Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 7: ATX4P

[Zao]

Hey. I just bought a new "Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 7" motherboard and the "Gigabyte Windforce 290x OC 4GB". While reading through the motherboard manual, I saw that it says the sata power input called "ATX4P" is for use when using 2 or more gpu's. But I'm just wondering, is it worth using when only running one gpu? What if you have one gpu that is very powerful/requires a lot of power (maybe something like a 295x2, which is actually 2 gpu's in one, I know.)?

My 290X (bought new, like the motherboard) was artifacting, even when in the Bios. I'm sending it back for a replacement. But I was wondering whether it might've needed the extra power from the ATX4P input?

Thanks

[Zao]

Anyone know..?

[dmdilks]

They had done away with those kind plugs some time ago. Now I see they are bring them back. I would say it is more the video card. What is the PSU are you using?

[Zao]

They had done away with those kind plugs some time ago. Now I see they are bring them back. I would say it is more the video card. What is the PSU are you using?

Thanks for replying

I'm using the Fractal Newton R3 - 800W. But if I changed to a 295x2 or anything more power hungry in future, I may have to get a different Psu.

One thing I don't get is, if I just power that input anyway, regardless of if it's needed or not, will it make any difference to anything? I suppose the Mobo will be sucking up more power if I do that, which may not be necessary?

Thanks.

[dmdilks]

You have 800w PSU that should be enough to power two video. Don't get cot up in the PSU thing.

If you look at the 3 listing it doesn't mean that your video card is going to take 52a at 800w to run that card. What people do is make that mistake and think they will need a bigger PSU. 

Radeon R9-295X2 - 52A and a 800W psu minimum
Radeon R9-290X  - 33A and a 600W psu minimum
Radeon R9-290    - 31A and a 550W psu minimum

https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/power-requirements-for-graphics-cards

[Zao]

You have 800w PSU that should be enough to power two video. Don't get cot up in the PSU thing.

If you look at the 3 listing it doesn't mean that your video card is going to take 52a at 800w to run that card. What people do is make that mistake and think they will need a bigger PSU. 

Radeon R9-295X2 - 52A and a 800W psu minimum
Radeon R9-290X  - 33A and a 600W psu minimum
Radeon R9-290    - 31A and a 550W psu minimum

https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/power-requirements-for-graphics-cards

I'm not questioning whether my psu is powerful enough for my gpu. I know it is. I'm questioning whether the motherboard requires the extra power via the ATX4P input.. Thanks.

[bassfisher6522]

From what I gather, it's for the GPU only, and it provides some extra power to the GPU....direct power from the PSU to the GPU rather than from the Mobo PCIe slot
reference link: http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/251505-do-all-motherboards-have.html

[dmdilks]

They had done away with those kind of plugs some time ago. Now I see they are bring them back.

They where put there if you have a card that doesn't have a power connector like a 6 pin or 8 pin connector. You don't need the extra power if you card has those connectors.  There are Pros & cons on this. In all the years I have been building computers I have never used it. Plus no matter how many cards I have installed too.

That is like the extra 8 pin connector they have put on motherboard for the CPU. Why the highest CPU out there is like 150w. The 8 pin connector supplies 300w of power. A lot of things like this is a over kill most of the times.

[Zao]

Hmm. I'm still unsure about this. It says it can be needed when overclocking, and my card is overclocked. I got the impression it was for motherboard stability, rather than simply supplying more power to the gpu. I'm pretty sure the gpu will already get enough power via the the two 8 pin connectors running into it straight from the psu. I have a Sapphire Vapor-X 290X now btw. Decided to send back the Gigabyte one.

Thanks all.