The connection to the card is generating some heat. Would lowering the voltage help?

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The connection to the card is generating some heat. Would lowering the voltage help?

The connection to the card is generating some heat. Would lowering the voltage help?

The connection to the card is generating some heat. Would lowering the voltage help?

G

GD_Angel
Junior Member

9

07-03-2016, 05:36 AM

#1

Hi, I have a PCI card that fits in my PC. Since newer motherboards lack a dedicated PCI slot, I used this adapter as shown in the image. It features an ASM1083 chip and runs on a molex 5V/12V power supply (see picture). After installation, everything functioned perfectly. The only concern is the heat your card generates when plugged in—it feels noticeably warmer than usual. I was expecting a 3.3V supply from the motherboard, but since it uses a molex, it likely draws 5V directly. That means you’re correct about needing 5V from the molex. If that’s accurate, using a DC step-down adapter (as in the picture) to lower it to 3.3V should work, which could help prolong the card’s lifespan. I’m hoping this solution will be effective. Thanks for your advice!

G

GD_Angel

07-03-2016, 05:36 AM #1

Hi, I have a PCI card that fits in my PC. Since newer motherboards lack a dedicated PCI slot, I used this adapter as shown in the image. It features an ASM1083 chip and runs on a molex 5V/12V power supply (see picture). After installation, everything functioned perfectly. The only concern is the heat your card generates when plugged in—it feels noticeably warmer than usual. I was expecting a 3.3V supply from the motherboard, but since it uses a molex, it likely draws 5V directly. That means you’re correct about needing 5V from the molex. If that’s accurate, using a DC step-down adapter (as in the picture) to lower it to 3.3V should work, which could help prolong the card’s lifespan. I’m hoping this solution will be effective. Thanks for your advice!

G

gingabang
Junior Member

35

07-03-2016, 06:40 AM

#2

I think the board is drawing power from the 3.3V supply in the PCI slot, or it might be using a chip that acts like a voltage converter on the board to generate 3.3V. It seems improbable it’s providing 5V. I recommend testing it with a multimeter first to confirm the 5V MOLEX is directly connected to the PCI pins.

G

gingabang

07-03-2016, 06:40 AM #2

I think the board is drawing power from the 3.3V supply in the PCI slot, or it might be using a chip that acts like a voltage converter on the board to generate 3.3V. It seems improbable it’s providing 5V. I recommend testing it with a multimeter first to confirm the 5V MOLEX is directly connected to the PCI pins.

P

Peedy
Senior Member

641

07-04-2016, 03:59 PM

#3

I just found the tiny 4-pin chip labeled AMS1117 12 DN811. Searching it up shows it’s a fixed voltage regulator. It might have stayed regulated for a long time—perhaps the PCI card kept getting hot all along. I didn’t realize it was that consistent.

P

Peedy

07-04-2016, 03:59 PM #3

I just found the tiny 4-pin chip labeled AMS1117 12 DN811. Searching it up shows it’s a fixed voltage regulator. It might have stayed regulated for a long time—perhaps the PCI card kept getting hot all along. I didn’t realize it was that consistent.

J

Jastreb_Joker
Member

62

07-04-2016, 07:42 PM

#4

Additionally, chips can operate in heat levels that would burn humans, yet remain safe. Make sure to verify the voltage with a multimeter before adjusting the MOLEX supply. There’s probably some current flowing from the 5V line that might not like the 3V3 change.

J

Jastreb_Joker

07-04-2016, 07:42 PM #4

Additionally, chips can operate in heat levels that would burn humans, yet remain safe. Make sure to verify the voltage with a multimeter before adjusting the MOLEX supply. There’s probably some current flowing from the 5V line that might not like the 3V3 change.

S

Savage_Pig
Member

102

07-10-2016, 02:12 PM

#5

This happens because handling items like rams under stress—especially during voltage spikes—can feel intense, but the rams themselves remain intact. If you're worried, a cooling fan can assist, otherwise normal operation suggests no problems.

S

Savage_Pig

07-10-2016, 02:12 PM #5

This happens because handling items like rams under stress—especially during voltage spikes—can feel intense, but the rams themselves remain intact. If you're worried, a cooling fan can assist, otherwise normal operation suggests no problems.