I've heard some buzz about the new GPU connectors, specifically the 3x8-pin cards. I'm curious whether these are as safe as the traditional 2x8-pin connectors. Do 3x8-pin cards pose the same risks of overheating or melting?
5 Answers
3x8-pin PCIe power connectors have been pretty reliable! In fact, they might even be safer than 2x8-pin since they distribute power better due to having more connections.
There have been virtually no problems with 8-pin connectors melting. They’re designed well and can hold up against significant power loads.
Honestly, there’s no need to stress over the 8-pin connectors, whether it's 2 or 3 of them. The newer 12V-2x6 connectors for RTX 4000 and 5000 series are what you should be cautious about.
I've been using a 3x8-pin card for a while now, and I've had no issues. Just a heads up though, cramming too much power into too few pins can be risky. Nvidia should really upgrade that design!
The PCIe 8-pin connections are really solid, so I wouldn't worry too much. They're designed to handle much more power than what they're rated for, so melting isn't really a concern.

Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload