Can I use any PCIe cable from my PSU to my GPU?

stevenjlloyd1201

Prominent
Oct 17, 2017
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510
Hello everyone,

I've read through quite a lot of the conversations and I'm still unsure.
Basically I just bought a GTX 980 ti, and I'm going to install it instead of a GTX 780.
Here is the question, my old graphics card has 1 cable with a 6+2 pin that fits into the 8pin opening in the card, but now with the new graphics card (980 ti) there are 2x8pin so I need a new cable.

My PSU is a AX760i... and what most of my friends are telling me is that I can only use the specific cables for that PSU into the graphics card, or else it might fry the card.

But on the other hand, I asked the IT guy at my compagny and he just game me a PCIe cable which starts as a 12pin from the PSU, and then splits into 2x6+2pin at the end. He says it will work because the PSU is controling the flow so the cables have nothing to do with it...


So I am stuck at a point where my friends are yelling at me and telling me my GPU is going to burn, and my IT guy who just gives me a cable and says it'll be fine!

Quite a funny situation but I'm really confused on what to do.
Thanks for reading and for all your answers.
 
Solution
It's easy enough to check before plugging it into the GPU, because there are only two voltages. The yellow wires are +12v and the black ones are GND. If the measured voltages don't match the PCIe plug pinout in the right places, then yes it would fry your GPU.

There is no standard wiring configuration for the PSU end of modular cables so they can be wired in any way the PSU manufacturer decides, even differently between models from the same manufacturer. So you have to check with a voltmeter.
 


Hello Steven :)

While the PSU does control the flow the user doesn't have the luxury of using any PCIe cable. I must admit I had no clue which PSU you had. What the bleep is AXI? A simple Google revealed Corsair. Looked a bit shady there for a second. Anyways, back to your dilema. The GFX card receives up to 75W from the PCIe x16 slot. Should a card need more than that one or more 6 pin supplemental power cable(s) may be available depending on the PSU. They provide up to an additional 75W. Should a card be even hungrier it may need one or more 8 pin cable. Each 8 pin provides up to an additional 150W.

The IT guy gave you a 12 pin PCIe cable. Gaming GFX card's accept 6 or 8 pin. Your card needs 2 8 pins. You have an 8 pin. How exactly are you supposed to connect his mystery cable? With 4 pin molex connectors like a 6 or 8 pin PCIe adapter cable needs? Let's not get too deep into that because my answer is DON'T USE THOSE CABLES!!!!!!

I look to the PSU's specs. and see
PCI-EXPRESS 6+2-PIN CONNECTORS
6

You only need two 8 pins. That PSU has everything you need.

That is an IT guy. I somehow doubt that he's a gamer.

P.S. DON'T USE THE IT GUY'S CABLES!!!!
 
Solution


You're welcome. I'm glad we could help.

We answered your question but I can't see anything on the other side of the = sign. Do you have the card plugged in now with the PSU's supplied cables?
 

stevenjlloyd1201

Prominent
Oct 17, 2017
6
0
510


Basically I've got to order new PCIe cables from corsair directly.

I am terribly mad because I went to a computer shop at lunch and the guy told me my PSU created 460W (big lie) and I needed 600W (true) for the GPU and was trying to sell me a new one. :(

So with the combination of all the answers and mainly you telling not to try the IT guy's cable, my GPU has survived and will live a much longer life! :pt1cable: Hurrrrrrrrayyyyy!!

So the big conclusion is I have to buy new PCIe cables which I thank @helpstar for the link!

Thanks again!
 


You have my apologies. I am still confuzzled. Your PSU has 6 x 6+2 PCIe cables. Your card needs two of those. You say you need to buy new cables. Does that mean you have lost some PCIe cables?
 

stevenjlloyd1201

Prominent
Oct 17, 2017
6
0
510


Hahaha, yes.
Because I got my PC about 4 years ago AND it was my father that unpaqued it originally, I asked him if there was any other bags of cables and he said no. But I did go to the shop I bought the PC from and they said they put everything with the PC in an extra bag.
So to be honest, my father probably just lost that bag! :pfff:
It's not that big of a deal because they are only 5 bucks per PCIe cable, and I already have 1.
 


Clear the picture is now. Thanks for that :D