Question from Jeffrey M.: Hi Rick. I just bought a new graphics card to upgrade my Gateway computer but I don’t know how to hook it up.
The new card needs to connect to a wire from the power supply that has an 8 pin connector, but I can’t find one. There are a couple with 6 pin connectors, but they won’t mate up with the connectors on the card.
Is there any way to connect this video card to my computer? Do I need to upgrade the power supply too or just return the graphics card and buy a different one?
Rick’s answer: Jeffrey, assuming your power supply is capable of supplying enough wattage to power the new video adapter, it should work just fine. All you need to do is purchase a 6 pin to 8 pin power adapter cable. If your local electronics store doesn’t stock them, you can get one from Amazon. (#ad)
It should cost you less than $10.
That being said, before you order an adapter cable you should compare the wattage requirements of your new graphics card to the rated wattage of your computer’s power supply. Just check the specs for the new card to determine its power (wattage) requirements.
You can determine the wattage rating of your PC’s power supply by searching Google for your PC’s brand and model number along with the word “specs”. For example, if you had a Gateway DX4860-UB20P, you would format your search query like this: Gateway DX4860-UB20P specs
If your PC’s power supply can’t supply enough wattage to safely and reliably power the new video card, you’ll have to either upgrade the power supply by replacing it with a more powerful model or return the video card you purchased and buy one that requires less power.
I hope this helps Jeffrey. Good luck!
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