Finally actually installed the GPU. I had been putting it off because I thought it was going to be a whole thing with converting my case from storage layout to regular layout to make the card fit. Turns out I had forgotten that I did that last time I opened up the case, huzzah. Still, at some point I need to look into a new PSU I think. 750W is the recommended, and I have exactly that, and it's a good unit too so I don't expect any trouble. But I would like to have a little more headroom there in case I upgrade my CPU at some point. Also I guess it would be nice to have a new GPU power cable instead of this adapter cable business. I think Corsair sells a cable for my RMX unit, but I don't think I'll bother.
Speaking of, the new socket and plug is a really tight fit, when I initially slotted it in it seemed like it couldn't go in any further, but when I turned the GPU around to check the other side, it was very clearly not all the way in there. You feel it when it locks in to its place, but there's no loud click like the old connectors.
Anyways, I can definitely see how all the hubbub about the 12PWHR cables came to be, you need to use a lot more force than you think you need to, and really make sure the plug is in there. Best to plug it in before you put the GPU in its socket so you can actually look at it better to make sure it's good.
Graphics score went up about 80% in 3DMark Time Spy. It's not quite double the performance I used to aim for when upgrading, but to get there I'd have to go a tier higher and ~300€ more money.
![cold-sweat :cold-sweat: :cold-sweat:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)