible with both the video and the desktop.

Please post a link to the video card you purchased?

Bev. 

You're right, I waited way too long to intall this.  Life just sort of got in the way.  I've changed power supplies before in older computers.  It's pretty easy to do.  I don't mind getting a new one so long as it will do the job.  I just don't know what's the maximum wattage my PC can handle.  I was looking at the same power supply you've linked to (very reasonable price) yesterday.  However, my concern are the connectors coming out of the graphics card.  There is a six pin connector going into the card, which splits off into two three-pin connectors (four holes in each, actually, but one is empty).  Is this supposed to connect to the power supply?  I can't tell from the specs on the power supply whether or not there is a connector for the one I described above.

Unfortunately, you waited too long to install the card because you could have returned it to Best Buy given that this card simply will not work on your current power supply.  Since you are uncomfortable replacing a power supply and would have the expense of buying one and having it installed, I would suggest you try to sell the card on Craigslist as a brand new unused video card.  You could then buy the GTX 750 HERE which will work with your 300 watt power supply and give you equal or better performance over the older GTX 550 Ti.  If you're okay with replacing the power supply, then get this one HERE to save money.  

Hi, Bev.

Here's a link to the video card: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-550ti/specifications  I don't mind replacing the power supply, just concerned about the wattage my PC can handle and the two three pin connectors coming off the six pin.  I imagine these would go into the new power supply.  

Appreciating your help,

Chris

Chris2814

According to the GeForce GTX 550TI specifications you posted, only one PCIe 6-pin power connector is required.

Best to replace the power supply.

The CORSAIR CX series CX500 500W ATX12V v2.3 Kelbear1 posted a link too, should work fine.

Bev.                 

Hi, Bev. Here's a link to the video card: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-550ti/specifications  I don't mind replacing the power supply, just concerned about the wattage my PC can handle and the two three pin connectors coming off the six pin.  I imagine these would go into the new power supply.   Appreciating your help, Chris

It is the 6-pin PCI Express cable from the power supply that connects to the video card.  The Corsair has 2 of these, but you only need one.  They indicate two 6 + 2 connectors, but again you only need one. The 6 + 2 makes an 8-pin connector if needed.  The 2-pin normally just hangs off the side of the 6-pin and you don't have the break it off which is easily done anyway if necessary.  Therefore, all you do is take one of the 6-pin connectors from the PSU and plug it into the video card.  Your computer only uses the power it needs from the power supply so it does not matter about the size except that they operate more efficiently between 50% & 75% so the 500 watt would be just right. 

CX SERIES ATX 12v power supplies are not sufficient.  You need EPS12v 2.92 certified power supplies like the CS 750 Series  .

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139061

 Antec 650w is also fine.

Now I'm sort of confused.  :)

More power is always better, but I just hope my motherboard can handle the power supply.  I really didn't want to drop another $100 bucks on my PC, just for the sake of gaming.  My biggest problem is that every time I spend money on upgrades, something else goes kablooey.

So 500W isn't strong enough to handle this?  Can you recommend any other good power supply units?  I'll drop the 100 if I absolutely have to, but I've already dumped about 150 bucks on other upgrades.  Just trying to be a little cost-efficient.  Thanks.  :)