Power supplies and cabling - Revision history

ImportBot: The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; gap-fill from #general 2026-10-23 (400 W spike at a 250 W limit), @djpandaman, @xeax

2026-10-30T10:02:27Z

The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; gap-fill from #general 2026-10-23 (400 W spike at a 250 W limit), @djpandaman, @xeax

ImportBot: The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; sources: @wakeupmbrc1, @civiloid, @reala7096, @analyticeth, @ropuls, @c133, @zarquon3157, @danske1, @boz._., @jjb01957, @.henrykrinkle, @endsjeremy (+23 more); GitHub PixelML/club-170hx

2026-10-30T08:51:10Z

The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; sources: @wakeupmbrc1, @civiloid, @reala7096, @analyticeth, @ropuls, @c133, @zarquon3157, @danske1, @boz._., @jjb01957, @.henrykrinkle, @endsjeremy (+23 more); GitHub PixelML/club-170hx

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ImportBot: The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; sources: @wakeupmbrc1, @civiloid, @reala7096, @analyticeth, @ropuls, @c133, @zarquon3157, @boz._., @jjb01957, @.henrykrinkle, @endsjeremy, @con3po7016 (+22 more); GitHub PixelML/club-170hx

2026-10-30T08:04:56Z

The CMP 170HX power input, cable rules, connector ratings, PSU sizing per card count, burned and failed hardware, wall power; from the cmpunlocker Discord (2026-10-04 to 10-27, including the asrock PG-1600g thread), PixelML/club-170hx and Ivan's lab notes; sources: @wakeupmbrc1, @civiloid, @reala7096, @analyticeth, @ropuls, @c133, @zarquon3157, @boz._., @jjb01957, @.henrykrinkle, @endsjeremy, @con3po7016 (+22 more); GitHub PixelML/club-170hx

New page

The CMP 170HX takes all its power through one EPS12V socket. Most failures in the Discord came from feeding that
socket wrongly: one PSU cable split two ways, pigtails, thin adapters, or a modular cable from a different PSU brand.
Read the rules below before you plug anything in. Burned and failed hardware is collected under
[[Power and cabling warnings]].

== The power input ==
* {{Status|Proven}} The card has a single EPS12V 8-pin socket (the "CPU 8-pin": 4x 12 V and 4x ground), not a PCIe 8-pin. The pinouts differ even though the plugs look alike. {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-09|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1558163640446619709}} {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560436414829559809}}
* The 2x PCIe 8-pin to EPS adapter that comes with many cards is not for redundancy: the card draws through both inputs, each feeding half of the socket. {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560434233871171615}} {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560436414829559809}}
* {{Status|Proven}} A CPU (EPS12V) cable straight from the PSU works and needs no adapter. {{Source|handle=analyticeth|date=2026-10-09|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1558175554165940368}} {{Source|handle=ropuls|date=2026-10-09|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1558183124129808405}} Plug it into a PSU output labelled PCIe/CPU (or CPU). {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560434592928895057}} Corsair's "CPU 8-pin" and EPS differ only in the width of the locking tab. {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560437065844392039}}
* The latch: most EPS cables have the double-width 4+4 latch (for compatibility with old 4-pin EPS boards), which does not clip onto the card. Trim it with a bandsaw or a rotary tool. {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-09|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1558217306167844906}} {{Source|handle=ropuls|date=2026-10-09|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1558219569946955830}} {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561564052306526299}} Store-bought EPS-to-EPS cables also needed "5 minutes with a dremel" to fit. {{Source|handle=zarquon3157|date=2026-10-27|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1564587334882697299}}
* Right-angle adapters are only sold in PCIe form; @boz._. is splicing one onto an EPS cable. {{Source|handle=boz._.|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560441942611853334}}

== Cable rules ==
# '''One EPS cable per card''', straight from the PSU. This is the simplest and safest option. {{Source|handle=jjb01957|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553832176255036}} {{Source|handle=.henrykrinkle|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561570495030108253}}
# '''Or two completely separate PCIe 8-pin cables''' into the two inputs of the PCIe-to-EPS adapter. Every adapter input needs its own cable back to the PSU. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561551536994132139}} {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578794983366737}}
# '''Never''' plug one PSU cable into both adapter inputs, and never use the 6+2 pigtails that hang off a PCIe cable for anything else. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-18|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561361091450372137}} {{Source|handle=con3po7016|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553067290136629}} This is not about PSU wattage: "other users here have already proven that this is not safe". {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561572630480293939}} @froggao ran a Corsair RM1000e with one 8-pin to dual 8-pin cable and said it worked; the group's answer was that poor wires, poor contact and high power limits combine, and that separate cables are required, not just safer. {{Source|handle=froggao|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561576491727331419}} {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578263732551804}} {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578431982870619}}
# '''Never use 6-pin to 8-pin adapters.''' A 6-pin carries the same three 12 V terminals as a 6+2, but its cable is not built for the load. {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561161829311324191}} {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-18|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561173569843503147}} Use two 6+2 cables into the EPS adapter or build proper EPS cables. {{Source|handle=neapopa|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561127991713599499}}
# '''Meter the PSU side before you use a cable from another brand.''' Modular connector housings fit across brands while the pinout does not: on an ASRock PG-1600G the side opposite the latch is all +12 V and the latch side is all ground, the reverse of a Corsair-compatible pinout, so a Corsair-type cable would have put +12 V on ground. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561559679505539163}} {{Source|handle=globalapathy|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561560011459797033}} The wrong pinout will likely kill a 170HX. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561552472714117223}} PixelML's rule: never mix modular cables between PSU models, even when they fit. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528826330454429706/1562161732137386127|repo=https://github.com/PixelML/club-170hx}} (Apache-2.0)
# '''Use 16 AWG wire''' and good contacts; crimp quality and wire gauge are the limit, not the connector shape. {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561575042381381664}}

Ready-made and custom cables:
* Corsair Type 4 PSUs (for example RM850x, not the RMx Shift): Corsair CP-8920141 sleeved 8-pin (4+4) EPS12V cable, PSU to card, but its 4+4 latch does not fit the card cleanly. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561554430225158235}}
* @c133 builds Type 4 EPS cables from 16 AWG stranded copper and genuine Molex Mini-Fit Jr housings, cheaper than Corsair's if you own crimpers, and offered to make some for confirmed Type 4 PSU owners. {{Source|handle=c133|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561554636135993405}}
* Server PSU breakout boards: two 6-pin to EPS splitters per card have worked for years for @finishtilt14 {{Source|handle=finishtilt14|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560223928540991499}}; @backwardsminer had custom-length cables made, measured the current per pin and doubled the lowest-draw pins {{Source|handle=backwardsminer|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560304322447802380}}.

== Connector ratings ==
{{Status|Contested}} Posters quote different numbers; the differences are spec rating against what the terminals carry.
{| class="wikitable"
! Connector !! Numbers posted !! Source
|-
| PCIe 6-pin || 65 W rating; three 12 V terminals of 9 A minimum each, the same terminals as a 6+2 || {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561156518555029505}} {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561565222110634007}}
|-
| PCIe 8-pin (6+2) || 150 W rating {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561156586221740073}}; "about 175 W" per cable in practice {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-18|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561360791817429095}} || see cells
|-
| EPS12V 8-pin || 235 W {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1560436414829559809}}; "about 330 W" {{Source|handle=civiloid|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561156621915131937}}; 300 W continuous, the margin above is for transients {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561576387641344102}}; 300 W rated, 400 W peak, about 600 W possible {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558695673681944599}}; four 12 V terminals of 9 A or more, at least 432 VA {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561575829874413650}} || see cells
|-
| 18 AWG wire || 10 A at 60 C, so about 360 W on a 6-pin's three 12 V wires || {{Source|handle=_arcanum_|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560226013512736769}}
|}
* A single EPS12V feeds even the A100 PCIe at its 300 W factory limit; the slot supplies only a small share (a guess of about 25 W). {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561575604640555089}}
* The PCIe 8-pin has its grounds reversed relative to the EPS 8-pin. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558695475685752835}}

== Burned and failed hardware ==
Each of these has its own entry, with the full thread, on [[Power and cabling warnings]] and [[Troubleshooting]].
* {{Status|Warning}} '''PSU burned after 48 hours at about 220 W per card''' on a DeepCool PX1000P, running cards from one PCIe cable each; the owner did not know each card needs two. The PSU protected the card. {{Source|handle=con3po7016|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558660679295180912}} {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558695475685752835}} The PSU model rates well on a community tier list, so the cabling was the cause. {{Source|handle=globalapathy|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558667430551625728}} "Cheap out on the gpu not the psu." {{Source|handle=con3po7016|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558659981165854730}}
* {{Status|Warning}} '''Magic smoke''' from powering a card through one cable plus its pigtail. {{Source|handle=con3po7016|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553067290136629}} A PSU shut down under load when an RTX 3090 was fed the same way. {{Source|handle=xeax|date=2026-10-18|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561334034926280838}}
* {{Status|Warning}} '''A 6-pin to 8-pin adapter melted at 170 W''' within weeks, one of six on HP server PSUs with hard-wired 6+2 leads. {{Source|handle=neapopa|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561122626586415135}}
* {{Status|Warning}} '''A refurbished HP 1,200 W server PSU exploded''' with a loud bang after about two hours: three of them fed ten cards capped at 160 W, with GPU peaks near 2,000 W (55 % of rated capacity), during a 30-minute thermal bench then long-prefill GLM-5.3 work. The PSU fans never spun up and the units were very hot. Cards and system survived. {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1562183774475919512}} Capacitors in those PSUs "go bang" {{Source|handle=sojun80|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1562205111365804134}}; test used PSUs on a CRPS tester away from your GPUs {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1562220361901281392}}.
* {{Status|Warning}} '''Aged breakout boards''': constant reboots and PSU shutdowns under load came from server PSU breakout boards that failed after 3 to 4 years, not from the PSUs (the owner had bought six PSUs). He replaced the boards with a newer model. {{Source|handle=finishtilt14|date=2026-10-15|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560224891343736936}}
* {{Status|Reported}} '''A 1,200 W PSU shut down after a few hours at about 600 W''' because its quiet fan curve let it overheat; a USB fan on the PSU grille kept it running. {{Source|handle=phoenixone7|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556813394701713419}} Another member called that not normal and suspected the fan. {{Source|handle=squishysquare|date=2026-10-06|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556822393408856136}}
* {{Status|Warning}} '''The 300 W VBIOS''': a photo of a burned 170HX was posted earlier, and the board lacks some power-delivery parts of the full layout. {{Source|handle=xanthefin|date=2026-10-18|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561336153515364444}} See [[Undervolting and power limits]].
* {{Status|Reported}} '''12VHPWR''' (not CMP-specific, relevant if you adapt such a PSU): connectors degraded twice on an RTX 5090 at no more than 70 % power, close to burning; another member's 12VHPWR terminal turned yellow. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528513735575081070/1560810497115426928}} {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-17|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528513735575081070/1560810856726401025}}

== PSU sizing ==
Size for the CPU, board, fans and every card's cap, plus margin for spikes. Source: [https://github.com/PixelML/club-170hx PixelML/club-170hx] Short spikes go well above the
cap: up to 380 W on cards capped at 250 W. {{Source|handle=n2dcrypt|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556771516803321877}} @reala7096 worked out that nine cards spiking to
350 W together would need 3,000 W, but in a PP8 layout only about half the cards are busy at once.
{{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556771733208440974}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Cards !! Cap !! Power supply !! Result !! Status !! Source
|-
| 4 || 300 W || one 1,600 W PSU || no shutdowns || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=okrasit.|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556772848041988238}}
|-
| 8 || not given || two 1,600 W PSUs || no shutdowns yet || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=n2dcrypt|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556772789510344801}}
|-
| 4 || 180 W || one used 1,200 W PSU (about $50) || bought for it || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=voidgiraffe|date=2026-10-06|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556940563759235107}}
|-
| 4 || not given || whole system || up to 1,500 W at the wall || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=quark2world|date=2026-10-04|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528513735575081070/1556358835097305119}}
|-
| 2 CMP + 4 RTX 3090, no power limits || none || two ASRock PG-1600 (sold as Gold, tested Platinum by third parties), each on its own 20 A 120 V circuit || runs || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=zombielurker|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775187351871549}}
|-
| 4 || 175 W || two 750 W PSUs, two cards each, joined by a 24-pin Y adapter || all four cards and the PCIe switch lose power at once during heavy prompt processing || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=replacedriver47|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556768982357377065}}
|-
| 9 || 160 W || three 750 W PSUs (2,250 W) || all cards drop about once a day || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556769461439168573}}
|-
| 10 || 160 W || three refurbished 1,200 W server PSUs || one exploded (see above) || {{Status|Warning}} || {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1562212397744132237}}
|-
| 8 || 160 to 250 W (governor) || the server's own redundant PSUs on a 240 V circuit || runs; about 2.0 kW at 250 W caps || {{Status|Reported}} || {{Source|handle=darkmaniac7|date=2026-10-27|note=lab notes}}
|}
* {{Status|Proven}} About four cards per 1,600 W PSU works: four cards at a 300 W cap on one 1,600 W PSU with no shutdowns {{Source|handle=okrasit.|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556772848041988238}}, and eight cards on two 1,600 W PSUs {{Source|handle=n2dcrypt|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556772789510344801}}.
* With several independent PSUs, one tripping on a spike can take down everything on a PCIe switch board. {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556773757920477186}} A hot PLX switch chip can also drop cards. {{Source|handle=zombielurker|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775187351871549}} See [[Troubleshooting]].
* PCIe switch boards need their own 24-pin and EPS power. {{Source|handle=gnasherrr|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562275360177922212}}

=== Where to get power cheaply ===
* {{Status|Contested}} Used ATX PSUs: @zorg33, who sold hundreds in the mining era, says 9 in 10 used ATX units are degraded and may hold only half their rating; test one near its rating for a few hours. His recipe: a small new quality PSU for the motherboard, and decommissioned 1,600 W Platinum server PSUs (about $20) for the cards, with custom EPS cables or adapters. {{Source|handle=zorg33|date=2026-10-06|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556939640894918788}} @ob88594 suggests used EVGA 1600 T2/G2 units. {{Source|handle=ob88594|date=2026-10-06|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556934754987933769}}
* HP DPS-1200SB server PSUs with a cheap breakout backplane: about $50 each, 2,400 W for $150, quiet at 40 % load. {{Source|handle=reala7096|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775358177480778}} (Compare the exploded refurbished HP unit above.)
* {{Status|Reported}} Most server PSUs derate to about half power on 120 V and need 220 to 240 V for full output. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562276070340821089}} C-Payne sells CRPS breakout boards ([https://c-payne.com/collections/psu-breakout-boards c-payne.com]). {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562276384049594481}} Some cheap ATX units go up to 3,000 W. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562275853822464101}}
* Two PSUs in one box: use a PSU sync board. {{Source|handle=wakeupmbrc1|date=2026-10-19|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578856127660143}}

== Wall power ==
* Plan circuits before you scale. @gpmickey added three 115 V 20 A breakers for twelve cards {{Source|handle=gpmickey|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562196542574690395}}; @con3po7016 cleared two circuits for his {{Source|handle=con3po7016|date=2026-10-11|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1558696494343913579}}; @zombielurker gives each PSU its own 20 A 120 V circuit {{Source|handle=zombielurker|date=2026-10-05|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775187351871549}}.
* {{Status|Reported}} 240 V: the two hots are out of phase and need no neutral, only ground. Use a two-pole breaker with a hot on each pole and the existing ground if it is large enough; 12 AWG for a 20 A 240 V circuit. Use a non-contact voltage tester every time: the work is simple but dangerous. If in doubt, hire an electrician. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562217046606090251}} Ivan's eight-card server and its UPS run on a dedicated 240 V circuit. {{Source|handle=darkmaniac7|date=2026-10-26|note=lab notes}}
* A whole-panel surge protective device (about $60) snaps in like a breaker with a wire to the ground bar and shunts lightning, transformer and large-load surges to ground; its green light goes out when it is spent. The cheapest protection there is. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-20|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562226820441571471}}
* {{Status|Contested}} UPS: no UPS above about 1,600 W can go on a normal household outlet; larger ones need a 20 A receptacle. Tripp Lite (Eaton) is a safe choice; replace lead-acid batteries on principle. {{Source|handle=endsjeremy|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562272950034501643}} @sojun80 prefers portable power stations (Anker SOLIX S2000, about $600) and says the transfer time must be under 30 ms; Anker and a few others do 20 ms or less. {{Source|handle=sojun80|date=2026-10-21|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562274839731896341}}

== See also ==
[[Power and cabling warnings]] · [[Troubleshooting]] · [[Cooling and power]] · [[Undervolting and power limits]] ·
[[Chassis builds]] · [[Platforms]]

{{ImportFooter}}
[[Category:Cooling and power]]

[[Category:8 GB]]
[[Category:10 GB]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 30 October 2026
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	# '''One EPS cable per card''', straight from the PSU. This is the simplest and safest option. {{Source\|handle=jjb01957\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553832176255036}}<br />{{Source\|handle=.henrykrinkle\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561570495030108253}}		# '''One EPS cable per card''', straight from the PSU. This is the simplest and safest option. {{Source\|handle=jjb01957\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553832176255036}}<br />{{Source\|handle=.henrykrinkle\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561570495030108253}}
	# '''Or two completely separate PCIe 8-pin cables''' into the two inputs of the PCIe-to-EPS adapter. Every adapter input needs its own cable back to the PSU. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561551536994132139}}<br />{{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578794983366737}}		# '''Or two completely separate PCIe 8-pin cables''' into the two inputs of the PCIe-to-EPS adapter. Every adapter input needs its own cable back to the PSU. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561551536994132139}}<br />{{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578794983366737}}
	# '''Never''' plug one PSU cable into both adapter inputs, and never use the 6+2 pigtails that hang off a PCIe cable for anything else. {{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561361091450372137}}<br />{{Source\|handle=con3po7016\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553067290136629}} This is not about PSU wattage: "other users here have already proven that this is not safe". {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561572630480293939}} @froggao ran a Corsair RM1000e with one 8-pin to dual 8-pin cable and said it worked; the group's answer was that poor wires, poor contact and high power limits combine, and that separate cables are required, not just safer. {{Source\|handle=froggao\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561576491727331419}}<br />{{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578263732551804}}<br />{{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578431982870619}}		# '''Never''' plug one PSU cable into both adapter inputs, and never use the 6+2 pigtails that hang off a PCIe cable for anything else. {{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561361091450372137}}<br />{{Source\|handle=con3po7016\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561553067290136629}} This is not about PSU wattage: "other users here have already proven that this is not safe". {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561572630480293939}} @froggao ran a Corsair RM1000e with one 8-pin to dual 8-pin cable and said it worked; the group's answer was that poor wires, poor contact and high power limits combine, and that separate cables are required, not just safer. {{Source\|handle=froggao\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561576491727331419}}<br />{{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578263732551804}}<br />{{Source\|handle=endsjeremy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561578431982870619}} The opposite advice was given earlier in the same thread: @squishysquare said he would be comfortable using both the 8-pin and the 6+2 pigtail of one cable for one EPS adapter (but would not run the 300 W VBIOS); the posts above, from the next day, advise against exactly that. {{Source\|handle=squishysquare\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561332642358493296}}<br />{{Source\|handle=squishysquare\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561332714840260660}}
	# '''Never use 6-pin to 8-pin adapters.''' A 6-pin carries the same three 12 V terminals as a 6+2, but its cable is not built for the load. {{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-17\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561161829311324191}}<br />{{Source\|handle=civiloid\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561173569843503147}} Use two 6+2 cables into the EPS adapter or build proper EPS cables. {{Source\|handle=neapopa\|date=2026-10-17\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561127991713599499}}		# '''Never use 6-pin to 8-pin adapters.''' A 6-pin carries the same three 12 V terminals as a 6+2, but its cable is not built for the load. {{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-17\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561161829311324191}}<br />{{Source\|handle=civiloid\|date=2026-10-18\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561173569843503147}} Use two 6+2 cables into the EPS adapter or build proper EPS cables. {{Source\|handle=neapopa\|date=2026-10-17\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1534370835220004885/1561127991713599499}}
	# '''Meter the PSU side before you use a cable from another brand.''' Modular connector housings fit across brands while the pinout does not: on an ASRock PG-1600G the side opposite the latch is all +12 V and the latch side is all ground, the reverse of a Corsair-compatible pinout, so a Corsair-type cable would have put +12 V on ground. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561559679505539163}}<br />{{Source\|handle=globalapathy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561560011459797033}} The wrong pinout will likely kill a 170HX. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561552472714117223}} PixelML's rule: never mix modular cables between PSU models, even when they fit. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-20\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528826330454429706/1562161732137386127\|repo=https://github.com/PixelML/club-170hx\|note=Apache-2.0 license}}		# '''Meter the PSU side before you use a cable from another brand.''' Modular connector housings fit across brands while the pinout does not: on an ASRock PG-1600G the side opposite the latch is all +12 V and the latch side is all ground, the reverse of a Corsair-compatible pinout, so a Corsair-type cable would have put +12 V on ground. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561559679505539163}}<br />{{Source\|handle=globalapathy\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1561556993171259554/1561560011459797033}} The wrong pinout will likely kill a 170HX. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561552472714117223}} PixelML's rule: never mix modular cables between PSU models, even when they fit. {{Source\|handle=c133\|date=2026-10-20\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1528826330454429706/1562161732137386127\|repo=https://github.com/PixelML/club-170hx\|note=Apache-2.0 license}}
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	\|-		\|-
	\| 18 AWG wire \|\| 10 A at 60 C, so about 360 W on a 6-pin's three 12 V wires \|\| {{Source\|handle=_arcanum_\|date=2026-10-15\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560226013512736769}}		\| 18 AWG wire \|\| 10 A at 60 C, so about 360 W on a 6-pin's three 12 V wires \|\| {{Source\|handle=_arcanum_\|date=2026-10-15\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1560226013512736769}}
			\|-
			\| 12VHPWR terminal (for comparison) \|\| rated "8a each or so"; the PCIe ATX 2.0 terminals above are about twice the size and four times the cross-section \|\| {{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561574683730640907}}<br />{{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561574740165005333}}
	\|}		\|}
	* A single EPS12V feeds even the A100 PCIe at its 300 W factory limit; the slot supplies only a small share (a guess of about 25 W). {{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561575604640555089}}		* A single EPS12V feeds even the A100 PCIe at its 300 W factory limit; the slot supplies only a small share (a guess of about 25 W). {{Source\|handle=wakeupmbrc1\|date=2026-10-19\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1561575604640555089}}
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	* With several independent PSUs, one tripping on a spike can take down everything on a PCIe switch board. {{Source\|handle=reala7096\|date=2026-10-05\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556773757920477186}} A hot PLX switch chip can also drop cards. {{Source\|handle=zombielurker\|date=2026-10-05\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775187351871549}} See [[Troubleshooting]].		* With several independent PSUs, one tripping on a spike can take down everything on a PCIe switch board. {{Source\|handle=reala7096\|date=2026-10-05\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556773757920477186}} A hot PLX switch chip can also drop cards. {{Source\|handle=zombielurker\|date=2026-10-05\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1556775187351871549}} See [[Troubleshooting]].
	* PCIe switch boards need their own 24-pin and EPS power. {{Source\|handle=gnasherrr\|date=2026-10-21\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562275360177922212}}		* PCIe switch boards need their own 24-pin and EPS power. {{Source\|handle=gnasherrr\|date=2026-10-21\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1562275360177922212}}
			* {{Status\|Warning}} '''A fully SM-unlocked 10 GB card spiked to about 400 W at a 250 W limit.''' @djpandaman's 10 GB card, unlocked to 122 SMs, briefly reported about 400 W of board power during benchmark tests with the power limit set to 250 W; he was not sure whether the value was measured or calculated. @xeax recalled him mentioning about 375 W at a 250 W limit earlier. @xeax is weighing whether to fit the 6 MOSFETs missing from his own card's VRM, because he fears overloading the ones that are fitted, and doubts he could cool that load. Safe power limits for fully SM-unlocked cards are not known. Until they are, do not count on the cap to bound peak draw on such a card: size the PSU for the spikes, keep one EPS cable per card (rules above), and undervolt rather than raise the limit (see [[Undervolting and power limits#10 GB cards]]). The card's own power reading above 80 SMs is also reported to be unreliable; see [[10 GB card#Limits]]. {{Source\|handle=xeax\|date=2026-10-23\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1563220557363814480}}<br />{{Source\|handle=xeax\|date=2026-10-23\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1563221992587534357}}<br />{{Source\|handle=xeax\|date=2026-10-23\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1563222111592521881}}<br />{{Source\|handle=djpandaman\|date=2026-10-23\|link=https://discord.com/channels/1518634379604136178/1518692084729511967/1563222404627431497}}

	=== Where to get power cheaply ===		=== Where to get power cheaply ===