I'm putting together a PC using a Gigabyte Gaming OC RX 9070 XT, and the parts were purchased about a year ago. After rebuilding my parts list, I noticed that the graphics card is listed as requiring three PCIe 8-pin power connectors. My power supply is a Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850W, fully modular, and I initially thought it only included two PCIe 6+2-pin cables plus one 16-pin 12VHPWR/12V-2x6 cable. Since I haven't opened the PSU box yet, I'm trying to confirm whether I can power the GPU safely with the included cables, whether a separate cable is available, or if I need to replace the power supply. I don't want to use an incompatible modular cable and risk damaging the system.
3 Answers
Don’t try to adapt the 16-pin connector with a random modular cable. PSU-side cables aren’t universally wired the same way, and using the wrong one can destroy the PSU or other components. If the correct third PCIe cable truly isn’t in the box, contact the manufacturer for a replacement cable or replace the PSU rather than improvising.
Replacing the PSU is only necessary if the correct cable is genuinely missing or the unit can’t provide the required connections. Since this is a fully modular 850W model that is advertised with three PCIe connectors, inspect the complete cable bundle first. Also, when installing the GPU, use separate PCIe cables from the PSU for the card’s connectors instead of relying on a single daisy-chained cable if possible.
That PSU should include three PCIe 6+2-pin connectors. The 16-pin cable is a separate graphics-power option, but the box should also contain the regular PCIe cable needed for the third 8-pin connection. Check the PSU’s specifications and all of the accessories before buying anything or replacing the unit.
I checked the product listing again and it does specify three PCIe connectors. I haven’t opened the box yet because the parts are stored at a friend’s place, but it sounds like the cable I need should be included.