Hey everyone! I hope you can help me out with a couple of questions about powering my new Zotac Solid Core 5070ti. I got the card recently, but I'm using an older Corsair RM850x PSU from 2018. I initially connected it using a single daisy-chained PCIe connector, which led to some boot issues and crashes. Thankfully, I didn't damage my GPU. Right now, I'm using two separate 8-pin (2+6) PCIe connectors fed into the 2x8 pin adapter that came with the GPU.
First, is it common for the 5070ti to come with a 2x8 pin adapter? I've seen a lot mention 3x8 pin adapters, so I'm just curious about that. Second, I'm considering whether the Corsair 2x8-Pin to PCIe 12V-2x6 cable would be a suitable replacement for the connectors I'm using now. I believe it matches my PSU's Type 4 ports, but I'm feeling a bit hesitant after my previous experience. Any advice would be really appreciated!
4 Answers
I recently got the 12VHPWR sleeved cable from Corsair and it works flawlessly with my older RM750x PSU. No issues at all!
Each 8-pin PCIe connection provides 150 watts, plus the motherboard supplies an additional 75 watts. That gives you a total potential of 375 watts, which is enough for a GPU with a TDP of 300 watts. While it's best to get a 12V-2x6 cable from Corsair, it’s not absolutely necessary right now.
These 12V2x6 adapters do come in 2x8 pin (300w), 3x8 pin (450w), and even 4x8 pin (600w) versions, depending on your GPU's needs. The Corsair cable should be compatible with any GPU that uses a single 12V2x6 connection, so you should be good!
Most 5070ti cards come with a 3x8 pin adapter, but if yours has a 2x8 pin adapter, it should be fine as long as it was new and unopened. Just double-check the specifications. However, instead of using the adapter that came with it, I recommend getting one of the Type 4 2x8-pin to 12V 2x6 cables from Corsair—available on Amazon for about $20. It's a more reliable option.
That's a good plan. You might want to consider upgrading your PSU altogether to one that includes a 12VHPWR connector; they’re fairly priced at around $80.
Thanks for the advice! I’ve got one of those Corsair cables on the way until I can upgrade my PSU.
Awesome, thanks for explaining that!