I recently upgraded to an RTX 5080 and am having trouble fitting the NZXT H6 Flow's side panel without sharply bending the 12V-2x6 power cable. There's only about 1–2 cm of clearance from the connector before the cable has to bend. I've heard these cables should not be bent too close to the plug because that can lead to poor contact and overheating. Is this setup safe with my Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 850W, or should I modify the case, use a different cable, or switch cases?
4 Answers
It might work, but the risk isn’t worth forcing the side panel closed against the cable. A recessed connector can make some cards fit, while a flush connector on another 5080 may not. Check the exact GPU model’s connector position and leave the recommended straight section instead of relying on the cable being compressed.
Be careful with generic 90-degree adapters. Many RTX 5080 cards have a recessed connector, and a lot of right-angle adapters are too wide to fit. The bend direction also matters because the connector orientation varies between GPU models. Check that the specific cable or adapter is designed for your card before buying it.
If possible, use the native 12V-2x6 cable supplied with the power supply instead of the stiff multi-plug adapter that came with the graphics card. Make sure the connector is fully inserted, inspect it for uneven pins or gaps, and don’t use a loose or poorly fitting adapter. The GF3 850W should generally be adequate; the clearance and connection are the bigger concerns.
The PSU likely doesn’t need replacing if it has the proper native cable and enough capacity. I’d only use the be quiet! cable after confirming it is electrically compatible with that exact Thermaltake PSU and physically fits the recessed connector on your 5080.
I wouldn’t run it like that. The usual guidance is to keep the first roughly 30–35 mm of cable straight before starting the bend, so 1–2 cm is too tight. Modify or remove the side panel, use a compatible right-angle solution, or choose a roomier case.
Would a be quiet! 90-degree cable be suitable, or should I replace the power supply too?