Graphics Cards

[RomatebitegeL]

Is there a problem if I run my RX 6900 XT Red Devil Ultimate with only 2 8-pin connectors when there should be 3 connected? My current 1000w PSU only had 2 cables available and I may need to buy a new PSU or extra cable.

So far there have been no issues, but I wonder if perhaps having 2 cables when 3 is needed may cause issues such as lag, stuttering or other issues not known to me.

I have read about other users using 2 8-pin connectors with their graphics cards when 3 is needed without any issues, and I am therefore wondering if this is the case and if the third cable is not necessarily necessary and that it may work exactly the same without it?

Thanks for replying.

Peace!

[elstaci]

Those 3 PCIe Power cables provide the needed power the GPU card will need when under heavy loads or stress or overclocking. 

Found this GPU tech site that explains all about PCIe GPU Power cables  and adapters. You might find it helpful when you decide to purchase another PCIe GPU Power cable or adapter: https://www.gpumag.com/gpu-power-connectors-explained/

NOTE: Personally I would connect all 3 PCIe GPU Power cables to your GPU card. Since it is a high wattage GPU card.

[RomatebitegeL]

Thank you for the reply. I did look into the article and it was an interesting read, and already the RTX 2080 ti used 3 8-pin connectors as well.

But as to my questions,  there is no dangers with using only 2 pins as opposed to 3? And no performance will be lost provided the GPU is not requiring more wattage than the 2 cables are capable of delivering?

[elstaci]

Tell you what, why don't you open a AMD SUPPORT Ticket and ask them directly from here: https://www.amd.com/en/support/contact-email-form]

They might be able to answer your question. But I bet they will say to connect all the power cables to the GPU Card.

[RomatebitegeL · Accepted solution]

This was their response:

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Thank you for the email.

Please be informed that the recommended Extension Power Connector for power supply is Three 8-pin and if you are not experiencing any performance issue with the powercolor Red Devil Ultimate RX 6900 XT graphics card then you may use 2 cables.

However I would suggest you to please use the recommended PSU power connector to avoid GPU performance issue and for more details about powercolor Red Devil Ultimate RX 6900 XT graphics card please refer the below link:

https://www.powercolor.com/product?id=1617682980#spe

Thank you for contacting AMD.

[GreatnessRD]

That's a breath of fresh air response from AMD Support. Color me impressed. I just knew they would give the usual canned response of "Use the recommended specs or else". Long as you don't overclock it, it should have enough power supplied under stock or unvolted settings. But I'd still tell you look into getting that third connector from your PSU manufacturer. Two things I ain't playin' around with in my system, the PSU and the GPU.