8-pin vs 4-pin CPU mobo power connectors.

[fuzzybabybunny]

My dad's got my old Asus P5ND2 with an 8-pin CPU power connector. It'll be running 4GB RAM and a Pentium D 805 dual core. I just ordered a 400W OCZ for him, but the PSU only comes with a 4-pin CPU power connector.

I've read that plugging a 4-pin into the 8-pin will still work, just that no overclocking should be done. But what exactly does the 8-pin configuration do? How does having 8 pins translate to more overclocking stability? There are even 4-pin to 8-pin adapters that I could buy. Would slapping on a plastic adapter improve any kind of stability?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

If I were you I'd order this and not worry about it. Maybe try to return the other one and explain that it isn't compatible with your motherboard.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2312894&enterthread=y

 

[VirtualLarry]

I answered this question once before, probably in the PSU forum.

Anyways, the short answer is that the 8-pin connector allows the PSU to supply more current into the CPU VRM section on the motherboard, allowing for more stable power for the CPU.

It also depends on the TDP of your CPU. Above about 120W or so, you should be using the 8-pin connector. Definately use an 8-pin if you are overclocking a quad-core.
Otherwise, the 4-pin is acceptable. It plugs into one-half of the 8-pin connector on the mobo.

 

[cboath]

Interesting. Does this apply to newer boards, too? My i7 board has an 8 pin connector, but 4 were covered. The motherboard book said the 4 pin were for one type of PS and the 8 was for a different type. Can't remember the abbreviations though.

 

[wolfman11]

8 was probably for EPS12V...

 

[starams5]

This is a quote that I've had on a text file for some time now, I'm not this smart:

"It all boils down to CPU power. If you have a CPU with higher power requirements then you should use the 8-pin because it allows redundant pathways for current to flow to the chip and reduces the chance of burnt pins. The 8-pin will work with all CPU's, however the 4-pin may not work with all CPU's, especially at high overclocks. I believe the power breaking point is 70 watts. If your CPU dissipates 70 watts then you should use the 8-pin for best results. This is general advice, many people have run CPU's with 70 watts dissipated power using the 4-pin and never experience any problem."