Power for video card.

[rippa32]

I was putting together a computer for my brother, I've put together computers before without hassle but that was a while ago. These days they gotta have extra power going to the video cards or something. The card is a Nvidia 8600GTS 256MB, the power cable look like a black plug with 6 connections in a rectangle shape (i.e. 2 rows of 3) which connects to the back of the card and it has 2, 3 connection white plugs coming out of it which will allow the standard 4 connection plugs such as the ones that go into the back of a CD/DVD Drive to be plugged into it. My question is do I need to connect both of these white ones or just one?

[oxymoron_02]

"When in doubt, try it out"

Try both configurations; first using just one connector. If the video card fails to work, you know you're supposed to use both. However, do not use both connectors first; if you use both and you're only supposed to use one, you'll overload the card with too much power, and possibly damage it.

[patio]

What does the video card manual suggest ? ?

[rippa32]

It actually didn't come with one. But it doesn't matter, I am currently running it with two under direction from the Nvidia forums and everything is fine.

[Jess607]

If you have only an 8600 GTS, one 4-pin molex connector should suffice, but be aware that the usage of 2 of these is the norm.
Also note that if you do not already have a 6-pin power connector coming out of your PSU, you cannot run this card.