Can I run a GPU when not all the PCI-E GPU sockets are full?

[inQntrol]

Hey,

I was wondering if I could run a graphics card with a 8-pin connector and leave the last 6-pin socket without anything in it (because i dont have any more cables to put into that hole) and it still working perfectly fine.

I think I can do this, but it will run at half speed or something. just thought i'd check it with you guys to see if i am right.

 

[Luminary]

Hello inQntrol,

No, you need to get a power supply that has the required PCIe cables in order the run the GPU correctly. If it does turn on at all it won't be getting the correct power and could potentially damage the card or short the PSU.

 

[inQntrol]

is it possible that i can buy a 6pin splitter or something from amazon, and that being able to work?

 

[Luminary]

I don't recommend it.

Power adapters for graphics cards aren't a good idea, again you run the risk of shorting the PSU or damaging the graphics card.

You need to upgrade your PSU to a model that fully supports the graphics card you want to use. That is by far the best solution.

 

[inQntrol]

thanks for the help. ill look at some new PSUs

 

[Luminary]

You're most welcome, if you want a second opinion on PSU's after taking a browse yourself plese feel free to ask.

 

[Epsilon_0EVP]

In case you do try it, there is a slight chance the computer will boot with one connector missing. However, it will not be stable, and it will be extremely unstable if it does boot at all. Definitely not recommended.

Furthermore, if your PSU doesn't have enough connectors, it is extremely unlikely that you have enough power to feed the graphics card. By trying to run it like this, you run the risk of running your PSU over capacity, which can be very dangerous. What graphics card and PSU are you using?

 

[inQntrol]

Planning on running a GTX 960 4GB by gigabyte (requires 400w) which has a 8x6pin and i have a enermax triathlor (something like 550w or more, sticker got removed by the guy who built this pc 3 years ago for some reason). i checked my PCI-E cables and I have a 6pin with an extra 2pin to make the 4pin.

on another note, any good cheap suggestions for a psu? im on a tight budget here

 

[Epsilon_0EVP]

Well, the good news is that this Enermax PSU doesn't seem to be an immediate threat. I can't fathom why it doesn't have enough PCI-E connectors, but it seems to be a rather stable PSU. Which is too bad, really, because you are going to need to get a new PSU when the current one is apparently perfectly fine.

Interestingly, when I look up the Enermax Triathlor 550W on the Enermax website, it claims that the PSU has two PCI-E connectors. Even the 450W version is supposed to have two. The only version that is supposed to have only one PCI-E connector is the 385W version. So you might actually have a much weaker PSU than you think, which means you probably should replace it to run your graphics card.

If you do need to replace your PSU, some of the best PSU's you can get would be Seasonic-made PSU's, although they tend to be pricey. The XFX 500W is around $70 USD, and is overall a very good unit. It has 3 of the 6+2 pin connectors, so it should have more than enough connections for your graphics card. If you need to go cheaper, the CX 500 has enough connectors as well for only about $50, but it would actually be a downgrade in quality.

 

[inQntrol]

yeah, im not exactly sure what type of PSU i actually have since the sticker was removed. luckily i found that out before i actually tried anything lmao.

Also, I'm not too fussed about quality. i'd gladly take that corsair PSU, as long as it lasts me up to a year (or longer) to the point where I can buy a better one later on.

 

[Epsilon_0EVP]

The Corsair should definitely be good for that. It's not the best quality unit around, but it is quite sufficient for lower power cards like the 960.

 

[IHkid806]

I got an XFX TS 550 for 26.99 after rebate from Newegg. If you're in no hurry to upgrade your GPU you can find a deal on a good quality PSU.