Confused by power cables when buying a new graphics card? Don’t just randomly plug in GPU power cables! Choosing the wrong ones or plugging them in incorrectly can result in anything from a system that won’t boot to hardware damage. Beginners, check out this essential guide 👇

Why Can’t You Just Use Any Old Cables?

Mid-to-high-end GPUs consume ≥150W, but motherboards can only provide 75W—the rest must come from power cables! Low-quality cables or loose connections can cause a black screen or even burn out the connectors. Don’t take any chances!

3 Mainstream Connectors | Spot Them at a Glance

🔌 6-pin PCIe: 75W, used for older mid-range cards (like the GTX 960). Most modern cards use a 6+2-pin design—never use two 6-pin connectors to make an 8-pin!

🔌 8-pin PCIe (6+2-pin) [Most Common]: 150W, commonly used for mid-to-high-end cards (RTX 3060/3080, RX 6000 series). Don’t just plug in a 6-pin!

🔌 12VHPWR (Essential for New Cards): Up to 600W, used for the entire RTX 40 series and high-end RX 7000 series models; make sure to plug it in securely, prioritize the original cable, and don’t bend the cable near the connector!

Practical Guide for Beginners: Three Steps to Choosing Cables

1. Check the GPU: Count the number and types of power connectors; 2. Check the PSU: Verify the PCIe connectors; 3. If there aren’t enough connectors, upgrade your PSU—never use a “splitter” cable!

Frequently Asked Questions | Quick Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls

❓ Can cables from different brands be mixed? ❌ No! Pinout may differ—use only original or compatible cables

❓ Are OEM adapters reliable? ✅ Yes, but the two 8-pin connectors must come from different power supply modules

❓ Fan spins but monitor stays dark? Most likely the cable isn’t plugged in securely, or the power supply is underpowered