Yes, a GPU consumes power from the PSU during overclocking.
Yes, a GPU consumes power from the PSU during overclocking.
I have a GTX 970 with 4GB RAM and need to increase voltage for overclocking. I'm wondering if the GTX 970 or any GPU gets power from the motherboard or directly from the GPU. Having two 4-pin connectors in my GTX 970 helps clarify this.
A few power phases on the card use the motherboard connector while others rely on the PCI-E connectors (one 6-pin and another 8-pin, possibly for the GTX 970, though this may vary by model). Overclocking should increase power consumption across both sources. I hope the manufacturer built the card within slot limits, but reviews indicate some reference cards can go beyond them.
It will send a portion of power via the motherboard and another through the 4/6 pin connectors. Theoretically, it should restrict the amount going through the motherboard to safe levels, though I can't confirm that. All the power ultimately comes from the PSU, with only some of it reaching the motherboard along the way.
A few power phases on the card use the motherboard connector while others rely on the PCI-E connectors (one 6-pin and another 8-pin, possibly for the GTX 970, though this may vary by model). Overclocking should increase power consumption across both sources. I hope the manufacturer built the card within slot limits, but reviews indicate some reference cards can go beyond them.