I'm planning to install an XFX Mercury RX 9070 XT, which uses three 8-pin PCIe power connectors. My PSU is an MSI MPG A1000GS PCIe 5.0 II, a 1000W fully modular 80+ Gold unit. Two of its CPU/PCIe sockets are already being used for the i9-14900KF, leaving only one available. The PSU also has two 12V-2x6 sockets. Can I use a 12V-2x6-to-dual-8-pin PCIe cable for two of the GPU connectors, then use the remaining CPU/PCIe socket for the third? If that works, should the cable be made specifically for this exact MSI PSU model?
2 Answers
Yes, that arrangement should work: use a proper 12V-2x6-to-dual-male-PCIe-8-pin cable for two GPU sockets and one separate PCIe cable from the remaining PSU socket for the third. However, modular PSU cables are not universally wired the same way, so don’t use a generic cable unless it explicitly lists compatibility with the MSI MPG A1000GS PCIe 5.0 II. The safest option is the original MSI cable supplied with the PSU or a replacement confirmed for that exact model. Make sure both ends are the correct male connectors; the linked cable appears to have female PCIe ends and may require additional cables, making it unsuitable by itself.
A 1000W PSU is more than enough for this graphics card and processor, so the wattage is not the concern. The important points are cable type, connector fit, and avoiding a cable made for a different modular PSU. A 12V-2x6 connection feeding two 8-pin GPU inputs is generally reasonable at this power level, but fully insert the connector and avoid sharply bending it right next to the plug. If the PSU’s included 12V-2x6 cable has the required dual PCIe outputs, use that instead of the third-party adapter.
The 16-pin connector has some added overheating risk if it is poorly seated or bent, but using it for two 8-pin outputs is substantially less demanding than using it for a high-power single-connector GPU. It still needs to be installed carefully and checked for a complete connection.
The CPU/EPS cables themselves should not be used in the graphics card. Only use a socket and cable labeled PCIe, and verify the cable’s pinout is compatible with this exact PSU.