It seems pretty sure now that if you want to run Nvidia’s upcoming flagship GPUs (like the RTX 3080, RTX 3080 TI or RTX 3090 – as they are also called), you’ll need to use a new power connection to hook it up to the PSU of your PC (Power Unit), and new photos have been created showing it.
If these images, posted by Guru3D, are real – and it seems to be so – then it can both confirm and dispel fears, as people have been concerned since rumors about the need for an adapter began to emerge.
This means that if you want to run the most powerful GPUs in Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 3000 Ampere series, you can not only switch and connect your old ones to the PSU, as with previous models.
Instead, you need to use an adapter, which will speed up the process. For anyone who has built a cool gaming PC with careful cable management, adding an adapter in the mix can make things look invalid.
It also worries that Nvidia’s new graphics cards, especially the fierce, will be seriously power hungry. If this is the case, not only will people need to use the power adapter, but they may also need to purchase a new, more powerful PSU.
Replacing a PSU is a big undertaking (we even suggested that upgrades may require removing most of their PC), as well as adding extra costs to what will already be a very expensive upgrade.
Good news
There is some good news with these images. First, they show the new 12-pin PCIe connection next to an existing eight-pin connection, and there is not much difference between the two. This should make the installation of the connection easier.
Many people were worried that if the 12-pin connector had to be inserted vertically into the top of the GPU, a large connector or adapter would make it difficult – but that does not seem to be the case.
We also heard that Nvidia, and some PSU makers, will bundle the adapter, so it should not cost you anything extra.
However, this all proves that Nvidia’s new GPUs will be very powerful – and ambitious – components, and we’re very happy to see more. Fortunately, the company has an event on September 1st, so we do not have to wait long at all.
