The Ongoing 12VHPWR Debate: Native Cables vs. Adapters

When it comes to connecting a graphics card through the 12V-2×6 (12VHPWR) power connector, there’s a dilemma: to use the native cable of a modern PSU or the adapter supplied with the graphics card. It turns out that even manufacturers can’t unambiguously answer this question. The authors of the Tech Overwrite channel posed this question to nine different companies, including Asus, MSI, Sapphire, and others. And opinions were divided, not into two but three options.

Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte responded that it’s better to use the adapter supplied with graphics cards. This might be because while these companies do manufacture power supplies, they produce far more graphics cards. SilverStone and Zotac replied that it is better to use the native PSU cable. It’s worth noting that the former actually manufactures PSUs, while Zotac is primarily known for its graphics cards. Meanwhile, Sapphire, Palit, Gainward, and Thermaltake replied that there’s no difference, and both options are equivalent.

One of the primary causes of problems with this power connector is a not fully inserted connector or some defects in it. However, the essence of the problem does not lie within the connector itself, which is why manufacturers cannot come to a unanimous opinion.

As of December 2025, technical discussions regarding the thermal and electrical performance of these connectors continue, especially as new models further leverage PCIe 5.0 capabilities. Experts are increasingly scrutinizing the long-term reliability of adapter solutions, particularly under high load conditions typical in next-gen gaming and AI applications. This ongoing debate highlights the complexity and nuance in achieving optimal power delivery frameworks for cutting-edge technology.