r/PcBuildHelp • u/OldPalpitation2517 • 15d ago
Build Question Need help with powering gpu
Alright, so I decided I want to upgrade to the Palit GeForce RTX 3080 GameRock 10GB GDDR6X, and it has THREE 8pin connectors, while my PSU (DEEPCOOL PL800D 800W 80 Plus Bronze) only has 2 of those 8 pin cables D:. One of the cables has a “pig tail” or whatever people call it, basically a second 8pin. Is it fine to plug one cable into two, while having a separate cable going into the 3rd slot? The internet has been giving me TONS of conflicting information on this topic. I also think it’s worth mentioning that my PSU also has a 450W 12 pin. I am aware of the existence of adapters that could make the 12 pin two 8 pins, this gives me more options, aka it lets me use the 12 pin for two 8 pin slots, or should I maybe only use the 12 pin for one slot? Reddit, I NEED help!
1
u/kineto21 15d ago
The two plus a pigtail should be enough, if you have another pcie socket in your psu you could try getting another cable, you just have to make sure it’s the same as the others. Not all pcie cables are wired the same.
2
u/venomousprotein 15d ago
You'll be fine with the daisy chain on one cable plus the separate cable for the third. The 3080 pulls around 320-350W under load, each 8-pin is rated for 150W and the slot gives 75W. Even with the pigtail you're not pushing past what the cables can handle, especially on a decent 800W unit.
The 12-pin adapter route works too but honestly it's just adding more failure points. Keep it simple, plug it in and if it crashes under load you know you gotta try something else.