4 pin connector for CPU Power?

[coomarlin]

I've got a new MSI nforce2 based motherboard that has 2 power connectors. One 20 pin ATX power connector and a 4 pin connector. My 300W power supply does not have the 4 pin connector. Does the 4 pin need to be hooked up, or can it will it work with just the 20 pin ATX? Will I need to buy a new Power supply?

 

[Ketchup]

The computer will not work unless you have this plug connected, so you will need to buy a new power supply. 300 watts really isn't enough for this motherboard anyway, so Intel's reasons for using this plug seem to be working.

 

[oustedone]

You can also get a adapter that goes from a standard power molex to the 4 pin. Ive used them in the past and haven't had any power problems. It's the cheapest route.

 

[buildingacomputer]

I was interested in MSI K7N2G (MS-6570), an nForce2 board. I wasn't sure if the 4 pin connector on mobo (JPW1) must be connected. (My PSU does not have that connector, either). I asked MSI-USA if the connection was a MUST. They said no.

 

[snidy1]

I've had systems work without it pluged in.

 

[Ketchup]

Sorry if I gave any misinformation. What I meant was, Intel rigs require this connector, unless you have one of the handful of motherboards that don't use it. The nForce2 may be different.

 

[coomarlin]

I just ordered an Antec 330w "True Power" PS just to be safe. Will that be OK?

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: coomarlin
I just ordered an Antec 330w "True Power" PS just to be safe. Will that be OK?

That will do fine but as an early post pointed out, you could have just used an adapter plug on your old PS. However, a 300 watt PS is a bit on the small side for many of todays rigs. Depends of course on other installed items but it was probably a good time to update. Actually you could have gone a bit higher; say the 350-400 watt range. Plenty of headroom there.