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12v rails and connectors

#1 RainbowSix

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 11:46 AM

I have a PSU which has two 4-pin connectors and two 12v rails. Does this mean there is one rail per connector?
The amperage per 12v rail is 23. My Motherboard only has one 4-pin connector. Does this mean I'm only getting 23 amps total?

I have a ASRock K10N78M and an A-Top ATP-AP700SC 700W.

This post has been edited by RainbowSix: 18 November 2009 - 11:48 AM

#2 dpunisher

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Posted 18 November 2009 - 12:03 PM

Well, look at the yellow wires going to the connectors. See if there are any stripes differentiating the rails. Usually multi rail PSUs will have one rail with bare yellow wires, and the other rail with yellow+ colored stripe on the other(s).

As far as amps to the motherboard, the ATX connector still supplies the majority of current. That being said, I doubt that motherboard is pulling anywhere near 23 amps of 12V.

I am a retired Ford tech. Next to Fords, any computer is a piece of cake. (The cake, its not a lie)

#3 RainbowSix

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Posted 20 November 2009 - 10:36 PM

Well I'm just asking if I get a video card or something which would require more than 23 amps and only one 4-pin connector is connected, would it supply enough?

#4 dpunisher

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Posted 21 November 2009 - 12:52 AM

RainbowSix, on Nov 20 2009, 09:36 PM, said:

Well I'm just asking if I get a video card or something which would require more than 23 amps and only one 4-pin connector is connected, would it supply enough?

No. Thats the reason you have 6 and 8 pin connectors for video cards.

I am a retired Ford tech. Next to Fords, any computer is a piece of cake. (The cake, its not a lie)

#5 RainbowSix

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Posted 21 November 2009 - 05:18 PM

My PSU has two PCI-E connectors. Between those two and the 4-pin connector, would a video card requiring more than 23 amps operate well?

#6 dpunisher

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Posted 21 November 2009 - 05:32 PM

You gotta be trolling now.

Which video card are we talking about?

I am a retired Ford tech. Next to Fords, any computer is a piece of cake. (The cake, its not a lie)

#7 RainbowSix

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Posted 21 November 2009 - 05:58 PM

I was thinking of a Radeon HD 5750. Specifically, this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...1-351-_-Product
Though I may step up to a 5870 or something if it can handle it.
I'm also planning to do crossfire eventually when I replace my MB. I just need to know if I would have to replace the PSU with it.

This post has been edited by RainbowSix: 21 November 2009 - 06:13 PM