Can I Convert the SATA power to 6 PIN PCIE for the GPU?

[rampage999]

Hi there,
just wondering if it is ok to conver the SATA power to 6 PIN PCIE?
Will there be a voltage /current issue for doing so?

I won't powering a GPU with just one such converted source, as SATA power is only good for up to 75W. I want to use the converted one as the 2nd 6 PIN PCIE power for the GPU. We know most dual 6 PIN GPU can work with only one cable connected, but that cable will run hot. I just want to distribut/balance the power used over two cable.

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[rampage999]

OK, I did some research,
                           Maximum current   Maximum wattage
SATA's 12V,            4.5A,                        54WW
4PIN Power 12V,     5A,                           60W
6 PIN PCIE,            2.038*3=6.114A       75W
8 PIN PCIE,            4.167*3=12.501A     150W

So
One SATA to 6 PIN is a bit short but can work if it is the only power source for GPU;
One 4PIN is good for 6 PIN even single; dual 4 PIN to 6 PIN would be better;
Two 6 Pin is just good enough for one 8PIN.

It will depend the GPU's power requirement, just don't overload the source.

[candyiman]

I have the same problem
 this is my PSU   can I use the 6 Pin peripheral  to power a 6pin 1060  what do you think?

[poby]

Each pin of a 4 molex is rated by the spec to handle 11 amps which amounts to 132 watts on the 12 volt pin.  This idea it can only handle 5 amps is misinformation that is at odds with the official spec.

You can use a single molex to 6 pin no problem, or if you really have to use sata then you need 2 sata to 1 6 pin.

[kopija]

Each pin of a 4 molex is rated by the spec to handle 11 amps which amounts to 132 watts on the 12 volt pin.  This idea it can only handle 5 amps is misinformation that is at odds with the official spec.

You can use a single molex to 6 pin no problem, or if you really have to use sata then you need 2 sata to 1 6 pin.

You are right. But read fine print before you connect 6pin to single molex.
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#peripheral
I would play it safe and use two molex->one 6pin.
Same goes for sata to 6 pin.

[candyiman]

Ok just to be sure

this is my PSU



You are saying I Should use 2 of 6 pin of Sata-peripherals socket to power One 6 Pin 1060 3gb?

Or i Just can PLug a 6 pin  to 6 pin from the Sata-peripherals socket as it apperas on left side  directly to an 6 pin 1060?

[poby]

Each pin of a 4 molex is rated by the spec to handle 11 amps which amounts to 132 watts on the 12 volt pin.  This idea it can only handle 5 amps is misinformation that is at odds with the official spec.

You can use a single molex to 6 pin no problem, or if you really have to use sata then you need 2 sata to 1 6 pin.

You are right. But read fine print before you connect 6pin to single molex.
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#peripheral
I would play it safe and use two molex->one 6pin.
Same goes for sata to 6 pin.

What fine print?  Some guy makes a website and says it's specced to handle 13 amps but suggests you "play it safe" and don't use more than 5 amps.  His reason being nothing to do with the connector itself but the wire gauge typically used.  18 AWG is usually used for both sata and molex but the connectors themselves are only rated for 4.5 and 11 (or 13 if you believe him) amps respectively.  18 AWG can handle 10 amps or more over a short distance, but the longer the run, the greater the voltage drop.  Typically it should be fine to run 2 risers or GPUs on 1 string of molex but if possible it's always better to have a single (especially for GPUs).

So there's really 2 issues involved here. Firstly the connectors.. Can a molex on it's own handle the maximum current that a 6 pin is specced for?  YES.  Can a sata? NO.
Secondly wire gauges.. 18 AWG is ok to handle up to 12 amps in the typical wire lengths found in a computer case.  More than that is risking it.  This is why you shouldn't really use more than 2 connectors per string.  1 connector per string is better but often not possible.  What you should never do, is power a connection that might draw up to 6 amps (e.g. pcie 6 pin) through a single sata connector.  It will usually work but it will be operating well in excess of what it is designed for.

[coinzoid]

I have EVGA psu and vendor has confirmed that you can use sata ports to connect peripheral cables.

[poby]

I have EVGA psu and vendor has confirmed that you can use sata ports to connect peripheral cables.

Right but just bare in mind that if you are pulling more than 4.5 amps (54 watts) you are exceeding the sata connectors design parameter.  It's your house your risking, not the vendor's.

[candyiman]

Ok just to be sure

this is my PSU



You are saying I Should use 2 of 6 pin of Sata-peripherals socket to power One 6 Pin 1060 3gb?

Or i Just can PLug a 6 pin  to 6 pin from the Sata-peripherals socket as it apperas on left side  directly to an 6 pin 1060?

Anyone?

[poby]

Ok just to be sure

this is my PSU



You are saying I Should use 2 of 6 pin of Sata-peripherals socket to power One 6 Pin 1060 3gb?

Or i Just can PLug a 6 pin  to 6 pin from the Sata-peripherals socket as it apperas on left side  directly to an 6 pin 1060?

Anyone?

I'm not really sure what you're asking.  What's a 6 pin sata??  But to answer what I think you are asking, if you really have no choice but to use sata connectors to power risers or GPUs, then you really need to use 2 x satas  -> 1 x 6 pin.  And avoid ver 7S risers altogether.

Ok worked out what you're asking.  You can use one 6 pin power supply output to one 6 pin plug.  You can even use 2 plugs from one socket, but I wouldn't use more than that.

[car1999]

sure, you can. They are all 12V.