The EPS and GPU connection assistance is useful.
The EPS and GPU connection assistance is useful.
Hello everyone,
I just placed my new build and it’s scheduled to arrive tomorrow with the following components:
Ryzen 5 7600 non X + Pure Rock 2 Black Cooler
Sapphire 7900 XT Pulse
MSI B650 MAG Tomahawk
2x16GB Kingston Fury EXPO DDR5 6000mhz CL36
850w MSI MPG A850G 80+ Gold
2TB Samsung 970 Evo Plus
My concern is about the power supply and the two 8-pin connectors on the motherboard. I thought a single 1x8 EPS connector would suffice, especially since my CPU is rated at 65W. But the PSU provides two 8-pin connectors. Is there any risk or disadvantage in using both?
Additionally, my GPU needs two 8-pin connectors. I’m assuming I should use one 8-pin from the PSU and another from a different connector?
Please find my PSU connectors below for your reference.
Thank you all.
If there is a power connector on the motherboard that can be connected to the PSU plugs, that's the recommended approach. The PCIe connectors should not be linked in a chain; each power plug should come directly from the PSU.
See... You can keep those cables unconnected to your PSU if needed. Just avoid letting their insulation deteriorate inside the case. If your board includes two 8-pin EPS connectors, link both together. Quality boards usually have one ground pin to detect when the power plug is connected. Leaving one ESP connector unused might reduce the CPU's turbo boost performance.
Secondly, a 16AWG copper wire—commonly used for PCIE power connectors—can safely handle up to 8 amps, with pins rated for 5 amps each. An 8-pin connector supports three 12V pins, which could theoretically supply up to 180 watts. A single 8-pin connector can deliver more than that, which is why multiple connectors are often used on the same PCI cable. In practice, a single 8-pin connector can manage up to 180 watts, while cables can support even higher currents. This explains why dual 8-pin connectors are commonly seen on the same cable.
Using two 8-pin PCIE power cables to feed your GPU is fine.
Still, it's better to use just one cable with a single connector for each connection to allow some headroom during peak power demands. Honestly, I've tested the RX6700XT with a 450-watt PSU—it performed perfectly under full load, with no cable or connector heating, and all systems functioning smoothly. 8-pin PCIe connectors are extremely reliable.
Your PSU appears to be in good condition and should comfortably support your PC.