Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
The PCI Express x16 video adapter slot has a latch that pivots up to seat in a
slot on the bottom edge of the adapter. Make sure that latch is mated with
the adapter, as shown in Figure 5-71. (Also make sure, if you remove the video
adapter later, to unlatch it before you try to pull it from the slot.)
Once the video adapter is fully seated and latched into the slot, reinstall the
screw to secure the video adapter bracket to the chassis, as shown in Figure
5-72. Make sure the card remains fully seated in the slot as you tighten the
screw.
Figure 5-71.
Pivot the latch into position to lock the video adapter
into the slot
Figure 5-72.
Reinsert the screw to secure the video adapter to the
chassis
Video Card Power
We used a fanless video card that requires no supplemental power. However, most
video adapters, particularly high-performance gaming adapters, require more
power than the slot can provide. Supplemental power may be provided to the video
adapter by connecting a six-pin or eight-pin PCI Express power cable. An adapter
may have either or both of those connectors. Some video adapters that have eight-
pin PCI Express sockets accept either a six- or eight-pin power cable, while others spe-
cifically require an eight-pin PCI Express power cable. Refer to your video adapter's
manual for details.
Some video adapter fans are powered separately, by connecting a Molex power sup-
ply cable directly to a socket on the adapter. If your adapter uses such an arrange-
ment, make sure to connect fan power or you may cook your video card in short
order.
Ron Morse Comments
One or more.… My ATI HD5850 needs
two six-pin PCI Express power con-
nectors. Typically, the card vendor will
provide four-pin Molex-to-six-pin PCI
Express converter cables. If not, find
a geek. He will be drowning in them.
Or go to RadioShack. They're about
$1 each.
FinishingUp
At this point, we're nearly finished. With the exception of a few stray fan power
cables, not much cable dressing remains to be done in the main chamber, as
shown in Figure 5-73.
All that remains to be done is to connect power to all seven case fans and the
2.5” removable drive bay, and then to neaten up the rats' nest of cables on the
right side of the system before we reinstall the right side panel.
