The maximum PCI-E specification of a PCI-E 8-pin connector is 150W, not 360W. The maximum specification for a 6-pin PCI-E connector is 75W.
The PCI-E specification is not just based on wire gauge. It's also based on power delivery. Wires and connectors have resistance. The voltage drop and power dissipation as heat increase as you increase the current. The resistance of connectors also tends to increase as they are plugged and unplugged so after enough uses they can overheat and even melt when passing a large current. Which is why it's NOT safe to overload a 8-pin connector with more than the rated specification. ESPECIALLY for a mining rig under constant high load 24/7.
The PCI-E specification is not just based on wire gauge. It's also based on power delivery. Wires and connectors have resistance. The voltage drop and power dissipation as heat increase as you increase the current. The resistance of connectors also tends to increase as they are plugged and unplugged so after enough uses they can overheat and even melt when passing a large current. Which is why it's NOT safe to overload a 8-pin connector with more than the rated specification. ESPECIALLY for a mining rig under constant high load 24/7.
Yes that is rated to the pcie pins including the socket and connectors. I'm saying wire wise there is no issue for 1 8 pin into 2 8pin. 150w limit is to the Socket on gpu side which is still draw of 1 gpu, on psu side the 150w limit is not true. Howevery I do agree that through the entire connection, the highest stress point is at the psu 8pin connection sockets. If any overdraw happens this is where it is most likely to heat up first.
Brand of PSu is very important, that why we are paying more for the corsairs, all the ratings are standards to abide to at minimum but good brands always surpass them by quite abit. I have tried running the hx1200 at 1400w for almost 3 months 24/7 ambient temp at 28c with no issues. Hence the confidence for their build. Of cos this does not apply to any other brands.
PSU rail ratings differ between models from the same brand and even different VGA ports on the same PSU. e.g. EVGA specifically says in their G2/P2 manuals the 8-pin with 6-pin pigtail cables should only be used in the last two VGA ports.
Physics doesn't change because you pay more for a PSU. The fact is by running a PSU over it's rated capacity you are greatly reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the PSU, which is a bad idea for a mining rig. Your experience also doesn't change the fact that you and pulling more watts through a connector than it was intended to deliver. Your experience with one PSU brand also doesn't mean others have that same experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXoPFPqU3Y8&feature=youtu.be&t=3798
