Modder TecLab ditches RTX 5090 16-pin connector for three 8-pins, and it works!
Modder proves that the humble 8-pin power connector is much more capable than it seems
Brazilian Modder TecLab has customised their RTX 5090 to use three 8-pin PCIe power connectors, replacing the GPU’s default 12V-2×6 connectors. Despite being rated at 150W each, TecLab was able to run their RTX 5090 at up to 900W, running each connector at twice its rated power.
With this power configuration, TecLab got their RTX 5090 running at 3.4 GHz. This mod was completed by connecting this GPU’s power regulators directly to its new 8-pin power connectors, bypassing the GPU’s 12V-2×6 connectors.
TecLab used a Galax GeForce RTX 5090D HOF OC LAB XOC graphics card, which features two 12V-2×6 power connectors. After testing the GPU with three 8-pin connectors, the modder retested it with two 8-pin connectors, then one 8-pin connector. Using two connectors, the GPU dropped to 66A, but maintained clock speeds of 3.2 GHz. With one connector, the GPU pulled 65A and ran at 3.1 GHz.
(Video from TecLab)
TecLab pushed the humble 8-pin PCIe power connector far beyond its limits, but the cable/connector didn’t melt. Given how notorious the 12V-2×6/12VHPWR/16-pin connector is when used on high-performance graphics cards, it’s impressive how well the 8-pin holds up.
The industry can learn a lot from the humble 8-pin
With its larger connector size, thicker pins, and larger safety tolerance, it is easy to see why many PC builders prefer using 8-pin power connectors. That said, these connectors are unlikely to return to high-end Nvidia GPUs. Simply put, 8-pin power connectors are not rated for higher power draws. As a result, they aren’t suitable for modern high-end graphics cards. For context, an RTX 5090 would require four 8-pin power connectors running at their rated power levels. That’s a lot of cables to manage.
If I am honest, I would love to see a revised version of the 12V-2×6 power connector. Well, not a revised version; a new connector with the same power rating. Having one cable power your GPU is a good thing. That said, the industry needs a cable with a larger connector, larger pins, and a much larger safety factor. People need a cable that gives them peace of mind. As it stands, many PC builders are anxious about using 12V-2×6 cables, and rightly so.
Join the discussion on the modder who ditched Nvidia’s 16-pin 12V-2×6 power connector on the OC3D Forums.
