20 pins PSU in a 24 pins mobo? Is it possible?

[alexruiz]

I am building a new computer right now (Athlon 64 X2 3800x, Pc chips A11G integrated video) The motherboard is ATX spec 2.03 (24 pins power conector) but the only power supply I have right now to fire it up is ATX 2.01 (20 pins)

The system is basic, nothing fancy, no power hungry video card as I am using the integrated video. Can I use this power supply safely with this motherboard? What are the implications or constraints?

Thanks


Alex

 

[htne]

Yes, in many cases you can safely use a 20 pin power supply on a motherboard which has a 24 pin power supply connector. I have seen new motherboards with 24 pin power supply connector, where they come from the factory with a piece of tape over the extra 4 pins. Reading the manual, they say remove the tape if you have a 24 pin power supply connector, leave it in place for 20 pin power supply connector. If your power supply is of decent quality, you are very unlikely to do any damage trying it with your new motherboard.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Running an overclocked 3200+ winchester in a 24 pin mobo with a 20 pin PSU right now. No trouble yet 🙂

 

[deadken]

Perhaps you might want to buy a 20-to-24 pin adapter? Radio Shack has one for $10.

I can't find the link for the one that I bought (I still have it lying around, I never ended up using it), but HERE is what I am talking about. I know that I paid $9.99 for mine, I bought it at my local store (the one in the link is online only) and it was made by a reputable company with a name you would recognize (although I can't remember it now for the life of me....).

HERE is another one that is cheaper. Just google '20 to 24 pin power supply adapter' and take your pick.

 

[Aluvus]

The extra pins are to provide more power for a video card. If you're using integrated video, they are irrelevant.

The adapters are a waste of money.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Those adapters are worthless, all the power still comes from the same 20 pins, so if you are gonna overload any wires you'll still do it regardless.

 

[alexruiz]

Thanks guys! I see than I am safe 🙂