I've just bought an MSI GeForce RTX 5080 16GB Gaming Trio OC and want to make sure I use the correct power cable before installing it. My power supply is an ASUS ROG Strix 850W Platinum, fully modular, ATX 3.1 unit that includes an ROG Equalizer cable. The cable has a connector labeled "PSU" for the power supply and a 12-pin, 600W connector for the graphics card. Is this the correct cable to use, or should I use the adapter that came with the GPU? I want to avoid damaging the card or power supply.
3 Answers
The card may include an adapter that uses several ordinary PCIe power plugs, but you shouldn’t need it with an ATX 3.1 power supply that already provides a native 12V-2x6 or 12VHPWR-style cable. Don’t substitute a modular cable from another PSU brand, since the pinout can be different even when the connector looks similar. Also avoid daisy-chaining PCIe leads if you ever have to use the adapter.
That ASUS ROG Strix PSU is an ATX 3.1 model and includes a native high-power GPU cable, so you should use the cable designed for that specific PSU. The PSU-labeled end goes into the matching modular socket on the power supply, and the 12-pin 600W end goes into the graphics card. Make sure the GPU connector is pushed in completely and avoid sharply bending the cable right next to the plug.
The 12V-2x6 connector is the newer revision of the same general high-power GPU connection commonly called 12VHPWR. A compatible cable rated for 600W is appropriate for this card. The important details are that it came with, or is explicitly made for, your ASUS PSU and that the connector is fully inserted; the exact appearance of the cable alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
The cable is the ROG Equalizer cable included with the PSU, so it should be the PSU-specific one. I’ll make sure both ends are fully seated and leave plenty of room before bending it.