GPU power cables connect a modular power supply to a graphics card. This category suits builders who need a replacement cable, want a tidier or sleeved look, or are fitting a new graphics card. It covers standalone GPU cables and cable kits from CableMod, Corsair, Kolink, SilverStone and Thermal Grizzly, among others.
How to choose a GPU power cable
Connector on the graphics card. Check which power socket your card has before anything else. Many cards use one or more 8-pin PCIe sockets, while some recent high-end cards use a single 12-pin style connector (12VHPWR or 12V-2x6). The cable must match the card's socket exactly, and the listing should state the connector at both ends.
Compatibility with your power supply. The end that plugs into the power supply is not standardised between manufacturers. Modular supplies from different brands, and sometimes different series from the same brand, use different pin layouts on the modular socket. Use a cable made for your supply's brand and series, and never reuse a cable from another unit. Wrong pin-outs can damage components.
Length and routing. Measure the path from the supply to the card, including any detour behind the motherboard tray. A cable that is too short strains the connector. One that is too long is harder to hide in a compact case. Full-tower builds usually need longer cables than small-form-factor builds, and a gentle bend is better than a sharp one right at the plug.
Sleeving and appearance. Braided or sleeved cables are mostly about looks in a case with a glass side panel. They also tend to be a little stiffer and easier to lay flat. Plain cables are fine in a closed case. Some cables have combs or RGB lighting, which matters only if the rest of the build is styled to match.
Cable quality and monitoring. Look at the wire gauge and the quality of the crimped terminals, particularly on high-power cards. Some products also add features such as built-in power monitoring, so check what the specific cable offers.
GPU power cable brands we carry
- CableMod: specialises in custom-length sleeved cables and is the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Corsair: a power supply maker whose cables are designed for its own modular supplies, so they suit Corsair units in particular.
- SilverStone: known for power supplies, including small SFX models, and offers cables intended for its own units.
- Thermal Grizzly: known for thermal paste and overclocking accessories, and for the WireView, which monitors power on the graphics card connector.
- Lian Li: a case maker known for aluminium enclosures and for addressable RGB cable accessories.
- Kolink: a PC hardware brand offering cases, power supplies and cables for budget to mid-range builds.
Also in our range: Singularity Computers, Akasa, Goobay, Inline, BitFenix and be quiet!.
GPU power cables: frequently asked questions
Can I use a GPU power cable from another power supply?
Generally no. The connector at the power supply end differs between brands and sometimes between series, even when the graphics card end looks identical. Always choose a cable stated as compatible with your exact supply model or series.
What is the difference between an 8-pin PCIe cable and a 12VHPWR cable?
An 8-pin PCIe cable is the long-standing standard for graphics cards, and high-power cards often use two or three of them. A 12VHPWR or 12V-2x6 cable is a single compact connector carrying more power through one plug. Which one you need depends on the socket on your card.
Do sleeved GPU cables perform better?
Not by themselves. Sleeving mainly changes appearance and how the cable lies in the case, while electrical performance depends on the wire gauge and the terminals. Sleeved cables from a reputable maker are still a sensible choice if you want a neat, matching build.
How long should a GPU power cable be?
It should reach the card with a little slack and no tension on the plug. Measure from the power supply socket to the card connector along the route the cable will take. Small cases usually need shorter cables, while large towers often need longer ones.
