MSI has unveiled the specific benefits of the additional 8-pin power connector included on its X870E motherboards, which promises to provide extra power directly to your GPUs.
MSI’s X870E lineup is set to offer dedicated 8-pin connectors across all motherboards, compliant with ATX 3.1 standards. This upgrade is crucial for users who push their systems to the limit, ensuring more efficient and robust power delivery to essential components like GPUs, fans, and RGB accessories.
Introduced initially at IFA 2024, this connector was shrouded in mystery until now. MSI’s latest blog post digs into how this “Supplemental PCIe Power” feature can maximize the performance of high-demand setups. The dedicated 8-pin connector can sustain power excursions up to 2.5 times the norm, making it a game-changer for those who run multiple GPUs or other power-hungry components.
Typically, the standard 24-pin ATX connector has been responsible for powering everything on the motherboard. This has worked well, but with the advent of multi-GPU configurations in areas like AI and content creation, it became clear that an upgrade was necessary. Traditional connectors might suffice for basic tasks, but high-end setups, especially one involving, say, an RTX 4090 and a Ryzen 9 9950X, demand more power.
Consider MSI’s MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI motherboard for instance. It supports the Ryzen 9950X and the GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM X 24G GPU. Under intense load, these components require more power than the 24-pin connector can provide, which tops out at 168W. Although sufficient for casual usage, it doesn’t meet the needs of high-performance setups.
Enter MSI’s solution: the additional 8-pin PCIe power connector. This extra link can supply up to 252W, expanding the combined power capability to 420W. This not only covers the basic needs but also leaves room for peak performance and other power-consuming elements like fans and RGB lighting.
This thoughtful inclusion may soon become a staple for other motherboard manufacturers, especially with the anticipated launch of NVIDIA’s RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs, which are expected to come with increased power requirements. MSI ensures they are ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 ready, perfect for the arrival of next-gen GPUs.
Expect the first wave of MSI AM5 800-series motherboards to hit retail shelves on September 30, ensuring that users are equipped and ready for any power-hungry advancements the tech world brings.
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