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Power cables question
- Thread starter ternity
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Soldato
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Sounds like you have a Superflower PSU?
You need 2 * 8 pin connectors, and I prefer 2 separate cables as opposed to one cable with 2 plugs daisy chained.
You need 2 * 8 pin connectors, and I prefer 2 separate cables as opposed to one cable with 2 plugs daisy chained.
Soldato
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If the PSU produces power for different cables from different rails inside the PSU, it can sometimes be easier for the PSU to power a high end GPU using two different connectors. Otherwise, if the PSU is a single rail unit then it won't matter whether you use one cable or two as all the power's coming from the one place originally anyway.
What PSU are you running, and does the sticker on the side list a 12V total amperage, or split into 12V1, 12V2, 12V3, etc?
What PSU are you running, and does the sticker on the side list a 12V total amperage, or split into 12V1, 12V2, 12V3, etc?
Caporegime
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Can do either tbh, i used to power my 290X from a single one, and never had a prob.
Soldato
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In that it won't matter which cables you use to run your GPU, they're all powered from the same 12V rail anyway. The only reason to use different cables rather than one is if you're concerned the manufacturer skimped so much on the internal cabling that one cable will melt if you push all your graphics card's power through it - but this only tends to be an issue on really dodgy no-brand name PSUs that come from auction sites or free with very cheap cases!
Soldato
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This is why I would always use separate if available. I can't see a reason not to unless space is tight or its a SLI setup.
Soldato
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There is plenty of reasons not to bother using single instead of split. PCIE cables are rated well over spec, at least the 8 pin design is. It's capable of drawing double the amperage of older 6 pin spec.
If the cables aren't even getting warm, you're not pushing hard enough
just don't buy cheap brands as suggested already
If the cables aren't even getting warm, you're not pushing hard enough
just don't buy cheap brands as suggested alreadyIf the card has:
1x 6pin: use either connector on the cable.
1x 8pin: use either connector on the cable.
2x 6pin: use both connectors on the cable.
1x 6pin + 1x 8pin: use both connectors on the cable, either one for the 8pin (you get two for convenience).
2x 8pin: use two cables.
You can connect a 2x 8pin card with just one cable but you shouldn't as it will sometimes be capable of drawing more through that cable than the connector on the PSU supports and can cause damage.
Last edited:
Soldato
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Or, just use 2 separate cables as a rule of thumb and that way you can't go wrong... Like I said earlier, there's not much reason not to.
Well reasons not to would just be aesthetics/convenience, but yeah I was just explaining why they give you two 6+2pin connectors when your not supposed to use both.
Soldato
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I know, your advice was spot on. I just tried to keep it simple for the OP as he was a little confused to begin with.
Anyway, I'm sure he's got it up and running by now.
