I'm trying to grasp how PCIe connectors function, especially with my RX 6700 XT, which has one 8-pin and one 6-pin connector. I'm using a Sharkoon SilentStorm Cool Zero 850W PSU and have two PCIe cables available. Each of these cables has one 8-pin connector on the PSU side and two 6+2 connectors for the GPU. I've heard that one cable can handle up to 150W and the PCIe slot can provide an additional 75W, making it a total of 225W. There are also newer PCIe cables that may go up to 300W, but I'm not sure how to confirm that. The RX 6700 XT is rated for 230W, and currently, I'm using just one of the pigtail cables. After overclocking with MSI Afterburner, I've seen the highest wattage go up to 210W during gaming. Is it safe to keep using just one cable, or should I switch to using two? I'm concerned about potential issues in the future.
3 Answers
If you have two cables, definitely use both. It’s safer to distribute the power load, especially when you're overclocking your card. Make sure to use one cable for each connector to avoid stressing a single cable too much. Even if you're currently fine, it's best practice for stability.
You could get by with one cable, but it’s not ideal for pushing your card to its limits. Just remember that while one cable can technically handle it, two will give you a better safety net and potentially better performance, especially when overclocking.
Yes, it’s safe with one cable, but if you're aiming for maximum performance, using two is the way to go. This way, you're ensuring that your card gets the power it needs without compromising the cables. Just keep an eye on the temps and performance.
Got it, thanks for the advice!