How to Connect a 6 Pin PSU to 8 Pin GPU (STEPS)

 HOW TO CONNECT A GPU TO PSU

The graphics card or the GPU can be connected to the PSU. It can make a massive difference if you’re into gaming.

This task may not be easy for someone who hasn’t opened and checked the side case of a computer. But if you can spare 10 to 20 minutes, you can sort out this job.

The cover and the PCIe slot present on the motherboard are the major parts to check while doing this task.

Modern GPU’s are connected to the PSU through the PCIe slot.

The motherboard of the PSU consists of more than one slot. To connect it with the GPU, we’ll require x16 or the first slot. The x4 slots are short and cannot be used for this purpose.

The other x16 slots are used for expansion cards or for installing additional GPUs.

 

Tools required to connect a GPU to PSU

• A GPU compatible with your PC
• The primary x16 slot of the motherboard
• Screwdriver
• Cable cutter
• A brush

Before starting with the installation, it is important to make sure the old drives and the GPU is uninstalled and removed. Display Driver Uninstaller is a useful tool that can help you with the process of removal.

After this, check that there is a proper power supply available for the PC. It should be a powerful one capable enough to handle the installation of the new GPU. A perfect PSU would be 500W or 600W.

Connecting the GPU to the PSU

1. Shutdown and switch off your computer properly. The PSU supply should be turned off. For this, the backside switch should be hit.
2. Now, remove the two screws on the side panel using a screwdriver. There will be screws holding onto the GPU. Remove them also.

Unlocking the PCIe Slot:

Next you’ll find the PCIe slot chip. Unlock it. Then take out the GPU without using too much force.

1. Clean the PCIe slot using a brush to remove any debris. Then put inside the new GPU.
2. Slide the GPU into the connector to secure it properly into the slot. Then lock it in every place.
3. The chassis secures the card. To do this, screw the rear bracket properly.
4. Connect PSU cables if required and close down the side panel.

 

Connecting the display connectors

1. Plug the display connectors to the back of the case. This can be HDMI, VGA, DVI, or the DisplayPort.
2. Connect back power supply and switch on your PC. Wait for a few minutes.
3. Once your PC powers up, you can be sure that the installation was a success. Congratulations!

 

ADVICE-

• Install the latest drivers to get the best and effective use of the new GPU. Also, make sure to update your PC with the new software available.
• Sometimes the PC might not switch on or show signals after GPU installation. In that case, double-check that the GPU is correctly installed. Also, check that every cable is connected correctly (both inside and outside the PC).

 

6 PIN Vs 8 PIN CONNECTOR

For a PC, the GPU is the main component. They draw and consume more power as compared to other parts of the PSU. This power is drawn from the primary x16 slot. This is suitable for low to mid-range GPUs. But if you’re using a higher version of GPU, you’ll require the use of external power. These power connectors are of two types: six pins and eight pins. Check out the difference between the two to decide which one you require.

 

6 PIN

A power connector of six pins is the most commonly found and purchased by people. It is capable of supplying power of 75W to a maximum of 100W to the GPU.

• A six-pin PCIe connector is suitable if your GPU requires more than 75W for working.
• The GPU will get 75W supply from the x16 slot of the motherboard and the six-pin connector.
• The mid-range GPUs produced by AMD and NVIDIA has a six-pin power connector attached to it.

 

8 PIN

A power connector of eight-pin delivers superb speed with consistency. It can supply a maximum power of 150W to your GPU.

• It usually comes as a single eight-pin connector or two connectors of six-pin each.
• The GPU will get maximum power of 225W- 75W from the x16 slot of the PSU and 150W from the eight-pin connector.
• Most of the latest GPUs come accompanied with an eight-pin power connector. Some higher-priced versions have both six-pin and eight-pin power connectors.
• The one having both pin connectors deliver a maximum of 300W of power to the GPU.

 

CAN 6 PIN GPU CONNECT TO 8 PIN?

Yes, it is possible to connect a six-pin GPU to an eight-pin connector. It has to be done correctly for the connection to be safe and secure. It works well for the time being. However, it is always suggested by the users to make the switch when possible.

Using an adapter is also a good option if your power supply doesn’t support a 6+2 pin.

 

ADVICE-

• Plugging a six-pin GPU to an eight-pin connection will draw a lot of power. If the power supply fails anytime, it can erase all the data on your PC. This data loss can sometimes be unrecoverable. So, it’s better to replace it with a good quality PSU as and when possible.
• If you’re into gaming, then this setup may not be useful for you. The game can crash after some time all of a sudden.
• Make sure all the connections are made properly. Loose hanging wires can cause connection troubles and electrocution.

 

WILL A 4 PIN CPU CONNECTOR WORK IN AN 8 PIN SOCKET?

You can connect 4-pin CPU connector into 8-pin socket. The PC will automatically detect it and run well. It will draw a lot of power, and the PC will work fast. But most people don’t use it for everyday purposes. This setup is more of a backup plan to be used when your PSU dies down, and you need an immediate power supply. That time a four-pin is handy.

It is essential to know that a four-pin connector on the motherboard is a power supplement. It can be connected in the socket, which may or may not have an eight-pin socket. Either way, it can handle a lot of work and applications easily.

 

ADVICE

• A four-pin connector guarantees an amazing power supply in an eight-pin socket. But sometimes the power drawn can be too much and may crash the system down. If this happens, reboot your PC. It’ll work fine again.
• Don’t overclock or overwork. This can again shut down the system.
• Make sure all the connections are correctly made. Loose hanging wires can cause connection troubles and electrocution.

 

HOW TO CONNECT 6 PIN PSU TO 8 PIN GPU

It is not a difficult task to connect an eight-pin GPU with a power connector of six-pin.

1. Study the setup of the PSU and the GPU. Understand the different ports and plugs.
2. Shutdown the PC. Turn off the PSU supply.
3. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws of the existing GPU carefully.
4. Unlock the PCIe slot and take off the GPU. Remove any debris using a brush.
5. Slide the eight-pin GPU into the six-pin PSU. The other two remaining pins are to be bridged.
6. Screw the rear bracket to make sure that chassis secures the card.
7. Connect the PSU cables if required and turn on the power.

 

ADVICE- You may find the bridging process a little tiring and difficult. There is an alternative to that. You can chop off the two pins carefully. Then saw, sand and solder the remaining pins. Dab some glue on the side of the six-pin PSU and connect it to the eight-pin GPU. The GPU will easily recognize the PSU.

 

WHAT IS THE 4 PIN CONNECTOR ON A MOTHERBOARD FOR?

A four-pin connector on the motherboard provides a dedicated supply of 12V to the CPU of the computer. This supply occurs whenever the CPU requires it. This helps the CPU to draw power from a source dedicated to itself.

The motherboard receives some extra power support with the help of this cable of 12 volts.

The four-pin connector consists of four cables- two yellow-colored and two black colored. By accessing these cables, the motherboard can have more power. They usually support and help the CPU, although it can be used for other purposes.

Most of the computers have cables attached to the four-pin connector. But if your computer lacks such setup, you need to purchase either an adapter or a brand-new power supply. This helps to convert the four-pin connector into the cables supplying 12 volts. This cable is usually termed as P4 or ATX12V cable.

ADVICE – Some computers may not have this four-pin connector. In case your PC comes in this category, then do not worry. The CPU will work correctly without any additional power.

 

WHAT IS THE 6 PIN CONNECTOR ON A MOTHERBOARD FOR?

The six-pin connectors are less commonly found on a motherboard. It also delivers a power of 12 volts. It is mostly used to provide extra and more power to a higher version of GPUs. The supply of power takes place whenever the CPU requires it. This source is mainly dedicated to as a great backup plan for the CPU.

A 6-pin connector cable consists of six cables- three black colored and three yellow-colored.

The motherboard can access more power via these cables. This internal process happens fairly easily without heating your PC. This power supply supports mainly the PC but can be accessed by other components if required.

Most of the computers have cables attached to the six-pin connector. But you’ll be required to purchase either an adapter or a brand-new power supply if your computer lacks such setup. This helps to convert the six-pin connector into the cables supplying 12 volts. This cable is usually termed as ATX 6 pin power supply cable.

ADVICE – It is no big deal in case your PC does not have a six-pin connector. The CPU will work without any troubles in the absence of additional power.

 

WHAT IS THE 8 PIN CONNECTOR ON A MOTHERBOARD FOR?

An eight-pin connector is very uncommon to be found. When two four-pin connectors are put together, it forms an eight-pin connector.

The function is the same as a four-pin or a six-pin connector- to supply an additional power of 12 volts. This power is processed whenever the CPU requires it.

The costliest versions of GPU require such setup. It is mainly used by hardcore gamers to keep up the game flow and higher operations.

The dedicated slot provides 12 volts of power to the CPU of your computer. It consists of eight cables- four black colored and four yellow-colored. Using these eight cables, the motherboard can have more power to work. Some other components can also access this power without heating your PC.

Most of the computers have cables attached to the eight-pin connector. If it’s not there, don’t worry.

Simply purchase either an adapter or a brand-new power supply if your computer lacks it. This helps to convert the eight-pin connector into the cables supplying 12 volts. This cable is usually termed as ATX 8 pin power supply cable.

ADVICE- It’s possible that your computer has only a four-pin connector and that you wish to upgrade it to an eight-pin connector. It can be quickly done with the use of additional cables.

 

PC WON’T BOOT USING 8 PIN CPU POWER CONNECTOR

Carelessness while making adjustments to the vrm heatsinks can make the pc not to boot up. This problem can also happen if the eight-pin power connector isn’t properly fixed to the PC. The following steps can help fix the issue:

• Check all the connections after switching off the PC. Reset it if needed.
• Switch on the PC and wait for at least 10 to 20 minutes.

ADVICE- Contact a computer expert if the problem persists.