I recently bought a used MSI RTX 5070 to replace my ASUS RTX 2080. The two cards use different PCIe power connectors, so the cables I used with the 2080 do not plug into the 5070. What cable or adapter should I use to connect the new card safely? The used card only came with the GPU and its booklet, not an adapter. I live fairly close to Micro Center, so I'm also wondering what type of adapter or replacement cable I should look for there.
2 Answers
You may be able to buy the correct 12V-2x6 adapter at Micro Center, or get a compatible cable directly from your power-supply manufacturer if your PSU supports one. Do not use a modular PCIe cable from a different PSU brand or model, since the pinouts can differ and damage the hardware. Also confirm that your PSU has enough wattage and the required number of separate PCIe power leads.
The RTX 5070 uses a newer 12V-2x6 power connector. You’ll typically need the adapter that converts two or more standard PCIe 6+2-pin plugs from your power supply into the GPU’s connector. Used cards often don’t include one, so check the exact MSI model’s power requirements before buying an adapter at a computer store. Make sure every plug is fully seated and the cable isn’t sharply bent near the connector.
It was purchased used and only included the card and booklet, so there wasn’t an adapter in the box.