20 or 24 pins PSU

[Gelardi]

i know that the A8n-SLi requiers 24 pins cable, but i also heard thet the mobo will also function only with the 20 pins cable. Somebody knows something about it or have experience?

 

[kjackson09]

I am currently running my Asus A8N SLI board with an Antec 430W PSU which is only 20pins. The build has been rock solid (specs in my sig) However, if you are planning on using the SLI and/or a higher end video card than the 6600GT I would recommend get a 24pin powersupply unit.

 

[imported_2x]

It will probably make no difference unless you have multiple HD's, SLI, multiple USB, etc. Even then, I'm not so sure it will effect anything. The quality of the power supply is much more important than the # of pins. There are many crappy 500+Watt 24 pin PS's that I would not use over my Antec 430 20 pin.

 

[ribbon13]

20 pin to 24 pin adapters are everywhere.

 

[kjackson09]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
20 pin to 24 pin adapters are everywhere.

My understanding is that the adapters are not necessary and can do more harm than good.

 

[Slaimus]

Most of the time you do not need to adapt anything. You can simply plug a 20-pin cable into the 24-pin slot and leave the 4 open, as well as plug a 24-pin cable into a 20-pin slot and let the extra 4 dangle. Some power supplies have a break off separate 4-pin addon that u can attach to the 20-pin when you need a 24-pin, and leave it off if you do not.

It is up to the motherboard to decide what to do if the 4 pins are missing.

 

[adrian76]

IMO if you are buying one new, just go for one with native 24-pin. I have the 500W Fortron Source Blue Storm. Very solid PSU.