5 CPU/PCI-E power connectors available, while motherboard and GPUs use 6 eight-pin ports.
5 CPU/PCI-E power connectors available, while motherboard and GPUs use 6 eight-pin ports.
Due to virtualisation and pass-through initiatives, I have two GPUs installed. I purchased a Radeon RX 6700 XT used model, which was available with an 8-pin connector unlike this one. The motherboard is an ASUS ProArt X670E Creator WIFI board, featuring two 8-pin connectors for CPU power and PD_12VR_PWR to supply extra power from the board to the PCIe slots. I’m unsure about the correct cable configuration given the CPU model (7950) and the GPUs (Asrock Challenger Pro RX 6700 XT pre-overclocked, GTX 1070 from Dell OEM). Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.
The 24-pin motherboard cable supports roughly 150-200W for PCIe slots. For 3-way SLI, using the 6-pin connector is advisable, though for just two PCIe cards it’s optional since those draw 75W each. An 8-pin cable is more than enough for the 7950X, exceeding 200W demand is nearly unattainable, and a single 8-pin can manage around 400W. If only a 4-pin EPS connector existed, it would suffice as a 4-pin cable handles about 200W. Connect one EPS 8-pin for the CPU, three 8-pins for the GPUs, and the remaining one where it looks best. The board will activate with the others unplugged, and they’d remain off while you work.
You'd have to ask all the board vendors to find out for sure. It might be in case there's an eventual CPU that draws 400W, but I'd say it's unlikely given how hard it is to cool AM5 CPUs. More likely it's just for marketing reasons. There's a pretty long history of boards designed for overclocking or very fast CPUs to include the extra power connectors whether or not they're needed. The Gigabyte Z97X-SOC, for instance, has a VRM that will blow up before you overload a single 8 pin, yet it comes with an 8+4 pin EPS configuration. People think that if a board comes with more EPS connectors it's got more power delivery capability. It was somewhat true back in the X58 days, but nowadays it means next to nothing.
Thanks for the feedback. I understand you're considering the lower price point compared to ASUS's premium gaming boards, especially with features like Thunderbolt and two Ethernet ports. I'll follow your advice but keep the 6-pin connector plugged in, just to avoid any issues if I later install a PCIe card in the third slot.
The compact 8-pin EPS module supports roughly 300 watts as per specifications. The cables can handle higher currents, and the connector is designed for greater capacity, yet safety and practicality cap it at around 300 watts (12v x 4 pairs x 7A per pair). The 4-pin CPU connector is rated for about 215 watts (12v x 2 pairs x 9A per pair). Many explained that high-end AMD chips don’t draw such high power under normal use, unless overclocked. To reach close to 300 watts, some builders add extra 4-pin or 8-pin connectors, increasing wire pairs between the power supply and VRM. This reduces heat buildup and lowers energy loss in the wires. You’re free to use both 8-pin connectors, though it’s not necessary for most setups. Graphics cards can absorb up to 75 watts from the PCIe slot—about 65 watts from 12V and 10 watts from 3.3V. The 24-pin connector only includes two 12V wires, originally for motor power in hard drives and fans. It can deliver around 216 watts at 12V to the motherboard, powering PCIe slots and peripherals like fans (2-3 watts each), possibly RGB strips, or other components. An additional power cable is added to boost wire capacity and push the limit higher, especially if you plan to install many high-power PCIe cards. With just two graphics cards, extra connectors offer minor advantages, but no significant speed boost.