I'm wondering if I can use the PCIe pigtails from my CX650M power supply to power my RTX 3080. The pigtails are rated for a total of 300 watts, and the 3080 requires just over that amount. I'm considering undervolting to keep things safe since I can't find any separate PCIe 8-pin connectors nearby. Is this a reliable setup or should I look for alternatives?
2 Answers
The 6+2 pin connectors on your CX650M are fine for powering your 3080 as they're essentially the same as an 8-pin, but only having one power cable might limit your GPU’s performance. Since your 3080 needs two 8-pin connectors, you'll probably need to reconsider your setup if you want to avoid issues down the line.
Using two separate PCIe cables is definitely the best approach for a 3080. This GPU has been known for its power spikes, so while you might get away with the pigtails, it's not recommended. Worst case, you could crash during demanding tasks, which would likely be a bummer. If you're in a pinch, try it out but keep an eye on stability!
True, but I’m really limited on what I have at the moment since I’d have to use the pigtail for one of the 8 pins.