I currently have an MSI Ventus RTX 3080 with 2x 8-pin cables, and I'm considering an upgrade soon. I want to avoid using the newer 12v 16-pin power cables, but I'm struggling to find more powerful GPUs that stick with the 8-pin configuration. The 7900 XTX is the strongest I've found, but it lacks DLSS support, and I'm also curious if the 3090 Ti still uses 8-pin connectors. Are there any other options I'm overlooking? Also, how does AMD's FSR compare to DLSS, and should I be on the lookout for any upcoming AMD GPUs?
5 Answers
You seem hesitant about the 9070 XT, but it generally outperforms the 3080. If you're looking for a tangible upgrade, it might be worth it, just don’t let the fear of the 12v connector hold you back too much.
I'd suggest looking at the 9070 XT. It offers performance that's pretty similar to the RTX 3080, and while it supports FSR, it's still a solid option if you want to stay away from that 12v connector everyone is worried about.
I upgraded to a 9070 XT from an RTX 3080, and I'm seeing a nice boost in performance. Games run significantly better for me. If performance is your goal, you might want to give the 9070 XT a shot!
Honestly, if you're not planning on running the newest Nvidia cards like the 4090, then you should be fine with the 12v connector. The failure rates are generally low if the card isn’t drawing massive amounts of power.
It's risky to limit your options by avoiding the 12v connector. Most modern GPUs use it, but I'd say the 9070 XT is your best bet for an upgrade. The chances of issues with the 12v connector are low, so you might want to reconsider.

Yeah, but I live with others who are super paranoid about electrical fires, so I'm really torn on this. I want to upgrade, but safety is a big concern.