Z8 G4 Workstation - How much power from Dual 4 Pin to 8 Pin Adaptor Cable

[kirkshoe]

What is the max wattage output from 1 x 4 pin Molex Power Adaptor Cable in my Z8 G4 workstation.     I want to combine the 2 x 4 pin Molex connectors in my workstation (image below), using a dual 4 pin to 8 pin adaptor (last image). This is to power a GEFORCE RTX 3060 - 12 GB Card (170 watts needed) that has an 8 pin connector.  My 18 month old Z8 G4 only has  2 outdated 4 pin Molex cables. Thanks

[DGroves]

you already have the answer...................... the pci-e slot can supply up to 75 watts the rest is provided through the cards "AUX" gpu power connector

so if the 3060 draws up to 170 watts subtract the 75 watts provided from the pci-e slot and you have 95 watts provided through the cards gpu power connector

the z4 G8 power supply should have two gpu  6+2 connectors unless you have the 465 watt supply  the other three power supplies (750/1000 watts) have support for  6pin or 8 pin GPU power so i question why you are looking at sata or molex to 8 pin adapters

there is a brand new PCI Express x16 Graphics 150W-ATX Specification

that allows future motherboard pci-e slots will provide up to 150 watts

if your asking what the max wattage a SATA/molex to 8 pin adapter can provide (without melting) who knows the quality varies wildly some of the poorer ones use very thin copper strands and thicker sheathing to make it look the same as one that uses the proper amount of copper. the sata connector on poorer adapters are poorly made under the plastic and actually melt the molex connectors can be made out of cheaper metal that makes poor contact after several connect/disconnects leading to a heat buildup and possible melting plastic

[kirkshoe]

Droves, Thanks for your reply and info.  Actually my  Z8 G4 which I purchased only 18 months ago came with only 2 outdated 4 pin Molex power connectors/cables. (Image below).   I need to combine these using an adaptor like that in the image ion my initial post, to connect to the 8 pin connector on the GEFORCE RTX 3060 16 GB graphics card. I need to know the max wattage output of 1 x Molex 4 pin power cable, to ensure that both combined will supply the required 95 watts to my graphics card without exceeding the max wattage output.  I know almost nothing about the internal electronics in a computer, so your advice about using "PCI Express x16 Graphics 150W-ATX Specification" is way over my head. Thanks. Power cables in my Z8 G4 workstation to power 8 pin connector

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

the z8 g4's label lists the wattage, however to read it the supply must be removed from the chassis and this is not something a beginner may want to do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy7_iREnEBo

as i previously stated the 465 watt supply lacks the necessary "GPU" power cables the higher wattage optional supplies do have these cables (6+2 pin) connectors see the attached picture

if you do have the 465 watt supply then yes you will need either a single or dual molex or sata to "GPU" adapters

using  a dual molex to gpu adapter will handle  the 100 watts your video card requires as the molex connector is rated for approx. 50 watts max so using two molex will handle 100 watts

last, you might want to consider the HP 851384-001 1125W Power Supply upgrade these can be found used on ebay for around 125.00 however you might still need a wiring harness upgrade i would **bleep** and ask them

[kirkshoe]

I've ordered the 8 Pin PCI Express to Dual 4 Pin Molex Graphics Card Power Cable in the photo, and hopefully it will work. If not I'll try to return the card.  According to the Z8 G4 spec sheet the power supply is 1125 W/100 V/15 A.   The available power supply cables is inadequate.  Thanks for the additional information, I appreciate it.

[DGroves]

if you do have a 1125 watt supply then YOU DO HAVE THE NESSARY 8 PIN GPU POWER CABLES ALLREADY and you do not need the molex adapters..................

carefully reinspect the power cables in the system and look at the 6+2 gpu power connector picture i posted in my reply

the 6+ 2 connector can be used to power a GPU card's 6 or 8 pin power connector

[kirkshoe]

 

I checked and see now that the 4 x 2 pin connectors in my photo are each connected to a 6 pin connector, however they are all connected to components.  The only other unused connectors are the 2 x 4 pin molex connectors.

[DGroves]

in the last picture you posted I PLAINLY SEE THE GPU POWER CONNECTOR(s)  its between two other connectors  and slightly lower down none of the connectors attached to the black plastic frame are in use, that's where unused connectors are parked until needed

both of them are clipped into their holders on the black plastic frame follow the black plastic 2 pin connector wires they will lead you to the main 6 pin connector(s) simply unclip one from the black plastic frame, then join the 2 pin to the 6 pin to make a 8 pin connector...................... both connectors are keyed so they will only mate when properly oriented

again look at the pict i previously attached

[kirkshoe]

It works!!  I did not know the 4 x 6 pin connectors were available and plugged into holders, or that the 2 pin can be coupled with the 6 pin to make an 8 pin connector.

(A novice sure can be dense 🤣)  Thanks Dgroves for staying with me to completely resolve my problem.  Again, I appreciate your expert assistance. Thanks.