I have a Cooler Master 750W Platinum PSU from an HP Omen that I'm planning to reuse for my upgrades. It's non-modular and has two 8-pin connectors available, while my Asus 5080 Prime OC comes with a 3-8-pin to 12vhpwr adapter. My question is: do I need to power all three 8-pin connections on this adapter, or can I get away with using only two? I've checked my build, and it operates at 617W with the 750W PSU, which is just over 80% usage. I'm comfortable with that level of usage, but I'm wondering if I need to buy a new PSU or if I can balance the load correctly with just two 8-pins on the adapter. Is the third pin necessary for the GPU to function?
5 Answers
Your GPU will flat-out refuse to work unless all three 8-pin connectors on the adapter are plugged in. You might think about using a splitter, but many of them are low quality, which can be risky. For something as pricey as your GPU, consider investing in a good PSU, like the NZXT C850 Gold, which comes with a suitable cable.
It really comes down to cable quality, but honestly, an 850W PSU isn’t too pricey. You should consider getting a new one with the proper cable setup. Also, keep in mind that older PSUs shouldn’t be paired with newer builds; if your PSU is over 7-8 years old, it’s best to replace it.
If it didn't require all three pins, they wouldn't include them on the adapter in the first place. It's designed to work with all three for a reason!
You'll run into issues if all three cables aren’t connected. The GPU likely won’t power up without recognizing all connections.
The 12vhpwr connector has sense pins that allow the GPU to detect how much power it can draw. Some adapters can check if all three connectors are plugged in, but if you're uncertain about your adapter, it's better to play it safe and connect all three.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload