What to do with unused PCIE connectors? They’re just hanging

[ManderleyBoy]

I used 2 dedicated cables for my 3060ti. One 8 and one 6 pin. But they are split and there are 2 more connectors just hanging in my PC. Is this safe? 

[Moonzy]

yes
though i would say that using one cable and use both the connectors at the end is fine

[ManderleyBoy]

8 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

yes
though i would say that using one cable and use both the connectors at the end is fine

As far as I saw online, they say it’s better to use 2 dedicated cables. But I assume my card isn’t as power hungry as a 3080, so that’s why one cable is fine. 

[Moonzy]

5 minutes ago, Victor Jones said:

As far as I saw online, they say it’s better to use 2 dedicated cables. But I assume my card isn’t as power hungry as a 3080, so that’s why one cable is fine. 

2 is better in any case, electrically speaking

 

you dont need to do that, it's unnecessary, but it is better

[Mark Kaine]

9 minutes ago, Victor Jones said:

As far as I saw online, they say it’s better to use 2 dedicated cables

it is but it depends on the power draw and also the cables...  generally 1 pcie cable = 150w, pcie slot = 75w.

 

Does your card draw more than 225w? then 2 cables. does it draw exactly 225w? then still 2 cables.

 

does it draw less than 225w ? you're probably fine using the pigtails (unless you overclock then you need to start counting again lol)

 

As for what to do? Zip ties!

 

 

2 separate pigtail cables... but you don't really see it, do you?

 

making 6 pin connectors was also a painful design mistake btw, but what can you do! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[ManderleyBoy]

1 hour ago, Mark Kaine said:

it is but it depends on the power draw and also the cables...  generally 1 pcie cable = 150w, pcie slot = 75w.

 

Does your card draw more than 225w? then 2 cables. does it draw exactly 225w? then still 2 cables.

 

does it draw less than 225w ? you're probably fine using the pigtails (unless you overclock then you need to start counting again lol)

 

As for what to do? Zip ties!

 

 

2 separate pigtail cables... but you don't really see it, do you?

 

making 6 pin connectors was also a painful design mistake btw, but what can you do! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But is it dangerous for them to just hang, the not used ones. 

[Darknighterror]

32 minutes ago, Victor Jones said:

But is it dangerous for them to just hang, the not used ones. 

Unless something is poking into the conector itself (usally there won't be anything that is able to do that) , thats not a problem

[RMTM]

Dedicated power cables are always the best option, electrical-wise. Use straps to safely organize any split cable from dangling. Safe not to accidentally touch your GPU fan(s).