I recently ordered an XFX Swift RX 9070 XT GPU, a Corsair Rm850e (2023) PSU, and an Asrock B850M Pro-A motherboard. In terms of connectivity, the GPU requires two 8-pin (4+4) connectors. The PSU comes with one cable that has a single 8-pin (4+4) connector and another cable that has two 8-pin (4+4) connectors. I've read that connecting the cable with two connectors directly to the GPU isn't advisable because it can lead to power issues. I learned that each connector on the PSU can deliver 300W, but for safety, GPUs usually only draw 150W each. My first question is whether I can connect the GPU using one 8-pin (4+4) cable and only half of the second cable, leaving one 8-pin (4+4) connector unused. Could this configuration risk damaging the GPU or cause voltage problems? Also, considering my GPU's average consumption is around 304W, sometimes peaking higher, won't it need more power than the two connectors might provide?
Additionally, my motherboard has one 8-pin (4+4) connector and a 4-pin connector. Should I connect one of the provided cables to the 8-pin connector on the motherboard, and how do I connect the second 4-pin if the PSU doesn't provide one, especially since it's important for overclocking? I'm also puzzled by some other cables that came with the PSU. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
And just to clarify, two 8-pin (6+2) connectors can provide 150W each to the GPU. This should be fine since you're right that GPUs can pull more under load, but in practice, as long as your system is stable and you’re not pushing things to the max all the time, you should be alright. Just keep an eye on your power needs if you're planning to overclock.
You definitely shouldn't use the 4+4 cables for the GPU; those are meant for CPU power. You need to use the PCIe 8-pin (6+2) connectors instead. Just connect two of those to your GPU. As for the dangling connector, it won’t do anything, so don’t worry about it. For the CPU, connect one of the 4+4 cables to the 8-pin connector, and you can split the other one to also fit the 4-pin connector. That should be enough power; one good 8-pin connection for the CPU is typically sufficient.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload