riser cable with power or without power

[Sophokles]

There you go. This is the stable configuration with 4 cards. There is a bit of space between the cards and the PSU, so I'm currently fitting a fifth one in there 

It's awesome!!

Where did you get the hardware for that open air rig?

Thanks! I actually designed it myself  . The aluminum profiles were ordered cut to the required lengths (4,50€/m). Including nuts, bolts, angular connectors and the black stopper caps, it was about 70€.

[1715326681]

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[Sophokles]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now 

[jonsi]

Anyone know a seller in Europe?

[bitcoindude80]

Finally got my 4 * 7970 up and running!!

https://i.imgur.com/elsSe16.jpg

[scab]

Well, I suppose power would be better!

[Sophokles]

Anyone know a seller in Europe?

Just google 'aluminum profiles' in your local language. This stuff is readily available. Even on ebay.

[optimusprime]

nice rig

[Sophokles]

Finally got my 4 * 7970 up and running!!

Nice job! Are the big fans blowing downwards? Maybe you want them to suck air upwards, in the normal direction the heat would go. That could optimize airflow and temperatures.

[netCoins]

nice rigs

[bitcoindude80]

Finally got my 4 * 7970 up and running!!

https://i.imgur.com/elsSe16.jpg

Nice job! Are the big fans blowing downwards? Maybe you want them to suck air upwards, in the normal direction the heat would go. That could optimize airflow and temperatures.

Thanks for the feedback Sophokles!! I've put it on the side now so it'll blow hot air out the window.

[enzz0]

 

[reich]

Power is better

[hashhash01]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now 

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

[Sophokles]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now 

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

[hashhash01]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now  

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

Thanks for the quick reply.
I am still not buying the need for powered riser with the 7970s, moderately OCed at stock voltage (1.17x v) each card burns approx 270W-280W (at wall socket measurement), since each card is feed with dual 8-pin PCIe power, that's 300W total which makes power draw from the mobo a minimal amount unless the card by design prefers to draw from the mobo than the PCIe power input.

[Sophokles]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now  

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

Thanks for the quick reply.
I am still not buying the need for powered riser with the 7970s, moderately OCed at stock voltage (1.17x v) each card burns approx 270W-280W (at wall socket measurement), since each card is feed with dual 8-pin PCIe power, that's 300W total which makes power draw from the mobo a minimal amount unless the card by design prefers to draw from the mobo than the PCIe power input.

Yes, exactly. Unless someone takes the time to measure it, we will not know how much power the 7970 draw from the PCIe slot. And so we cannot say if the mobo can safely provide 5 times that. I inquired with the mobo manufacturer, and they advised against running more than 3 high-end cards on that one.

So, try it if you feel lucky  . But the risk is burning up your board, or even setting your place on fire when it happens in your absence. I'd rather not risk it...

[hashhash01]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now  

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

Thanks for the quick reply.
I am still not buying the need for powered riser with the 7970s, moderately OCed at stock voltage (1.17x v) each card burns approx 270W-280W (at wall socket measurement), since each card is feed with dual 8-pin PCIe power, that's 300W total which makes power draw from the mobo a minimal amount unless the card by design prefers to draw from the mobo than the PCIe power input.

Yes, exactly. Unless someone takes the time to measure it, we will not know how much power the 7970 draw from the PCIe slot. And so we cannot say if the mobo can safely provide 5 times that. I inquired with the mobo manufacturer, and they advised against running more than 3 high-end cards on that one.

So, try it if you feel lucky  . But the risk is burning up your board, or even setting your place on fire when it happens in your absence. I'd rather not risk it...

No One can claim to be that lucky 
check this post, have some figures on the PCIe slot current but for bitcoin mining
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=199706.msg2082941#msg2082941

[Sophokles]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now  

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

Thanks for the quick reply.
I am still not buying the need for powered riser with the 7970s, moderately OCed at stock voltage (1.17x v) each card burns approx 270W-280W (at wall socket measurement), since each card is feed with dual 8-pin PCIe power, that's 300W total which makes power draw from the mobo a minimal amount unless the card by design prefers to draw from the mobo than the PCIe power input.

Yes, exactly. Unless someone takes the time to measure it, we will not know how much power the 7970 draw from the PCIe slot. And so we cannot say if the mobo can safely provide 5 times that. I inquired with the mobo manufacturer, and they advised against running more than 3 high-end cards on that one.

So, try it if you feel lucky  . But the risk is burning up your board, or even setting your place on fire when it happens in your absence. I'd rather not risk it...

No One can claim to be that lucky 
check this post, have some figures on the PCIe slot current but for bitcoin mining
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=199706.msg2082941#msg2082941

So, finally someone took the trouble of making and publishing measurements! If the 7970 actually only draws 0.9 A, then 5 of them would be no problem in terms if PCIe power draw. Or even several  more.

[kodo]

Wow nice setup!

[hashhash01]

Very nice design, well built and looks to be very good at cooling. If your using windows I wouldn't recommend a fifth graphics card because they have problems after four but other than that, good job and best of luck!

Thanks! I also got the fifth card running now. Didn't work with 13.1 drivers (code 43 for one card), but with 12.6 all working. Seems like the older drivers are more likely to be ok with more than four cards.

I think I'm going to post some images in the 'Show us your rig'-Thread now  

Sophokles,
Excellent Setup, neat and tidy very well designed. Did you try the 13.5 Beta drivers, they are very stable for me even better than 13.4

Back to the issue of the PCI-e riser cables, as i can understand you are currently using 1x risers (non powered) for all five GPUs, it that correct?
i have been reading tons about the subject and there is lots of conflicting views out there, so i would prefer the experience of a working setup.

What PSU you are using that provides 10 x 8 PCIe power connectors?

I have 4 non-powered risers. And one powered for the fifth. Working fine until now, even with litecoins, which brings extra load on the hardware. (Was too chicken to add a fifth without powered riser. Just read massnerder's thread before about his rig catching fire).

The PSU is an Enermax Platimaxx 1500. Real beauty. Comes with even 6x double 8 PCIe connectors. And a lot more stuff. Even certified to run 24/7 at 100% load, at 40 °C ambient temperature. Plus 93% efficiency. Comes at a price, but definitely worth it!

Thanks for the quick reply.
I am still not buying the need for powered riser with the 7970s, moderately OCed at stock voltage (1.17x v) each card burns approx 270W-280W (at wall socket measurement), since each card is feed with dual 8-pin PCIe power, that's 300W total which makes power draw from the mobo a minimal amount unless the card by design prefers to draw from the mobo than the PCIe power input.

Yes, exactly. Unless someone takes the time to measure it, we will not know how much power the 7970 draw from the PCIe slot. And so we cannot say if the mobo can safely provide 5 times that. I inquired with the mobo manufacturer, and they advised against running more than 3 high-end cards on that one.

So, try it if you feel lucky  . But the risk is burning up your board, or even setting your place on fire when it happens in your absence. I'd rather not risk it...

No One can claim to be that lucky  
check this post, have some figures on the PCIe slot current but for bitcoin mining
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=199706.msg2082941#msg2082941

So, finally someone took the trouble of making and publishing measurements! If the 7970 actually only draws 0.9 A, then 5 of them would be no problem in terms if PCIe power draw. Or even several  more.

So i guess its time for me to bounce the question back to you, "Do you feel lucky?"   just kidding.

The only troubling part is about the card's memory drawing its power from the PCIe solt, that what makes all the difference between the Bitcoin and Litecoin mining. So i guess it will come down to your Thread Concurrency setting, too high TC will result in more memory used hence more power draw.
You can always check the mobo and power connectors to see if it is running hot as they described, not sure how we can do that effectivly with all the head blowing from the cards