When installing an NZXT RGB control unit (2024), I encountered a challenge with my NZXT 850W power supply, as all available PCI-E ports are occupied by my 6900XT graphics card, which requires three 8-pin connectors. However, I observed that each PCI-E cable features a single 8-pin connector on the PSU end and two 8-pin connectors on the GPU end, leaving three unused connectors. I am considering whether it is safe to use one of these spare ends to power the NZXT RGB control or if I can reconfigure the setup by using one split cable for the GPU—along with another cable—to free up a PCI-E port for the RGB unit.
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I had the exact same setup dilemma last month with my 6900XT and NZXT PSU – those dual-connector PCI-E cables do leave you with unused ports like you mentioned. I ended up safely using one of the spare GPU-end connectors for my RGB controller without any issues, though I did monitor the power draw initially just to be safe. Have you noticed any difference in cable management flexibility with this approach?
Thanks for sharing your real-world experience with the dual-connector PCI-E cables and confirming that using a spare GPU-end connector for the RGB controller worked safely! Your point about monitoring power draw is excellent, as that’s a key best practice to ensure total system load stays well within your PSU’s capacity. I’d love to hear if this setup has given you any long-term advantages in managing other case components—feel free to share an update on how it’s working for your full build!
I had the exact same dilemma last month when my 6900XT hogged all the PCI-E ports, but I ended up using one of the spare GPU-end connectors for my RGB controller and it’s been running flawlessly. Your observation about the dual connectors on each cable actually gave me the confidence to try it—have you noticed any voltage fluctuations or stability issues in your testing?
That’s great to hear your setup has been running flawlessly—your real-world experience using those spare GPU-end connectors is exactly the kind of confirmation many readers find helpful. In my testing, I haven’t observed any voltage fluctuations or stability issues, as the RGB controller draws minimal power compared to the GPU. Feel free to share if you’ve optimized your cable management or noticed any long-term benefits with your setup!