But just because something fits, doesnt mean it belongs there.

And connecting your graphics card or PC case to the wrong ports can permanently destroy your box.

That being said, some manufacturers offer power supplies where CPU and GPU ports are interchangeable.

can-i-use-vga-cable-for-cpu

Not all of them support this feature.

Are CPU and VGA Ports Interchangeable?

BecauseVGA uses 3x12V pins & 5xGND pins, andCPU uses 4x12V pins& 4xGND pins.

pcie-connector

However, the PCI-e has 2 interchangeable plugs.

Thats why youcannot use VGA or PCI-e cable for the CPU.

What are CPU or ESP Connectors?

esp-pcie-connector

Thats why it can carry more power.

What are the CPU and GPU Power Supply Ports for Different Brands?

You must know what the pins for the CPU and graphics ports are on the PSU before connecting them.

seasonic-psu

Otherwise, you’ve got the option to damage the equipment.

Also, as thePSU cables are not universal, their CPU & GPU ports vary for different brands.

Corsair PSUs do not have exchangeable CPU and graphics card pins.

evga-psu

Be Quiets power supply pins are not interchangeable between CPU and GPU ports.

Cooler Master PSUs have exchangeable CPU and graphics card pins.

Antec power supply pins are not interchangeable between CPU and GPU ports.

corsair-psu

The CPU and GPU ports in the PSUs from MSI are separate and keyed.

Phanteks CPU and PCI-e ports are interchangeable.

FAQs

What cable for CPU power?

be-quiet-psu

P4 or ESP connectors supply power to the CPU.

Typical & cheap motherboards have 4-pin, and high-end motherboards have 8-pin connectors.

Can you use a PCI cable for the CPU?

cooler-master-psu

A PCI cable is used to connect the GPU to the power supply.

But you could use an 8-pin PCI-e cable to provide power to the CPU.

antec-psu

bitfenix-psu

msi-psu

nzxt-psu

phanteks-psu