Is this adapter a safe option for my PSU setup?
Asked by
CoolBreeze42
I've just received some custom PSU cables after a long wait, one of which is an 8 pin to 8 pin cable that I plan to use for the PCIe PWR1 slot on my x870e motherboard. This setup is to provide my 5080 GPU with some extra power if necessary. However, my power supply unit (ROG Loki SFX-L 1200W Titanium) doesn't have enough 8 pin PCIe slots available. To address this, I've found an adapter on Amazon that lets me use two 6 pin PCIe slots instead. My question is: Is it safe to use this adapter, given that I can't swap out my PSU for now? Thanks in advance for any insights!
Answers
You actually don’t need to connect the PCIe power plug to your motherboard. Your GPU usually gets most of its power directly from the PCIe connectors. Unless you’re running multiple GPUs, that motherboard plug isn’t really necessary. If you're worried, it’s probably alright to leave it unplugged with that adapter, since it seems you're trying to use it as a backup power source.
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Honestly, it's a bit of a risky move. That adapter turns a single 8 pin into a dual 8 pin, which gives the GPU the potential to pull double the wattage it’s rated for. While single 8 pin cables handle 150W, the dual setup could allow it to go up to 300W, which isn't safe. Plus, the pinout for those 6 pin plugs isn’t the same—using them incorrectly could fry your components. A 1200W PSU with only two PCIe ports? That’s a bit concerning in itself.
PowerUpGuru: I get what you're saying. Just to clarify, I'm not using that for the GPU power; I’m using the 12v6x2 for that. This is just for the PCIe PWR1 on the motherboard, so I'm hoping it’s safer for that purpose.
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CustomCableFan: Thanks for clarifying! I’ve heard mixed opinions about needing that connection, so I appreciate the reassurance to keep it unplugged.