Why do some GPU's use 6+8 pin and other 8+8?

ERIC J

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Jan 14, 2014
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I wanted to find out why i see some cards that require a 6 and a 8 pin plug to power them and others have two 8 pin plug requirements?
My EVGA gtx760 has a 6+8 but i am using two 6 pin plugs because thats all my psu has but my card works normal?
 


yes it will provide more juice but 6+6 pin will work. most GPUs come with converters 6 pins to 8 pins.
 
A 6 pin and an 8 pin connector have the same number of 12V wires feeding them, 3. The reason that cards use 6 pins or 8 pins is because someone decided to spec that a 6 pin should be used for 75W or less of power, and an 8 pin for 150W or less, so when you have a GPU with a 250W draw you get 75W from the slot, 150W from an 8 pin, and put a 6 pin on there for the rest of the power. It is just a convention to help give you an idea of if your PSU actually has enough power for the card, generally adapters are frowned upon and if you have to use them something went wrong somewhere.

In the end, electrically it doesn't make a difference, it is just a convention to help PSU and GPU makers force users to use a PSU that can safely support the GPU.
 

I think i see now, So would two 6 pin plugs work a evga gtx 770 FTW series even though it has a 6 and a 8 pin plug input? or would it be under volted?
I ask because my evga gtx 760 has a 6 and 8(just like the evga 770 ftw version) and works fine with the two 6 pin plugs from my psu?