Do I need 4 x 8pin to enable 12VHPWR 600w mode?
NO, you do NOT need 4 x 8pin to enable 600w mode in 12VHPWR.
This is a common misunderstanding and misinformation on the Internet about this.
This misunderstanding is due to the original Nvidia adapter added a limiter IC which it will downgrade to 450w from 600w when only 3 x 8pin is connected. This limiter happens and applies to the original Nvidia adapter only, and this causes all the confusion and misunderstanding on the Internet.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/127ac00d28a66e00/adapter-scheme-web-4_1shv1c3.png)
The GPU does not know and do not care how many 8pin you have connected. You can use and enable 600w mode with 2 x 8pin, 3 x 8pin, or 4 x 8pin cables.
You may have also seen PSU vendors offering 2 x 8pin cables which support full 600w mode, and this can help to prove the point.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/127ac00d28a66e00/atx30pcie50600wdual8pinto12vhp_qb9soc.jpg)
For modern and good quality PSUs (e.g. Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, Lian Li), each 8pin modular port can support 300w. So 2 x 8pin means 300w + 300w = 600w, while 4090 is a 450w card only.
By using 2x8pin, you can already enable 600w mode which many people refer it as 133% (the extra 33% means 33% on top of a 450w GPU, 450w + 150w= 600w)
By using 3 x 8pin port, the PSU can support 300w + 300w + 300w = 900w which is way more than enough already.
4 x 8pin is not necessary at all if you are using a modern PSU from a reputable brand.
This is a common misunderstanding and misinformation on the Internet about this.
This misunderstanding is due to the original Nvidia adapter added a limiter IC which it will downgrade to 450w from 600w when only 3 x 8pin is connected. This limiter happens and applies to the original Nvidia adapter only, and this causes all the confusion and misunderstanding on the Internet.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/127ac00d28a66e00/adapter-scheme-web-4_1shv1c3.png)
The GPU does not know and do not care how many 8pin you have connected. You can use and enable 600w mode with 2 x 8pin, 3 x 8pin, or 4 x 8pin cables.
You may have also seen PSU vendors offering 2 x 8pin cables which support full 600w mode, and this can help to prove the point.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/127ac00d28a66e00/atx30pcie50600wdual8pinto12vhp_qb9soc.jpg)
For modern and good quality PSUs (e.g. Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, Lian Li), each 8pin modular port can support 300w. So 2 x 8pin means 300w + 300w = 600w, while 4090 is a 450w card only.
By using 2x8pin, you can already enable 600w mode which many people refer it as 133% (the extra 33% means 33% on top of a 450w GPU, 450w + 150w= 600w)
By using 3 x 8pin port, the PSU can support 300w + 300w + 300w = 900w which is way more than enough already.
4 x 8pin is not necessary at all if you are using a modern PSU from a reputable brand.
Updated on: 26/10/2022
Thank you!