I hate this cable with a passion

25 Comments

  1. DeadoTheDegenerate

    On a good PSU you can. It’s best practice not to if you can use separate PCIe cables, but if not, then you can use the pigtailed connectors.

  2. Originally you could power multiple parts with one cable, just like sata power cables have multiple ends. Those devices didn’t draw that much power though.

    It’s also fine use these to split the load. If your GPU needs 3-4 connectors it’s fine to use 2-3 cables. On good PSUs even 1 cable for 2 connectors is usually fine, just not recommended

  3. It’s pretty annoying. I always try to avoid PSU’s with daisy chained cables, which is pretty hard around 650/750 watt PSU’s, especially if you’re running a GPU that needs 3 cables.

  4. siralmasy

    you can, however its frown upon because shitty psu exists

  5. So you can connect multiple devices that don’t draw as much power.

  6. RainExtension9497

    Since the 30 series cards GPU manufacturers have been recommending entirely separate cables for reach plug on a lot of cards. Before that time there was really no talk about this at all but, cards just started requiring a lot more power. But, if you’re running a 20 series card or something or really doesn’t matter.

    Since then there has kind of been a little bit of a debate as to whether or not you can get away with them still. Anecdotally I remember when these cards came out there were quite a few people posting that their new 3080 wasn’t running right. Something that was often fixed by following the directions from the GPU and using separate cables for each 8 pin connector.

    Personally I don’t really get why someone would want to go against the recommendation of the GPU manufacturer. I’m pretty sure they can do the math and also know the slot provides 75 watts. It’s not like it’s some esoteric knowledge and telling you to use separate cables is just a conspiracy. You can always purchase separate single 8 pin cables if you want your build to look better.

  7. Most likely this is due to a current limitation; if you connect one cable with two connectors, then perhaps each GPU port under load will use a current that is the maximum allowable for wires of this cross-section. And if you connect power through a splitter, the cable and connector will start to heat up and may catch fire.

  8. prodlowd

    Yeah I find it really annoying how they don’t just provide 2 or 3 individual PCIe cables

  9. GalwayBogger

    Gpus aren’t the only devices in a pc that might use ATX connections. This diagram is made specifically for those “building my first pc” and/or who do not understand load and resistance

  10. Shawless2

    See a lot of people saying “shitty PSU”, not much to do with it. Simple issue is the cords are rated for certain wattage, 150w and if you look most of your newer GPU kick up higher then this, end of story.

  11. gingerbread_man123

    Even if it fits, and even if then the PSU can output the voltage from a single rail, pulling twice the current through the *cable* isn’t a good idea.

    Current is directly proportional to heat. A toaster is built by forcing high current through small wires which then heat up a lot.

  12. I always feared this stuff but my PC builder said that i m ok with my daisy chain.

    I have a gigabyte 6750xt with a EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G6

    Can someone tell me if i need to take 2 cables? if yes can u help me find one on amazon please?

  13. Westdrache

    Cuz a lot of GPUs have more connector’s then needed and in that cases daysi chaining is “fine”
    Had an 5700xtx would draw around 200 watt max it had 2 pcie connectors…. Ma guy one connector gives 150 watts and the pcie slot is another 75

  14. RedTuesdayMusic

    Because it’s fine for components that require a little more than PCIe power + 1 8-pin (155W, so think 200W parts) but it’s absolutely not fine for components that can pull 220-230W.

  15. Jumper775-2

    Why shouldn’t I use one cable for both? I currently do and it seems like it works fine. My gpu performs in the 97th percentile of its kind.

  16. No-Thanks-8822

    Be quiet cables told me that each pcie cable can put up to 300w of power so i think its not pigtail its just 2 cables but using only 1 rail. Im using pure power 12m

  17. Sergosh21

    My 600W PSU only has one pigtail with 6+2 on it, and it seems fine powering my 1070 Ti. The official recommended max power draw for this type of cable it 225W but I often ran at 230W with no issues

  18. Beginning_Context_66

    whoops, i have been doing that since i built my pc (i only have two inputs though on a 220W GPU)

  19. HoldMyPitchfork

    Generally they’re used for a GPU that has 3x 8 pin.

    So the first two 8 pin get their own cable and the third gets the pigtail.

    It’s about power restraints on each rail of the PSU. Is it possible to use it with just the pigtail? Yes. But depending on load it’s possible to draw touch from a single rail and cause failure.

  20. ThatGothGuyUK

    You can have two cards in the same PC.

  21. MrInitialY

    My TUF 1KW PSU doesn’t have pigtailed GPU power cables. Just 2 separate PCIE 8-Pin, 12VHPWR to 2x 8-Pin (full-length 2 runs) and a 12VHPWR cable.

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