4-pin vs 8-pin CPU Power?

[yegorpb]

Im in a bit of a pickle here. I bought a Nvidia Nforce 680i SLI and a OCZ Gamexstream 600W PSU, which comes with 2 x 4-pin CPU power plugs (CPU1 and CPU2) which is designed for 2 CPU machines, I assume. The Mobo requires 1 8-pin CPU power plug.... it still works with 4-pin, but it says that 8-pin is highly recommended.

What would the 8-pin provide that the 4-pin cannot? I have a e6600 CPU, and I dont plan to overclock it beyond what I could with stock cooling... so probably 2.8-3ghz not more. I also notice that both power plugs fit perfectly into the 8-pin slot, but Im too afraid to turn on the PC with both of them in there, but the PSU manual does say its a "universal" plug, since the main mobo 24-pin plug came as 2, 20pin and 4pin, which could be inserted into the same (24-pin) slot.

Any ideas?

 

[AznSensation]

Just do it.

 

[Missing Ghost]

I just looked at your PSU online. When using a 8 pins 12v board, the two 4 pins connectors are SUPPOSED to be plugged together. They call it a 4+4 8pin connector.

 

[yegorpb]

Hmm really? I swear I couldnt find anything that said that. It says "1 x 4-pin/8-pin CPU (supports double CPUs/supplies stable voltage)" everywhere.

 

[John]

Plug the two 4-pin +12v connectors together and plug it into the mainboard.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: Missing Ghost
I just looked at your PSU online. When using a 8 pins 12v board, the two 4 pins connectors are SUPPOSED to be plugged together. They call it a 4+4 8pin connector.

He's right; my OCZ PowerStream 520W is built the same way.

 

[yegorpb]

Whats the advantage of a 8pin vs 4pin?

 

[Kirby64]

Originally posted by: yegorpb
Whats the advantage of a 8pin vs 4pin?

Better question: What's the DISADVANTAGE of plugging in all the connectors? Seriously.

 

[Pandamonium]

A "better" question neither invalidates nor answers a "question".

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: yegorpb
Whats the advantage of a 8pin vs 4pin?

Ability to deliver more current with less voltage drop and better efficiency.

 

[Missing Ghost]

I agree with Aluvus. I might add, it will be necessary if you plan to do big overclocks. However it is not necessary as the mobo manufacturer states. Since you have it you should use it. It simply allow you to use 4 wires instead of 2 wires to do the same job, you'll run less current in each wire.

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: Missing Ghost
I just looked at your PSU online. When using a 8 pins 12v board, the two 4 pins connectors are SUPPOSED to be plugged together. They call it a 4+4 8pin connector.

He's right; my OCZ PowerStream 520W is built the same way.

This information is correct & many psu's are designed this way ... my old BFG 650 watt PSU was the same & I contacted their tech-support before connecting it myself to make sure.