Help! Should I buy another PCI-e Cable?
Posted by mrmoonjr@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Hi,
here is my part list for reference. https://pcpartpicker.com/b/JBFgXL
I was building my PC and realized that the PSU came with 3 regular PCI-e cables (8-pin) and one pigtail PCI-e connector. I have 2 CPU power slots and 3x PCI-e. slots on my GPU.
I don't want to use a pig tail (as the GPU manufacturer doesn't recommend it). My PSU does have an extra PCI-e slot on the PSU. Is it okay if buy an aftermarket 8 pin cable?
VoraciousGorak@reddit
You can use the pigtail connector.
mrmoonjr@reddit (OP)
Sorry, I just edited it. My PSU came with 3x 8 pin connectors and one pig tail 8 pin connector. 2 of the 8 pin connectors are going to CPU power 1 and CPU power 2. One 8 pin connector is going to my GPU. However, my GPU needs a total of 3x 8 pin connectors. For the remaining two 8 pin connections I was wondering if it is okay to use a pig tail 8 pin connector or if I should buy two separate single 8 pin connectors.
VoraciousGorak@reddit
Your CPU also only requires one CPU power connector, unless you have (A) a very high wattage CPU that you are (B) heavily overclocking.
mrmoonjr@reddit (OP)
I just checked my cables: there are 2x 8 pin cables labeled CPU (they are a 2x 4-pin on the end that goes into the mother board). Can I use one of those on my graphics card?
VoraciousGorak@reddit
No, the pinouts are exactly opposite. CPU and PCI-E are not interchangeable on the device end.
mrmoonjr@reddit (OP)
Ah okay. I think I'm going to need to buy another PCIE (6+2) cable.
VoraciousGorak@reddit
Ohh, I understand what you were saying earlier. Looking at your power supply though it looks like it came with three PCI-E connectors, one single cable and one with the pigtail. Do you still have that single PCI-E cable?
If not, be sure to get one that matches your power supply. Not just any cable will work, it will need the same pinouts on the PSU end. If you get the wrong cable it could more or less instantly destroy anything it's plugged into.
mrmoonjr@reddit (OP)
Maybe it's safer for me to return the PSU and get a different one?
HayesBrewery@reddit
This. I've never heard of SAMA, and if they aren't giving you enough cords or the right ones I've never seen this happen. You should have more than you need.
I noticed this is under $100. I would just get a Corsair or Seasonic. There are plenty of places to save money, but PSU isn't the right place.
PixelPete27@reddit
Sama G850 is actually an A tier PSU.
HayesBrewery@reddit
Meh, still never heard of them. A Tier on paper just not my deal. And for the price I wonder what the trade off is.
I could be with, I just don't skimp on this part. Personal preference.
VoraciousGorak@reddit
The G850 is A- tier. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1akCHL7Vhzk_EhrpIGkz8zTEvYfLDcaSpZRB6Xt6JWkc/htmlview?gid=1973454078#gid=1078495601
Overall though if it's missing cables it's not doing its job anyway, so yeah, returning and swapping out is valid.
PixelPete27@reddit
It should have 3x 6+2 pin for the GPU and 2x EPS cables for the CPU.
So if they're not there, somebody messed up.
PixelPete27@reddit
That PSU should come with 2x EPS connectors and 3x PCIe 6+2 connectors.
The 2 EPS are for your CPU, the 3x 6+2 pin are for your GPU.