Are CPU And GPU Cables the Same (Everything You Need to Know)

I recently got a new computer and I’m in the process of setting it up. One thing that has been puzzling me is whether or not CPU and GPU cables are the same.

So, I decided to research online and figure out whether the CPU and GPU cables are the same. After struggling for long hours I found information about this.

In this article I’ll share with you if CPU and GPU cables are the same, and how you can identify these cables.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Are CPU And GPU Cables Are Same

The CPU and GPU cables might look the same at a glance, but they are not the same and they are not interchangeable. Both cables have their individual shape, connectors, and different voltages.

So, if you are going to try this the CPU cables will not go into the GPU or the GPU cable into the CPU.

However, if you are forcefully inserting the cables into the GPU or CPU connectors it will damage the port, or cause a short circuit.

CPU and GPU Cables Difference

Here are a few differences between your GPU and CPU cable and connectors.

CPU Cables	GPU Cables
Come with different 4, and 8 pins format	Also have different 4, and 8 pins format
The 4 pins cable is know as P4, and the 8 pins cable as EPS	The GPU cables are labelled PCIe cables
Its 8 pins cable can split into the 4, 4 pins	The GPU cables can also split into two 6, 2 pins
CPU pins can supply 155 Watts and the 8 pins cable can carries 235 Watts	GPU 6 pins cable supply up to 75 watts and the 8 pins cable supply about 150 Watts
The EPS 8 pins has 4 ground and 4 (12v) connector pins	The PCIe 8 pins has 3 (12v) pins, 3 ground pins, and 1 sens A & one sens B

CPU And GPU Connectors Difference

As we’ve discussed, your CPU and GPU cables are not the same; they have different types of connectors, pins, and format. Your GPU and CPU have different 12v connectors and ground connectors and their different locations on the motherboard.

So, the PCIe 8-pins and EPS (12v) 8-pin connectors have ground pins in different spots and and the 12v pins in the different spots.

On the other hand the 6-pin PCIe and CPU 4-pin have different pin formats in the different spots.

Also your CPU and GPU connectors have clear differences in their shape and supply different Watts of electricity.

What Can Happen If I Use CPU Cables with GPU?

As you know the CPU and GPU cables are not the same and they cannot be connected, however if you try forcefully inserting them, something bad can happen.

Here are a few things that can be happened if your use CPU cable with GPU:

Connector Damage

If you connect the incompatible cables such as the CPU cables to your GPU it will result in damaging the GPU port.

As the cable connectors are not compatible with the port, it will damage the port in a few cases the connectors can damage.

GPU Won’t Work

If your GPU and CPU cables don’t go through the first steps of cable damage, and you’ve successfully connected it to the GPU but it will not work.

In these circumstances your GPU will not run because it isn’t receiving proper power, or the ground cables or connector and not inserted into the right spots. \

So, you are just lucky if your GPU port and cable connectors are plugged in without damage. You should remove them and insert them into the correct input port.

Short Circuit

Another thing that can happen on connecting your CPU cables to the GPU is a short circuit. The CPU pins have different structure, sleeves, when they go into the incorrect ports can result in the short circuit.

The GPU short circuit will be a waste of money, it can also impact the CPU, motherboard or other hardware components.

How Many Power Cables Does My GPU Need?

It actually depends on the GPU model, typically GPUs require a 6-pin power connector. If it is a mid-range GPU, then it will require either dual 6-pin connector or one 8-pins connector. These both power connectors provide the same amount of power (150W).

For the higher end product you should go with more power, it will require a 6-pin and a 8-pin connector.

However, with the most powerful you can go with two 8-pin connectors. So, in order to work properly ensure the connection is all the way in the GPU port.

Do All Graphics Cards Require Additional Power

Most GPUs on the market require no extra/additional power, as the motherboard itself always supplies up to 75W.

Is there a difference between CPU and PCIe cables?

The CPU and PCIe cables are kind of the same as they are the same voltage (carry 12v and ground cable), but their pinouts are different and you cannot replace them with each other.