GPU Connector Types Explained: Things To Know

Imagine building the perfect gaming PC, putting everything together, only to realize that you have run into issues because of the GPU connector not being compatible to the power supply you are using.

This is a common issue that most people face, and the best thing that you should be doing in such a situation is educating yourself just enough so you know nothing goes wrong.

That is why in this post, we are exploring the GPU connector types. The simplest reason here is that we want everyone to be fully aware of the GPU connector types, so they don’t end up doing something that is not supposed to be done.

With that out of the way, let’s have a look, shall we?

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List of Different GPU Connector Types

We are now going to look at the different GPU connector types that you get to see in the market. The more you know, the better. It is also worth noting that most of the time, a single GPU can have multiple connectors.

So, you might see a GPU with one 6-pin and one 8-pin connector, and yes, that is completely normal, in case you are confused. With that out of the way, let’s have a look.

6-Pin Connector

The first one is a 6-pin connector, perhaps one of the most common types of connectors that you can find in some RTX 3000 cards and most commonly in RTX 2000 series and older cards.

Slowly, moving forward, the 6-pin power connectors are no longer in use, and people are more inclined towards 6-pin connectors.

A single 6-pin connector is capable of providing additional 75 watts on top of the 75 watts that is provided by the PCI-express slot.

8-Pin Connector

Moving on, we have the 8-pin connector that is most prevalent in the RTX 3000 series GPUs and some of the older GPUs.

This looks almost identical to the 6-pin connector that we have talked about before, but with the biggest difference being the fact that this time around, you are looking at 8 pins in total.

Now, the oddest thing here is that in comparison to the 75 watts on a 6-pin connector.

An 8-pin connector is capable of delivering 150 watts of power on top of the 75 watts of power from the PCI-express slot.

Giving you a total of 225 watts of power, which is more than enough to drive affordable GPUs in the market.

6+2 Pin Connector

This is something that often confuses people when you are talking about connectors. A 6+2 pin connector is essentially the same as an 8-pin connector, with the only difference being that if you don’t need the additional two pins, you can always detach it.

This is made to make it more convenient for users who are not sure whether their GPU is going to use 8 pins or 6 pins. So, you are getting a single connector that can act as both.

12-Pin Connector

With the release of the RTX 3000 series, Nvidia introduced a 12-pin power connector on some of the RTX 3000 series models, and while it might seem like something that is very confusing for a lot of people, you have to understand that this connector is not to be confused with the 12VHPWR connector.

The 12-pin we are talking about is able to draw 600W on a single rail, which should be more than enough for some of the most powerful GPUs on the market.

PCIe x16 Slot

The PCIe x16 slot is not really a connector, but considering how it provides power, too. It is important to look at this one, as well.

For those wondering, you are looking at 75 watts of power through this connector, which is not enough for modern-day GPUs, but hey, you do need the slot for any card to work in the first place.

Pigtail PCIe Cables

This can be confusing for a lot of people, but pigtail PCIe cables are the ones that are split into different connectors.

They are easily available and are often used to ensure that the GPU is being delivered the right amount of power without any confusion or complications coming in the way.

So, you should definitely be using it if you don’t have any other options.

Converters Or Adapters

Moving on, you have connectors or adapters. There was a time when there used to be Molex to PCIe express connectors, but that is no longer the case, but you still get some other adapters or converters, whatever you wish to call them as.

Let’s not waste time and have a look at them, shall we? Considering how they are just as important in the process.

2x 8-Pin To 12-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

If you are looking to use one of the newer 12-pin PCIe connectors, then going for a 2x 8-pin to 12-pin PCIe connector is the way to go.

This is important if your PSU does not have a direct cable, and in such cases, you can go ahead and make use of these cables.

There is nothing wrong with it, so you will be all set as far as connecting these cables are concerned. Just be sure that you are getting the right cable, and you are good to go.

6-Pin To 8-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

The other option you have are the 6-pin to 8-pin PCIe adapter cables that have become a lot more common in the modern day and age.

They are simple to use, easy and can work wonders for those who are not able to find a cable that directly runs from their PC.

Again, finding these connectors is not a hard thing to do, but most modern computers won’t need it.

Should I use any kind of adapter or splitter for powering the GPU?

We would advise using the higher-quality of adapters or splitters for powering the GPU to ensure that you are not running into any drastic problems that can ruin your GPU.

It is an important thing to note in the first place. As long as the connectors you are using are of good quality, you really will not have any issues coming in the way, and you will be good to go.

Maximum Power Consumption Of GPUs Table

Understanding the power consumption of GPUs can be a tricky thing to do, to be honest, but don’t worry. We are going to make it easier for you in this post as you can just look into what seems like a good deal to you, and we can be settled with you in no time.

PCIe x16 Slot	6-pin Connector	8-pin Connector	12-pin Connector	Total Power
75W	—	—	—	75W
75W	75W	—	—	150W
75W	2x 75W	—	—	225W
75W	—	150W	—	225W
75W	75W	150W	—	300W
75W	—	2x 150W	—	375W
75W	—	3x 150W	—	525W
75W	—	—	600W	675W
75W	—	—	2x 600W	1275W

Are all 8-pin connectors the same?

In theory, yes. All the 8-pin connectors that you find in the market are made in a way that can deliver 150 watts of power.

There are 6+2-pin connectors that, when joined, can become 8-pin connectors, and deliver the same amount of power.

Can I just plug and play a new graphics card?

In most cases, yes. If you are using the GPU from the same company, then there shouldn’t be an issue.

However, if you are shifting from one GPU family to another, you might want to completely uninstall the drivers and reinstall the new ones.

Related GPU articles:

– My Final Verdict:

If you are having issues with understanding GPU connector types, then you can go ahead and use this post to get a better understanding. The whole article is here to help you break down various connector types for an easier understanding.