My Radeon 3870 card from Driver Heaven

ET3D · Jan 17, 2008, 09:16 AM

(Don't know if this is the best forum for this...)

I got the card last week. It's a Diamond card, and it's generic (the AMD guy said it's made by ATI), without any software. It comes with a generic Diamond manual, which has nothing at all to do with this particular card, and the manual on the CD is for the Radeon 2900.

Worse, though, is that it didn't come with a power cable, though the card requires one. The AMD guy told me that my PSU should have such a cable, but it doesn't, and my local computer store has been unable to get one, saying that they only come with graphics cards (or, indeed, high end PSU's).

I might post a picture of it some time.

BlueMak · Jan 17, 2008, 09:53 AM

Is it generic or is it a Diamond card?

I don't think all graphics cards come with the power cable for them. I believe most rely on the PSU having the cable, or you getting one. I don't get cheap PSUs, but even average priced PSU's should come with the cable for at least one PCI Express card.

**Vikingod** · Jan 17, 2008, 09:58 AM

Moved the thread to the appropriate forum.

You are going to have to post your system specs, including what PSU you have. The power cable to the video card comes directly from the PSU, and is not separately packaged with the card.

**MIG-31** · Jan 17, 2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ET3D

(Don't know if this is the best forum for this...)

I got the card last week. It's a Diamond card, and it's generic (the AMD guy said it's made by ATI), without any software. It comes with a generic Diamond manual, which has nothing at all to do with this particular card, and the manual on the CD is for the Radeon 2900.

Worse, though, is that it didn't come with a power cable, though the card requires one. The AMD guy told me that my PSU should have such a cable, but it doesn't, and my local computer store has been unable to get one, saying that they only come with graphics cards (or, indeed, high end PSU's).

I might post a picture of it some time.

Most psu's does have the power cables installed,but as you say your's don't,any reputable stores should have them in stock...which should cost around £4 (im in the uk so convert it).. just look around some of you're local interned stores..You may need to buy the power converter if you are sure it's not there.

And they are easy to spot..

BTW what is you're current psu?

Chaos · Jan 17, 2008, 10:07 AM

local PC shops should also be able to get a Molex to 6 pin PCI-e conector cable quite easily

ET3D · Jan 17, 2008, 11:09 AM

Thanks guys. I tried two shops, and one didn't have any idea what I was talking about, and the other says it's hard to come by, but he'll continue looking into it.

ET3D · Jan 17, 2008, 11:55 AM

I found an internet store selling it for NIS 94 including shipping, which is about $25 or £13. Not that cheap, but better than nothing.

ET3D · Jan 17, 2008, 12:08 PM

Of course, I should have tried eBay before. Looks like I can get one for $8 including international shipping, which is third of the cost of buying on the internet here. Amazing.

BlueMak · Jan 18, 2008, 02:36 AM

Do you live in a village? I can't think of stores that sell PC hardware not having plenty of these cables in a drawer by the hundrends.

***Zardon*** · Jan 18, 2008, 08:03 AM

Is this the gabe newell signed card you won here?

purush · Feb 1, 2008, 01:17 PM

For the ATI 3870 card you need a 6 point power connector not the type shown by MIG-33. I have 500 Watts power supply newly installed and it came with the 6 point connector, perhaps you need to buy a new Power supply and ensure it has the connector. I have the same card and it is awesome
Peter

Judas · Feb 1, 2008, 03:12 PM

i'd be pretty leary about using adapter to power the card considering that is a chance that the power supply may not be able to handle the demands of the card... yes it's not like powering a radeon 2900xt.... but it's still a significant amount more then a typical midrange card without needing additional power...

I myself don't have those cables in stock.. but i'm fully aware of them and can get some down with ease..... and it would cost a good chunk. Happens when you live and operate in a town of less then 300 people.

ET3D · Feb 4, 2008, 03:45 AM

Hmmm, looks like I missed a few replies.

Zardon, yes, that's the signed card I won.

BlueMak, I live in Israel, and I guess high end cards are bought here less than in the US. It's not difficult to find other cables in computer stores, but this particular one is something some sellers haven't even heard of.

purush, I already have a 500W PSU. Nothing branded, and probably less than that in practice, but should be good enough, and I'm not planning to switch it.

I ordered a cable from eBay, got a bad one, but hopefully this will be sorted out soon enough.

**MIG-31** · Feb 4, 2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purush

For the ATI 3870 card you need a 6 point power connector not the type shown by MIG-33. I have 500 Watts power supply newly installed and it came with the 6 point connector, perhaps you need to buy a new Power supply and ensure it has the connector. I have the same card and it is awesome
Peter

That is a six point adapter for PCI-E G/C's.. the image don't show it clearly

Just look at the locking pin,it's sitting over a middle point and blocking the third you would normally see.But i can see why you have mistaken it for a 4 Pin 12v P 4 Cable.

Main source of the Image

ET3D · Feb 4, 2008, 01:23 PM

Thanks guys. I know what cable I need. As I said, I already ordered one, got one that didn't fit, and it'll be replaced (for additional money) by one the seller claims in an original cable for an ATI card (one can only hope). Will still end up costing less than buying a replacement one locally.