Need assistance with setting up a GPU
Need assistance with setting up a GPU
Hi
I'm trying to route power cables for my 8+8+8 pin GPU (3090). There are 16 pins from the +12V connector, and I'm unsure where to connect the remaining 8. Should I plug them into the bottom PCI-E slot or the top one? It seems like the SATA and Molex slots are empty. I just took a picture of what I've set up so far.
Well, the Nvidia spec for RTX 30-series requires a 12-pin PCI-E connector. For example, all Nvidia FE RTX 30-series GPUs meet this requirement. However, AIBs may use different connectors, such as standard PCI-E connectors, and it appears MSI has implemented this for its Suprim X version. Your GPU features three 8-pin PCI-E connectors. When it comes to power cables, there are two possible approaches;
RTX 30-series GPUs use a 12-pin PCI-E power connector, not the +12VHPWR type (the latter is reserved for RTX 40- and 50-series models). To achieve the required three 8-pin PCI-E connections for the RTX 3090, employ three separate 8-pin power cables (assuming your PSU supports that number) and connect them to the CPU or PCI-E ports on the PSU. Avoid using the +12VHPWR connector entirely. Additionally, the GPU should incorporate the three 8-pin PCI-E ports and one 12-pin PCI-E adapter. It seems there are three connections instead of two; (image shows RTX 3080). Also, the model or make of your PSU isn’t clear from the image, and the brand logo isn’t identifiable. If your PSU lacks the necessary 3x 8-pin PCI-E cables for the RTX 3090, you’ll need to purchase a more powerful one.
It's an MSI MPG A850G PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold with a 3090 suprim x card, and the PCIe cable wasn't included. Should I connect 16 pins from the double 8-pin cable PCI-e and another 8 from the same cable, leaving some loose? The picture shows the cable and GPU.
Well, the Nvidia specifications for the RTX 30-series indicate a 12-pin PCI-E interface. For instance, all Nvidia FE RTX 30-series graphics cards support this format. However, AIBs may employ different connectors, such as standard PCI-E ports, and it appears MSI has adapted this for its Suprim X version. Your graphics card features three 8-pin PCI-E connectors.
Regarding power connections, there are two possible methods:
1. As recommended by MSI (on the PSU specifications page):
https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MPG-A850G-PCIE5
This suggests using:
* one PCIe cable with 16 pins to 6+2 pins, connected once
* two PCIe cables with 8 pins to 6+2 pins each
You’ll have one 6+2 pin cable left hanging near the GPU power connectors. The choice of which four 6+2 pin cables to attach to the GPU doesn’t matter much.
16-pin and 8-pin connectors should go into the PSU while 6+2 pin connectors are connected to the GPU.
2. Alternatively:
* two PCIe cables with 8 pins to 6+2 pins
The outcome remains identical, leaving one 6+2 pin cable unconnected.
8-pin connectors for the PSU should connect to the 6+2 pin connectors for the GPU.
From a power delivery perspective, there’s no significant difference since both configurations use:
one 16-pin to 6+2 pin cable and two 8-pin to 6+2 pin cables,
each capable of supporting up to 288W, regardless of how many are used.
Interesting note about your MSI PSU – it doesn’t include a warranty. There’s no information on the warranty duration or coverage on the official PSU specifications page. In this context, MSI is the only manufacturer I’m aware of that doesn’t mention a PSU warranty. Other reputable PSU brands and OEMs typically do state their warranty terms. For example, Seasonic PRIME TX:
https://seasonic.com/prime-tx/
I own a TX-650 (two units actually). The warranty details are clearly mentioned at the top and bottom of the page.
Thanks, this addresses your query correctly. I'll proceed with the first approach as intended. Also, sorry about the incorrect PSU info from Google—it was a mix-up. Let's keep things clear.