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Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin?

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diftow
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2016/06/30 03:15:43 (permalink)
My PSU has a 6 pin & 8 pin connector for PCI-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001
Had this baby for 8 years :) Fan died inside of her, but I took her apart and added a nice LED fan with good RPM ^_^

Would something like this be okay?
https://www.amazon.com/JacobsParts-6-pin-8-pin-Express-Converter/dp/B00JLTCMFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467281496&sr=8-1&keywords=6-Pin+to+8-Pin+PCI+Express+Converter+Cable
Any recommendations?
#1

27 Replies Related Threads

    Dschijn
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 04:26:04 (permalink)
    Your PSU has three 12V rails. Each can maintain a load of 19A which results in 228W (which is a bit more than 225W).
    If your 6/8-Pin is from a single connection, than they will share the same rail and can only provide the load of a 6-pin (75W) and a 8-pin (150W).
    If you connect the adapter and the card needs more than the provided amount, your system will crash.
     
    Which GPU do you want to connect to it?
    #2
    RandyRick
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 05:12:38 (permalink)
    If you exceed the 19A and don't have another PCI-E connector on another power supply 12v phase, then consider using an adapter like this connected to the Molex on another power phase: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA1K41A5262&cm_re=molex_to_8-pin-_-9SIAA1K41A5262-_-Product
     

     
     
    #3
    Dschijn
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 05:20:40 (permalink)
    2 x Molex to 8-Pin? That sounds crazy. 2 x Molex 4 pin to 6-Pin is fine, but to 8-Pin? IDK.... Wouldn't do that!
    #4
    RandyRick
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 05:56:48 (permalink)
    Dschijn
    2 x Molex to 8-Pin? That sounds crazy. 2 x Molex 4 pin to 6-Pin is fine, but to 8-Pin? IDK.... Wouldn't do that!


    What are the wire Gauges? If the wires are the same as the wires to an 8pin pci-e, then they should take the current draw. 
    #5
    Dschijn
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 05:59:17 (permalink)
    Yeah, but the plug itself... I don't think that it was designed to provide 75W.
    #6
    diftow
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 06:03:21 (permalink)
    Dschijn
    Which GPU do you want to connect to it?


    The GTX 1080 FTW, which is 215W, so I think it's safe.
    Right now I have a GTX 580, which I think has a max draw of 244W.
    #7
    Dschijn
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 06:06:27 (permalink)
    Yeah should work. The 2x8-Pin are much more than the card will ever need ;)
    Since a 6+8-Pin would have worked as well with your PSU, the 2x8-Pin will work, because of the "low" load.
    #8
    3etatester
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 06:08:36 (permalink)
    Might be best (and safer) to spring for a new PSU with the proper 6+2 pcie connector.

    I wouldn't recommend straight 6 to 8 conversion.

    There may still be 6 pin pcie out there but I'm sure the vast majority will be 6+2 and may even have a second if should decide to upgrade in the future.
    post edited by 3etatester - 2016/06/30 07:32:03

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    #9
    RandyRick
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 06:23:24 (permalink)
    Dschijn
    Yeah, but the plug itself... I don't think that it was designed to provide 75W.


    Think about it. Is the insulating plastic in a molex, or the spacing any different than that in a pci-e connector? 
     
    Was a molex designed for this, no. That said, there are molex's on 1000 watt single rail 12v power supplies where there may be 50+ amps available. But a single wire won't be able to carry that entire load.  We've hijacked this thread and I won't come back here again on this topic. We should start a topic elsewhere if needed.
     
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    post edited by RandyRick - 2016/06/30 07:01:37
    #10
    RandyRick
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 06:26:00 (permalink)
    3etatester
    Might be best (and safer) to spring for a new PSU with the proper 6+2 pcie connector.

    I wouldn't recommend straight 6 to 8 conversion.

    There may still be 6 pin pcie out there but I'm sure the vast majority will be 6+8 and may even have a second if should decide to upgrade in the future.



    the 'new' AMD 480 has a single 6 pin pci-e connector. fyi
     
     
    #11
    3etatester
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 07:30:25 (permalink)
    Whoops, meant 6+2 connectors for the PSU.  
     
    Totally aware of GPU's with single six connectors.  Those won't ever go away unless the standards change.

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    #12
    hansot85
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 09:21:35 (permalink)
    I'd totally forgot shoehorning this idea too and buy a new PSU.
    #13
    RandyRick
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 09:47:21 (permalink)
    hansot85
    I'd totally forgot shoehorning this idea too and buy a new PSU.

    probably the best answer. ^^
    #14
    EVGA_JacobF
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 09:49:53 (permalink)
    The EVGA cards come with dual 6 to 8pin adapters.


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    Sajin
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 10:20:43 (permalink)
    8 year psu?!?! Time to replace that thing.
    #16
    diftow
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 11:35:22 (permalink)
    Sajin
    8 year psu?!?! Time to replace that thing.



    Why replace what works fine? That's a waste of money, and I'm not made of it :P
    My computer case is even older, 2006. Haven't had to replace any of the fans yet.
    #17
    transdogmifier
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 11:39:13 (permalink)
    diftow
    Sajin
    8 year psu?!?! Time to replace that thing.



    Why replace what works fine? That's a waste of money, and I'm not made of it :P
    My computer case is even older, 2006. Haven't had to replace any of the fans yet.



    Capacitors degrade over time though....you're probably not getting the correct power cleanly anymore...
     
    Though I might try to repair my 1200W Corsair when the time comes (it's 4 years old as it is)

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    #18
    Sajin
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 11:40:42 (permalink)
    diftow
    Sajin
    8 year psu?!?! Time to replace that thing.



    Why replace what works fine? That's a waste of money, and I'm not made of it :P
    My computer case is even older, 2006. Haven't had to replace any of the fans yet.


    Your ripple could be out of spec. Out of spec ripple can damage hardware. http://www.gamersnexus.ne...e-ripple-and-relevance
    #19
    diftow
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 12:00:01 (permalink)
    Voltage meters are pretty cheap at Walmart, couldn't I just test this?
    #20
    Sajin
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 12:06:28 (permalink)
    diftow
    Voltage meters are pretty cheap at Walmart, couldn't I just test this?


    You'll need an oscilloscope to measure psu ripple.
    #21
    diftow
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 12:13:51 (permalink)
    I don't think the PSU is a problem atm, but I will replace soon to avoid future issues since it is pretty old.

    I think I'll buy this, so I have the option of Dual SLI in the future.
    http://www.newegg.com/Pro...438061&ignorebbr=1
    #22
    HeavyHemi
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 12:17:53 (permalink)
    Each 4 pin molex connector is rated at 13 amps. Using two of them, is more than adequate to make an 8 pin PEG connector using the adapter. However, while doable, I'm not a fan of using these types of rigged connections for expensive products.

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    #23
    Tech_RayH
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 12:30:01 (permalink)
    RandyRick


    We would strong recommend not using this adapter with our PSUs or graphics cards, a single Molex is designed to provide 33 watts of power two can provide 66 watts, but the PCIe specification for an 8-pin PCIe plug is 150 watts, far beyond what 2xMolex can provide. We allow 2xMolex to 6-pin PCIe because that is only designed to provide 75 watts, but even those are not recommended for permanent installations.

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    #24
    HeavyHemi
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 13:06:01 (permalink)
    EVGATech_RayH
    RandyRick


    We would strong recommend not using this adapter with our PSUs or graphics cards, a single Molex is designed to provide 33 watts of power two can provide 66 watts, but the PCIe specification for an 8-pin PCIe plug is 150 watts, far beyond what 2xMolex can provide. We allow 2xMolex to 6-pin PCIe because that is only designed to provide 75 watts, but even those are not recommended for permanent installations.


    Nah...each pin is rated at over 8 amps and the standard wire gauge is 18. They use the same gauge wire as PEG connectors. So electrically, using two molex would give you the same load capacity as an eight pin PEG. The limiting factor would be the OCP point for whatever rail the molex connector is attached to. All that aside, I agree it isn't a reliable or recommended configuration.

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    Wingless Wonder
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 14:32:05 (permalink)
    diftow
    The GTX 1080 FTW, which is 215W, so I think it's safe.
    Right now I have a GTX 580, which I think has a max draw of 244W.

    diftow
    I don't think the PSU is a problem atm, but I will replace soon to avoid future issues since it is pretty old.

    I think I'll buy this, so I have the option of Dual SLI in the future.
    http://www.newegg.com/Pro...438061&ignorebbr=1

    I'm curious as to why you might consider 2-way SLI using GTX 1080s when a single GTX 580 sufficed for many, many years. Are you really going to spend the money on a 4k monitor or multiple surround setup?

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    #26
    diftow
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 16:42:47 (permalink)
    Wingless Wonder
    diftow
    The GTX 1080 FTW, which is 215W, so I think it's safe.
    Right now I have a GTX 580, which I think has a max draw of 244W.

    diftow
    I don't think the PSU is a problem atm, but I will replace soon to avoid future issues since it is pretty old.

    I think I'll buy this, so I have the option of Dual SLI in the future.
    http://www.newegg.com/Pro...438061&ignorebbr=1

    I'm curious as to why you might consider 2-way SLI using GTX 1080s when a single GTX 580 sufficed for many, many years. Are you really going to spend the money on a 4k monitor or multiple surround setup?



    I'm a graphics artist. The extra GPU speeds up rendering and editing performance. Try Vray Adv (Cpu only) vs Vray RT (CPU & GPU)
    #27
    Wingless Wonder
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    Re: Can I convert a 6 pin PSU cable to 8 pin? 2016/06/30 19:18:26 (permalink)
    diftow
    I'm a graphics artist. The extra GPU speeds up rendering and editing performance. Try Vray Adv (Cpu only) vs Vray RT (CPU & GPU)

    Good choice. The consumer NVIDIA cards are a heckuva lot less expensive than a Quadro.

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    #28
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