[PSU] Power supply unit modular cable connection guide

[PSU] Power supply unit modular cable connection guide

Related Reference FAQ:
[Graphics Card & PSU] Power Supply Installation Guide
How to search and download drivers, utilities, BIOS, and user manuals

[PSU] Power Supply Modular Cable Connection Guide
How to properly insert modular power supply (PSU) cables into the PSU itself to avoid damaging connectors, abnormal power supply, or incorrect installation.

When installing modular cables for a modular power supply (PSU), be sure to use the cables that come with the original power supply, as the pinouts of modular cables can differ between brands and even models, and mixing them may cause hardware damage. 
 

Below are diagrams showing how to connect the main modular cables:
The cables have two ends: the PSU side and the component side. When connecting a modular cable, always confirm both ends.
PSU side: The side marked with "PSU" on the cable is for connecting to the PSU.
Component side: Mainly for connecting to motherboard, graphics card, and hard drive components; these connectors have standardized shapes, specifications, and pinouts, and are also labeled on the cables.

(EX: ROG STRIX AURA 1000W）
1. Introduction to recommended devices for each PIN of the power supply ( PSU ):

2. How to install on your motherboard: First, go to the ASUS official website to find your model, download the motherboard user manual, and refer to the motherboard layout diagram for installation.
（EX: TUF GAMING Z890-PLUS WIFI）

3. Reference motherboard layout:

4. Motherboard Main Power Cable (24PIN ATX）
Purpose: Provides main power to the motherboard.
Connector Features: The largest connector with 24PIN.
Connection Method:
(Red)Power supply : (the connector will be labeled PSU) is connected to the PSU unit (10PIN+18PIN) or (24PIN). 

(Green) Component side: Connect the 24PIN to the ATX_PWR slot on the motherboard, usually located on the right side of the motherboard.

5. CPU power cable (4+4PIN / 8PIN EPS)
Purpose: Specifically provides power for the processor (CPU).
Connector features: Usually consists of two 4PIN connectors, which can be combined into one 8PIN connector to meet different motherboard requirements.
Connection method:
(Red) PSU side: Connect the 8PIN connector labeled PSU to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the other side of the 4+4PIN connector to the CPU_12_1 and CPU_12_2 slots near the CPU socket on the motherboard. If the motherboard only has a 4PIN slot, only use one of the 4PIN connectors.

6. Graphics card power cable (6+2PIN / 8PIN PCIe）
（EX: TUF-RX9070-O16G-GAMING）
Purpose: Provides additional power for discrete graphics cards.
Connector features: Consists of a 6PIN connector and a detachable 2PIN connector.
Connection method：
(Red) PSU side: Connect the 8PIN connector (labeled PSU) on the PSU side to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the 6+2PIN connector to the power slot on the graphics card. For an 8PIN slot, use the full 8PIN connector; for a 6PIN slot, only use the 6PIN connector and leave the 2PIN hanging.

Note: Please install according to the number of power connectors required on the graphics card (EX: TUF-RX9070-O16G-GAMING) 8PIN connector *3

7. Graphics Card Power Cable(16PIN/12VHPWR）
（EX: TUF-RTX5070TI-O16G-GAMING）
Usage: Provides extra power for discrete graphics cards.
Connector features: Composed of one 12PIN connector and one 4PIN small connector.
Connection method:
(Red) Power supply side: Connect the 16PIN connector labeled as PSU side to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the other end’s 16PIN connector to the power slot on the graphics card.

8. Storage Device Power (SATA)
Usage: Supplies power to solid-state drives (SSD), traditional hard drives (HDD), and optical drives.
Connector features: Flat L-shaped connector, usually with several same connectors on one cable for connecting multiple storage devices.
Connection method:
(Red) Power supply side: Connect the 6PIN connector labeled as PSU side to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the L-shaped connector to the SATA power slot on the storage device. 

9. Legacy device power cable (Molex)
Purpose: To supply power to legacy case fans, optical drives, HDD hard drives, or some controllers.
Connector features: 4PIN rectangular connector with four round holes.
Connection method:
(Red) Power supply side: Connect the 6PIN connector labeled as PSU side to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the 4PIN connector to the corresponding peripheral device.

10. PSU ARGB device power cable (2PIN or 3PIN)
Purpose: 2PIN or 3PIN is for powering the LED on the PSU and enables AURA SYNC.
Connector features: 2PIN or 3PIN rectangular connector, the other end has four round holes (3+1 (no PIN foolproof design)).
Connection method:
(Red) Power supply side: Connect the 2PIN or 3PIN rectangular connector to the PSU unit.
(Green) Component side: Connect the other end with four round holes to the corresponding motherboard addressable ADD_GEN2_2 or ADD_GEN2_3 lighting strip connector.

*Connection precautions：
Correctly match connectors: Carefully check the shape of each connector to ensure it matches the socket on the power supply and components completely, to avoid forcing it in.
When successfully connected, you will usually hear a "click" sound, indicating the connector is locked in place.
Pay attention to cable length: Plan the cable routing before assembly to ensure the cables are long enough, which helps with cable management and airflow inside the case. 

11.PSU IVS Cable（2PIN）

Purpose: GPU-First voltage sensing to improve voltage stability.
Connector features: Purple 2PIN connector.
Connection method:

(Red) Power Supply Side: Connect the 2PIN connector labeled "PSU" to the corresponding connector on the PSU unit (marked with the IVS icon)

*Connection precautions：

Match the connectors correctly: 

Carefully check the shape and keying of each connector to ensure it matches the socket on the power supply and component exactly.
Do not force a connector into a socket. Incorrect connections may result in damage to the components or electrical burnout.

Q&A

Q1: Is there a recommended power supply for graphics cards？
A: Please refer to the following link：

Graphics card power supply wattage calculator

Q2: How do I determine which power connector to use for different graphics cards？
A: Please refer to the following FAQ link

[Motherboard/Graphics Card]How to install the graphics card on motherboard

Q3：[Graphics Card & PSU] Power Supply Unit (PSU) PIN Connector Installation Guide

Q4: Is it possible to connect PSU cables incorrectly？
A: Most modular PSUs are designed with foolproof features, but you still need to match the labels。 Incorrect or forced plugging may cause damage.

Q5: Can I only connect the cables needed for my PC build?
A: Yes, the modular design is intended so you only use the cables you need, reducing clutter. It is recommended to refer to the motherboard or device manual for installation.

Q6: Can I use third-party modular cables？
A: Not recommended. Non-original cables may have different PIN definitions, which could damage the motherboard or graphics card.

Q7. I received both square-shaped and U-shaped 24PIN cables. Can they be used normally?

A7: The only difference between the U-shaped and square-shaped connectors is their appearance. Both connector types have the same electrical specifications, provide the same voltage and power delivery capabilities, and are fully compatible with ASUS power supplies.