I'm building a PC with a Corsair RM850e and an RTX 5080, but the included power cable is too short and I need a replacement about 3 meters long. The original cable has a Schuko plug marked 16A/250V, while the IEC C13 connector is marked 10A/250V. I found a similar 3-meter cable rated 10A, but I'm unsure whether I need to match the 16A rating or find a thicker cable. Is a certified 10A C13 cable with a suitable Schuko plug safe for this setup?
2 Answers
The important things are that it is a genuine mains cable from a reputable seller, has protective earth, uses the correct local plug, and is rated for 250V or more. Avoid unbranded listings with unclear specifications. A 10A/250V C13 cable is a normal replacement for this PSU and should be safe at 3 meters.
A 10A cable is more than sufficient at 230V. Even 850W is only around 3.7A from the wall under ideal conditions, and real-world system draw will still be well below 10A. The 10A marking on the C13 end is normal; the connector is usually the limiting rating. Buy a properly certified, grounded EU cable with the correct Schuko plug and IEC C13 connector. A 3×0.75 mm² or 3×1.0 mm² cable is generally suitable, and extra length does not require a 16A rating by itself.
The 16A rating on the Schuko plug mostly reflects the maximum rating of that plug and outlet system. It does not mean the whole cable assembly must be rated for 16A when the C13 connector is rated for 10A.