Short answer: a typical gaming PC needs a 24-pin motherboard cable, one or two 8-pin CPU cables, the graphics card cable and maybe one SATA cable. Use only the cables that came with your power supply.
Every cable, and where it goes
| Cable | Pins | Plugs into |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard | 24-pin | The large socket on the right edge of the motherboard |
| CPU (EPS) | 8-pin, often split 4+4 | Top-left of the motherboard, near the processor |
| Graphics card, 16-pin | 12V-2x6 or 12VHPWR | Recent Nvidia cards and some AMD partner cards |
| Graphics card, 8-pin | 6+2 pin | Most AMD cards and older Nvidia cards |
| SATA | Flat, L-shaped | SSDs, hard drives, some fan and lighting hubs |
| Molex | 4-pin | Older fans and accessories |
CPU and graphics card plugs look similar
The 8-pin CPU plug and the 8-pin graphics card plug look alike, but they’re wired differently. Most are labelled “CPU” or “PCIe”. Never force a plug into the wrong socket.
How many do you need?
| Build | Cables |
|---|---|
| RTX 5070 or RX 9070 gaming PC | 24-pin, one CPU, graphics card, one SATA if you have a SATA drive |
| RTX 5090 with a high-end processor | 24-pin, two CPU, one 16-pin graphics card cable |
| Small SFX build with an M.2 SSD | 24-pin, one CPU, graphics card. M.2 drives need no cable |
Native graphics card cables
ATX 3.0 and 3.1 units include a native 16-pin cable for recent graphics cards. It replaces the bulky adapter from the graphics card box. See graphics card power adapters.
Cable length
Most ATX units have cables long enough for a mid-tower case. SFX units have shorter cables to suit small cases, which can be tight in a big one. In a large full tower, check the CPU cable reaches the top of the board when routed behind the tray.
Sleeved and custom cables
Custom sleeved cables are fine if they’re made for your exact power supply model. The power supply end isn’t standard between brands. See never reuse modular cables.
Fitting tips
- Fit the 24-pin and CPU cables before the motherboard goes into the case if access is tight.
- Push every plug until the clip clicks.
- Route the graphics card cable without a sharp bend close to the plug.
Full walkthrough in how to install a power supply.
- Native 16-pin cable · Tier ACorsair RMx (2024)80 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 750/850/1000WFully modular, with a native 12V-2x6 cable.Check 850W price
- Compact, fully modular · Tier ASeasonic Core GX ATX 380 Plus Gold · Fully modular · ATX · 650/750/850WOnly 140mm deep.Check 750W price
Questions
Can I plug a graphics card cable into the CPU socket?
No. They’re wired differently. Check the label on each plug.
Do I need both CPU cables?
Use both if your motherboard has two sockets and a high-power processor. One is enough for most mid-range builds.
Do M.2 SSDs need a power cable?
No. They draw power from the motherboard slot.
What is a 4+4 pin cable?
A CPU cable that splits in two, so it fits both 4-pin and 8-pin sockets.
What is a 6+2 pin cable?
A graphics card cable with a detachable 2-pin section, so it fits 6-pin and 8-pin sockets.
Sources
- NZXT: PSU cable compatibility
- Corsair: ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1
- Nvidia: GeForce RTX 5060 family specifications
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