8 pin CPU connector

[rerickson]

I am thinking about my next upgrade but looking at the mobo that I want it states that it has a 8 pin CPU connector... my current Antec only has one 4 pin CPU connector. Does this mean that I need a new power supply too?

 

[NoelS]

Originally posted by: rerickson
I am thinking about my next upgrade but looking at the mobo that I want it states that it has a 8 pin CPU connector... my current Antec only has one 4 pin CPU connector. Does this mean that I need a new power supply too?

Not necessarily - PSU size depends on the demands you put on your system. If your current PSU is sufficient for everything else, the 4 pin CPU power connector on it will fit into 4 of the 8 pin openings on the mobo. Most mobos with 8 pin connectors will come with a shield covering the openings you shouldn't use. Even if there is no shield, your 4 pin connector will only clip onto the 8 pin mobo connector in one orientation - the little retaining clip is off to the side you'd need to use so you can't clip in in wrong.

So other than losing some power to the CPU, you CAN use your PSU if all other conditions for it are OK. When you need more power later on, then get a PSU with an 8 pin connector.

I've used 8 pin mobos with 4 pin PSU connectors with no obvious ill effects on 2 different systems. Good luck on your new build...

Noel

 

[rerickson]

That is good to know! thanks! I'm going to try it then with just my 4 pin and my antec 550. This will be a very budget machine, 8600GT one sata HD, one ide optical, 2gb ram and an e2160 and yes the next piece will be a newer and better power supply. Thanks again NoelS

 

[NoelS]

You're welcome...

Noel

 

[Xvys]

My ps came with an 8-pin adapter plug which connects into a 4-pin 12v molex. My new system E6850/P5K-D had only a 4-pin cpu plug in the 8-pin mb socket, and it o/c to 3.6GHz fine with only a 400 watt ps. Using the 4-pin plug may provide more juice than using the 8-pin adapter plug on a molex.

 

[wraith3k]

Originally posted by: NoelS
So other than losing some power to the CPU, you CAN use your PSU if all other conditions for it are OK. When you need more power later on, then get a PSU with an 8 pin connector.

What kind of signs will there be if 4 pins isn't enough and using all 8 pins is required? Would there be stability issues? I have an unused PSU with the 4 pin connector which I'm thinking of using on my next build.