2x2 to 2x4 power supply adapter, do I need it?

[sebazvideo]

I got a bunch of very old computers for free and I was trying to use spare parts to put together a machine with an old Intel D975XBX2 motherboard and a quad core CPU that I'm not using (the case and power supply that was used with that computer is now part of another faster computer, so I can't really use them).

My problem is this: these PCs are not only old, they're barebones office style computers, so their power supplies are basic and don't have all the connectors the original power supply had. For example, the big connector on the motherboard is 24 pin, but the connector coming out of the power supply is 20, however the manual for the D975XBX2 says it's fine to use it that way. But the main concern I have is that the motherboard also has a 2x4 extra connector, and the motherboard has a 2x2. In the manual it says that under that circumstance I have to use the 2x4 to 2x2 adapter supplied with the motherboard, which I don't even know if I have anymore since I never used it. I already went through every possible place in my house that it could be and it's missing.

Would I put the motherboard in danger if I simply plug the 2x2 connector to the 2x4 female connector on the motherboard, without the adapter? It only goes one way.

My other concern is that I read that not using all the pins on the power connectors is fine as long as you don't overclock, which I'm not planning on doing; however, this would be a machine that would be used every now and then to render 3D in either Modo or Lightwave, and when it does, the CPU would be running at 100% for several days straight. Would that be too much load for the power supply given that I'm not using all the pins, and the power supply is only 250W?

Thanks,

Sebastian

 

[aigomorla]

yes i have done systems like that.. make sure ur not forcing the 4pin into the 8pin connector... it can only go one way.

also by doing so i wouldnt put a high TDP chip/overclock on it, as those plugs are used to provide extra voltage to the cpu when under heavy load / overclocked.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I got a bunch of very old computers for free and I was trying to use spare parts to put together a machine with an old Intel D975XBX2 motherboard and a quad core CPU

the CPU would be running at 100% for several days straight. Would that be too much load for the power supply given that I'm not using all the pins, and the power supply is only 250W?

I think that a Q6600, would be too much for a 250W PSU, especially if that is not an enthusiast-grade PSU, but one taken from an office machine.

Newegg has some 350W Enermax NAXN PSUs for $29.99 FS, you might wish to investigate that.

 

[imagoon]

Q6600 has a TDP of 105 watts and max of 155watts which would only be hit with max core voltage and specialized programs that cycle the inputs to worst case values. Depending on what else he is running, like number of HDD's 250watt would likely be fine. Also depending on where the PSU came from, such as the Dell business lines, it is likely a true 250watt cpu which would likely run that CPU fine but not that CPU+ video cards etc. Also the board may need the 2x2 to 4x2 adapter if they split the mosfet banks.

 

[artvscommerce]

If you determine you need a new PSU, I'd also take a look at the Antec EarthWatts 380W. I've gotten these for close to $30 on sale and they have held up really for me.