How many pins does my GPU need?

[HK_Gail]

I am confused about how many pins my GPU needs connected to my PSU.

GPU: Sapphire r9 290 Tri-X
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=1227&pid=2091&psn=000101&lid=1

PSU: Antec HCG 850M/850W
http://www.antec.com/pdf/flyers/HCG-850M_EN.pdf

The two cables which came with the GPU don't fit into the PSU, one doesn't even reach it. I had many choices of how many pins to connect to the GPU with the cables that came with the PSU. How many pins does it need connected, will it blow up if I connect too many, and will it blow up if I use the wrong cable? Sorry for noobie questions. This is my first build.

 

[Gam3r01]

It takes (1) 6 pin, and (1) 8 pin PCI connector.

 

[Pinhedd]

I am confused about how many pins my GPU needs connected to my PSU.

GPU: Sapphire r9 290 Tri-X
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=1227&pid=2091&psn=000101&lid=1

PSU: Antec HCG 850M/850W
http://www.antec.com/pdf/flyers/HCG-850M_EN.pdf

The two cables which came with the GPU don't fit into the PSU, one doesn't even reach it. I had many choices of how many pins to connect to the GPU with the cables that came with the PSU. How many pins does it need connected, will it blow up if I connect too many, and will it blow up if I use the wrong cable? Sorry for noobie questions. This is my first build.

Hi,

Your GPU requires one 6 pin PCIe connector and one 8 pin PCIe connector.

Most PSUs above 650 watts typically come with at minimum one of each. These may be in the form of 6+2 connectors which can be used for either a 6 pin or an 8 pin connection, the cable and hardware are suitable for either.

Do not use the 6/8 pin to 4 pin cables that came with the PSU. These can be dangerous to use as the cables that they connect to are not necessarily rated to deliver the required amount of current. If used on a shoddy PSU (your is not, but I'm just stating so for the sake of brevity) this can cause permanent damage and possibly start a fire. If you're not one to keep connectors around, cut them in half so that they cannot be used and throw them out.

According to the brochure that you provided for your PSU, it comes equipped with 4 x 6+2 pin PCIe connectors. You need to connect two of these to your GPU. One will have all 8 pins connected, and one will have the two additional pins dangling. Once those are connected and the GPU is secured you should be able to start up your PC without issue.

 

[HK_Gail]

Thanks Pinhedd. Does it matter that the 6+2 pin PCIe cables that came with my PSU don't have the same number of pins on both ends? The end that is supposed to connect to the PSU has less pins.

 

[HK_Gail]

Sorry. I phrased that question oddly. I have 2 cables, each with an 8 pin connection to the gpu and 2 6+2 pin connections at the other end. One of those cables alone will fill up the 14 pins in my gpu, but is still only connected to the psu with 8 pins. Do I have to use both cables? I worry that using just one will not give the gpu enough power because it only has 8 pins in the psu.

 

[Pinhedd]

Sorry. I phrased that question oddly. I have 2 cables, each with an 8 pin connection to the gpu and 2 6+2 pin connections at the other end. One of those cables alone will fill up the 14 pins in my gpu, but is still only connected to the psu with 8 pins. Do I have to use both cables? I worry that using just one will not give the gpu enough power because it only has 8 pins in the psu.

One of those cables should be fine. The actual cables themselves can carry tons of current, the concern is more to do with the current generating hardware inside of the PSU itself.