How exactly does this 8-pin cable work?

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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A little over a month ago I purchased an HX520 PSU for my new build and recently I requested and received Corsair's 8-pin PCI-Express cable for an HD 2900XT (I don't own the card yet but I plan on buying it.)

There were two identical cables included... the cables have 2 PCI-Express 6-pin connectors on them, and one 6-pin connector with a 2-pin right next to it... I suppose to make the 8-pin.

Here's what they look like (basic drawing in Paint): http://i3.photobucket.com/albu.../Corsair8-pincable.jpg

Real-pictures (horrible pics but the best I can do)

2 Pictures of the "Middle 6-pin" (the other 6-pin is connected to this one and then this connects to the 8 pin)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albu...xtelleron/PICT0046.jpg
http://s3.photobucket.com/albu...w&current=PICT0044.jpg
-The other 6-pin comes in on the left, and then the middle 6-pin connects to the 8-pin on the left.

Pic of the "6 + 2 pin" 8-pin cable:
http://s3.photobucket.com/albu...w&current=PICT0047.jpg

I'm presuming that I connect the two 6-pin parts to the HX520, and then the "8-pin" part to the card. Is this correct, and will I be able to use this 8-pin cable plus a regular 6-pin cable on my PSU?
 

poohbear

Platinum Member
Mar 11, 2003
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yep that sounds about right. corsair mailed it 2 u for free? fabulous, im gonna get dat psu myself.:)
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: poohbear
yep that sounds about right. corsair mailed it 2 u for free? fabulous, im gonna get dat psu myself.:)

Well, I had to pay for shipping, but the cable is free.
 

krotchy

Golden Member
Mar 29, 2006
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can you investigate the actual location of the wires going into the header?

From your drawing I also cant tell the lengths of them either, so I cant tell if maybe that 1 cable is meant to supply both a 6 and an 8 from one PS connector or if it is daisy chained with each 6 pin modular connect probably going to 4 pins each of the 8 pin header
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: krotchy
can you investigate the actual location of the wires going into the header?

From your drawing I also cant tell the lengths of them either, so I cant tell if maybe that 1 cable is meant to supply both a 6 and an 8 from one PS connector or if it is daisy chained with each 6 pin modular connect probably going to 4 pins each of the 8 pin header

Added pics above.
 

Yellowbeard

Golden Member
Sep 9, 2003
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It may be my lack of coffee but, I am not clear on your question. Connect the 6 pin end to the PSU and the 8 pin (6+2) end to the video card.
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
It may be my lack of coffee but, I am not clear on your question. Connect the 6 pin end to the PSU and the 8 pin (6+2) end to the video card.

Will I still be able to connect the other, regular 6-pin cable to the PSU then? I don't know exactly how it works w/ modular cables, but I thought only 2 PCI-Express x6 connectors could be used with the HX520, and this one 8-pin cable would utilize both.
 

Cheezeit

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2005
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Originally posted by: Extelleron
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
It may be my lack of coffee but, I am not clear on your question. Connect the 6 pin end to the PSU and the 8 pin (6+2) end to the video card.</end quote></div>

Will I still be able to connect the other, regular 6-pin cable to the PSU then? I don't know exactly how it works w/ modular cables, but I thought only 2 PCI-Express x6 connectors could be used with the HX520, and this one 8-pin cable would utilize both.

You won't be able to use the other PCI express port on the PSU. This special cable will take up both.
 

Extelleron

Diamond Member
Dec 26, 2005
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Originally posted by: Cheezeit
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Extelleron
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
It may be my lack of coffee but, I am not clear on your question. Connect the 6 pin end to the PSU and the 8 pin (6+2) end to the video card.</end quote></div>

Will I still be able to connect the other, regular 6-pin cable to the PSU then? I don't know exactly how it works w/ modular cables, but I thought only 2 PCI-Express x6 connectors could be used with the HX520, and this one 8-pin cable would utilize both.</end quote></div>

You won't be able to use the other PCI express port on the PSU. This special cable will take up both.

Can the HX620 support more PCI-Express connectors? Otherwise what is the point of sending out this 8-pin cable?
 

Cheezeit

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2005
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I think the HX520 and HX 620 both have the same amount of PCI-E connectors (2). The 2900XT operates at normal speeds with both of the 6 pin plugs plugged in. However, the overclocking function only shows up when you plug in a 6 pin PCI-E and a 6+2 pin PCI-E plug. If you don't plan on overclocking the 2900XT, you don't even need that special cable. If you do want to overclock it, use the special 8 pin cable and then use the molex to 6 pin PCI-e adapter included with the HX520/620.