Since the GPUs are getting more and more power hungry, they require more power connectors to provide power to the GPU. Many of us are still using a bit older PSUs that lack sufficient PCIe 6, 8 or even 12 pin connectors. Some of you might try using different adapters and splitters to substitute for the missing connectors.

I strongly advise against using any kind of power splitters when powering a GPU! Especially a power hungry GPU like the upcoming RTX 4000 series.

What kind of power connectors can be used to power a GPU?

There are 4 types of power connectors that you can use to power a GPU. Actually 5 if you count the PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard:

• 6-pin (75W)
• 6+2-pin (75W or 150W)
• 8-pin (150W)
• 12-pin (600W)
• PCIe x16 slot

The PCIe x16 slot (used for data transfer on the motherboard) can also provide 75W of power to the GPU.

How to power a GPU?

First check how many female PCIe power connectors the GPU requires. It could be 1x 8-pin, 2x 8-pin or any other possible combination.

Then make sure that your PSU can provide enough power to the GPU. Check the GPU manual for recommended PSU power. You can check our PSU buying guide for reference.

Next, make sure that you have enough PCIe power connectors available on the PSU. Some PSUs might provide enough power, but will not have enough power connectors.

Lastly, connect the PCIe power connectors to the GPU connectors. There is only one possible way of connecting the cable to the GPU. It is physically impossible to turn it in the opposite direction.

Can I accidentally use CPU or other power connectors to power a GPU?

No, that is not possible. GPU power connectors have different hole shapes. No type of connector can be physically plugged into the GPU other than a GPU power connector.

Here is an example of a 8-pin GPU connector compared to the CPU 8-pin connector. As you can see, the holes are shaped differently and are foolproof.

Source: linustechtips.com

Can I use a 6-pin to 8-pin or 8-pin to 12-pin adapter or splitter?

No.

Do not, in any case, use an adapter that increases the number of pins. This type of adapter is a fire hazard. A 6-pin connector can safely provide only 75W of power. In a case that the GPU will require more power, it will expect to get up to 150W of power through the 8-pin connector. This will result in the 6-pin connector and wire to be overloaded and will start to heat up and eventually the fire will start.

FYI: Once the wire starts to heat up, it enters a rabbit hole. As the temperature increases, so does the resistivity of the wire. This means that more power will be required, further increasing the temperature.

Can I use a 12-pin to 8-pin or 8-pin to 6-pin adapter or splitter?

Yes, but better not to.

I would still suggest you to not use these kinds of adapters as they are potential fail points. Most of the adapters or splitters are made in China and their quality is questionable.

You could be using an adapter that decreases the number of pins. An 8-pin adapter can provide 150W of power while a 6-pin female connector on the GPU will only draw up to 75W of power. Same goes for 12-pin to 8-pin.

Some higher end GPUs come with a 12-pin male to 3x 8-pin female adapter. If your GPU comes with a 12-pin to whatever adapter on the box, then it should be safe as both components were designed with this in mind.

Can I use 8-pin daisy-chained connectors on the same GPU?

Yes, you can use both 6+2-pin or 8-pin connectors that are on the same cable (daisy-chained connectors) for most of the lower to medium power draw GPUs. But do not use daisy-chained connectors on power hungry GPUs. For 3090 rated at 350W you should use 3 individual PCIe cables if it has 3 connectors.

I recommend using an individual cable (PSU output) for one 8-pin connector when it comes to more power hungry cards - GPUs with 3 or more 8-pin female connectors.

Should I use any kind of adapter or splitter for powering the GPU?

I recommend you not to use an adapter or splitter at all. Most of the adapters and splitters are made in China and are not quality made as we would like to. The splitters and adapters have high potential for causing a fire due to loose contact or insufficient wire gauge.

The only reasonable usage for adapters would be 8-pin female to 2x 6-pin male for powering USB risers or any splitter/adapter that comes with the GPU.

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