Is it safe for a GPU, if I use a 6-pin power connector for an 8-pin card?

[Constipated Crow]

Hi there,

 

Before I start my question, here's my current build:

 

-XFX FX-777A-ZNF4 Radeon HD 7000 Series; AMD; Radeon HD 7770; 1000 MHz; CrossFire; 2048 x 1536 pixels; 2560 x 1600 pixels (FX-777A-ZNF4)

-Intel Core i7 i7-4790K CPU (Quad Core 4GHz, Socket H3 LGA-1150)

-Asrock Z97M ANNIVERSARY MATX Motherboard Socket 1150 (Intel Z97, 4x DDR3, 4x SATA III)

-HyperX FURY Series 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 1866MHz CL10 DIMM Memory Module Kit - Black

-EVGA 500B 500W 80+ BRONZE PC Power Supply

-LiteOn IHAS124-04 24x SATA Half Height Internal DVDRW Drive

-Seagate Barracuda 3.5 inch 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB 6GB/S Internal SATA Drive

-Fractal Design Core 1000 Series Micro ATX Case

 

As you can probably tell, my PC is severely bottlenecked, with my GPU not being up-to-date with my CPU. I have decided to buy a new GTX 970 for my system on Black Friday (in a week or so), but cannot really make up my mind. I have considered the Gigabyte G1 Gaming, but it's too large for my case and the EVGA ones are said to not have good heating (with the copper pipes not making contact with the back), but the ASUS Strix has gotten my attention.

 

The only issue is that my PSU only supports 6-pin GPU power, and I cannot really afford to buy a new PSU at the moment. My question is, is it safe for the GPU if I simply plug my 6-pin power connector for GPUs, into the ASUS Strix? I don't really have the budget to buy a new PSU, but I would appreciate it if you would tell me if it's safe or not, as I would rather go for a different card in that case.

 

Thank you!

[Sir Asvald]

Nope, you need the 8 pin. 

[d3sl91]

The GPU will sometimes come with an adapter. 

 

Otherwise... just give it a try. Most will be fine as long as you do not overclock. 

[Gikero]

Get an adapter and buy a new PSU as soon as it is possible.

[zyntaxable]

EVGA cools very good, I know this from personal experience. It also uses dual 6 pin, so it would be compatible with your PSU. I recommend it.

[MourningSouls]

EVGA coolers are fine, people tend to make very big deals over things that don't matter all that much in reality. And it's not all their models either, just the base models. SSC and FTW are fine IIRC.

 

I wouldn't do it, though I'm not sure on the risks. I'd recommend going for a 6-pin card or upgrading your PSU.

[P e r s e p h o n e]

Molex to 8pin adapter.