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====== Ubuntu - GPU - Troubleshooting - System crashes when running a GPU intensive process ======

Check the cables between the PSU and the GPU.

  * Many recent GPUs require multiple power cables to be plugged in.
  * Ensure that if a splitter cable is used, that only one of the cables of this splitter is plugged into the GPU.

<WRAP alert>
**ALERT:**  Do **NOT** use splitter cables to power graphic cards.

Even though an 8-pin connector can supposedly handle 150W of power, it may not deliver that to the GPU.

  * It all depends on the overall quality of the power supply in question and the cable being used.
  * The 150W is from the ATX spec for PSUs; which is followed by virtually all consumer desktop hardware; but not all!

A single PCIe 8-pin cable and connectors maximum current rating is 12.5A, which is 150W (+12V x 12.5A); Watts = Volts x Amps.

  * If the wires get too much power, they can melt; or worse, catch fire. 
  * The actual power a cable will and can carry depends on quite a bit more.
  * This is why it is usually a bad idea to use splitter cables to power graphic cards.
    * If you have a 400W graphics card, and you are powering it with a splitter; you are sending a whopping 27 Amps down a single set of wires.
    * That is just asking for trouble as you are leaning very heavily on the quality of your PSU.
    * **Always use two separate cables whenever possible!!!**
      * A splitter cable can still be used, but only make use of one of the ends into each connector of the GPU.

</WRAP>

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===== References =====

[[Ubuntu:GPU:GPU Power Cable Guide|GPU Power Cable Guide]]