confusion over 24 pin connectors/adapters

[cparker]

I just read the "budget" guide. I was thinking of getting one of the MSI boards (MSI nForce4 K8N Neo4-F or MSI RS480M2-IL) with the AMD Athlon 64 3000+. I'm a bit confused about the need for a 24 pin connector/adapter. I have a ps and a case ready for my new rig, but the ps doesn't have 24 pin support. Does this mean I need a new ps or I have to get an adapter or can I just use it as is with either of these two boards. In the article there is some mention of an alternate PS that doesn't have a 24 pin adapter and it says: "Unfortunately, the PSU doesn't have a 24-pin power connection, but we have used 20-pin connections on numerous PCs without difficulty."

Thanks. Would appreciate any advice before committing to any purchase.

 

[cparker]

I just looked at the PS I was going to use (Raidmax rx-380K 380W) and I noticed that it actually has a 4 pin clip on adapter to the 20 pin connector, so I guess it's 24 pin after all. So it looks like I'm ok, after all. A bit confusing, but I'm learning.

 

[wbynum]

Make sure you are not confusing the 12v 4pin CPU connector with the "4 pin clip on adapter".

 

[cparker]

I think I have it right. There is a four pin connector with a single clip in the side that you can press to release. That must be the cpu connector, or at least I think so. Then there is this other four pin connctor that has two little clips that mate to the 20 pin connector. It extends the 20 pin connector to 24. I think this is what it is. It sure looks like it, but I'd appreciate feedback one way or another that I'm right or wrong. Thanks for pointing it out.