I just upgraded my GPU to a Gigabyte RTX 2070 Super, but I'm running into some power cable issues. The new GPU requires 14 total pins, but I only have one 6+2 cable available. I found a cable listed as a 'PCIe Cable for EVGA, PCIe 8 Pin Male to Dual PCIe 8 Pin (6+2) Male GPU Power Cable for EVGA' and I'm wondering if I can safely use it. Here are my questions:
a) Can I plug this cable directly into my PSU, just using the 6 pins?
b) If that's not safe, can I plug it into my existing 6+2 cable and power both GPU connectors from a single PSU connector?
3 Answers
So it sounds like you have a modular PSU with multiple PCIe ports? If so, the new cable should work, but you really need to ensure that the pin-out matches your PSU. Different manufacturers sometimes have different configurations, which can lead to short-circuits and serious issues like fires.
Hey, just to clarify, do you have one 8-pin cable or only one port on your PSU? Sometimes GPUs come with additional power cables or adapters hidden in the box, so check there too!
If your PSU doesn’t have enough cables, you might want to consider getting a new PSU. Just be extra careful, especially if your GPU requires a lot of power or if your PSU is older or from a lower quality range.
It's a FB marketplace build, everything is used and didn’t include boxes. But it’s a 650 watt fully modular PSU and originally came with the right cables.
Thanks for the advice! Just to confirm:
- Different PSUs indeed have different pinouts.
- Cables must match the proper signals from PSU to GPU.
- Any adapters or extenders also have to be correctly routed before they connect to the GPU?