A simple inquiry about 12pin PSU/GPU adaptors and 6Pin PCIe cables
A simple inquiry about 12pin PSU/GPU adaptors and 6Pin PCIe cables
I received a simple question.
I recently changed my power supply from a Thermaltake Smart BM3 750 W 80+ Bronze Certified to a Corsair RM850e 850 Watt 80 Plus Gold.
It was around the time I discarded the bronze model for the gold one.
My current PSU doesn’t have a 12-pin connector, but I own a 12-pin adapter that came with my GPU (4070ti Super).
Here’s the quick and clear answer:
How should I connect it?
Should I use one PCIe plug directly into the PSU and link both ends to each adapter slot?
Or should I insert a brand-new PCIe plug into the back of the PSU and connect that into the second end of the adapter?
Some people advise against “pigtailing” the adapters, so I’m not sure if that’s what they meant. Just want to avoid damaging the GPU or starting a fire.
Please refer to the photos for better understanding.
New PSU Case
1 cord connected to the adapter
Should I only use one 6-pin PCIe cable and feed the second end into the second part of the adapter?
Back of the PSU with all connections made
Should I plug in another PCIe cable and connect it to the second end of the adapter?
Another picture of the adapter is welcome.
The PSU box clearly lists ATX 3.0/PCIe 5.0, indicating it should have come with a 12VHPWR cable. It seems the correct cable should consist of two 8-pin connectors on the PSU side and a 12+4-pin connector on the other end. If you don’t have this cable and purchased it new, you’ll need to replace the PSU. If you bought it used or an open box expecting missing cables, follow the advice from SkyNetRising.
There are various RM850e models available, and the box the user photographed clearly states ATX 3.0/PCIe 5.0 in the upper right corner.
Yes, every input to the 12VHPWR adapter must connect to a 6+2 PCIe connector. Otherwise, the GPU will only draw 150W. The adapter is designed for up to 300W, which is why it includes two 8-pin connections. You should also be able to purchase a cable directly from Corsair if one isn't provided with your PSU.
RM850e is a Type-4 PSU:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-...5-...cp-8920284
This setup allows you to efficiently power most GPUs using 12VHPWR without exceeding the adapter's capacity. I recommend avoiding the highest-end GPUs that require 12VHPWR, as the 850W model isn't suitable for them.