Graphics Card PCI-E 6-Pin & 8-Pin Connectors Tutorial

Graphics Card PCI-E 6-Pin & 8-Pin Connectors Tutorial

A graphics card is an important component of a computer, and it often consumes more energy than other components. Budget-level or non-mid-size graphics cards use the PCI Express x16 slot for power, however higher-mid-range and high-end graphics cards require external power from the PSU due to their own operation. Outside power for all of these powerful graphics cards comes from the power source’s 6-pin and 8-pin PCI-Express power connectors.

I’ll go through the graphics card’s power requirements as well as its own PCI-E power ports in this section. The various connectors used to supply power to graphics cards are listed below. Every current graphics card has a PCI Express x16 connector that connects to your motherboard’s PCI Express x16 slot. The PCI Express x16 connector connects your pictures to the motherboard and is also the only communication channel. A PCI Express x16 slot machine may deliver a maximum of 75 Watts to the graphics card, which is sufficient for low-cost, low-profile, and low-cost graphics cards. Some mid-range graphics cards can run on power from the PCI Express x16 slot, but high-end graphics cards and luxury graphics cards require extra power via 6-pin and 8-pin power connectors from the PSU.

This card’s PCI-Express x16 connector is shown below. A 6-pin power connector may deliver up to 75 watts to the card. If your graphics card’s power consumption is larger than 75W, it will be powered via a single 6-pin PCI-E power connector. Because it will get 75W in the PCI Express x16 slot and 75W in the 6-pin connector, a graphics card with a single 6-pin power connector may have a maximum energy usage of 150 Watt. The bulk of Nvidia and AMD’s mid-range graphics cards come with the entire 6-pin power connector. For a graphics card, the 8-pin power connector may deliver up to 150W. If your graphics card’s power consumption exceeds 150W, it will almost certainly come with an 8-pin connection or two 6-pin connectors.

A graphics card with a single 8-pin power connector can draw up to 225W from the power source, 75W from the PCI Express x16 slot, and 150W from the 8-pin connector. The 8-pin power connector is found on the most recent high-end graphics cards, and some of the most power-hungry top-end graphics cards may feature both 6-pin and 8-pin connectors or two 8-pin connectors.
Check out the Best Power Supply for High-End Graphics Cards.
Nvidia’s top-tier graphics card, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, is seen here with both 8-pin and 6-pin connectors. The maximum power usage of this card is 250 watts. If your power source lacks 6-pin or 8-pin connections, you can power your card with these 6-pin and 8-pin converters or power jack wires.

4-Pin Molex into 6-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

If your graphics card takes a 6-pin power connector but your PSU  does not have one then you may take advantage of this 4-pin Molex into 6-pin converter to power your own card. Some converters need two 4-pin Molex converter plus a few need you. You may take a look at the entire include the link provided below.

4-Pin Molex into 8-Pin PCIe Power Adapter Cable

This power adapter cable utilizes 2 4-pin standard Molex connectors and converts it into an 8-pin PCIe power connector to be used in mid-range to luxury graphics cards.

6-Pin into 8-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

If your graphics card needs an 8-pin connector but your electricity source has just a 6-pin connector then it is possible to take advantage of this 6-pin into 8-pin  connector or jack cable for powering your high-end card.

SATA into 6-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

This adapter converts the SATA connector into some 6-pin power connector to your graphics card. If you’re short on Molex connectors then it’s possible to take advantage of this converter cable or adapter.

SATA into 8-Pin PCI-E Adapter Cable

If your graphics card has an 8-pin connector but your power source has 6-pin or 8-pin connectors, you can use this SATA to 8-Pin converter cable to power your card. For a single 8-pin power connector, this power adapter cable uses two SATA connectors. Important Note: For PCIe power, Molex connectors are always preferred over SATA connectors since Molex connectors may supply greater current and have thicker cables. This eliminates the risk of burning if your graphics card draws more power as a result of overclocking or increased load. It is the maximum power consumption of graphics cards depending on different types of connectors. If you have any queries or concerns about picture cards or their power usage, please contact me by leaving a comment below.

Power Consumption for Graphics Cards

Maximum power consumption of graphics cards

If you have any queries or doubts regarding graphics cards or their power consumption then feel free to ask me by leaving a comment below.

You can also check the following for best graphics cards

Bertine Gaynor

A passionate tech enthusiast with a deep focus on PC hardware, gaming rigs, and performance tuning, Bertine Gaynor has spent years exploring the latest innovations in processors, GPUs, and custom builds. On DigitalUpbeat.com, he shares hands-on reviews, performance breakdowns, and expert insights to help readers make smart hardware choices. When not testing components, he’s often optimizing setups for peak efficiency or diving into the latest tech trends shaping the future of computing.