Do I need to replace my PS?

[conorvansmack]

I currently have this power supply and would like to keep using it. I'm looking at using an Asus P5Q-Eor an MSI P35 Neo2-FR. I noticed that both boards have an 8-pin power connector, but 4 of the plugs are covered. Are they necessary?

I'll be running an e8400, 4 GB RAM, 2 DVD-RW drives, 2 hard drives (1 SATA, 1 IDE) and an 8800GT.

I know it would be a good idea to replace the power supply, but is it possible, or even a good idea to run with my current one for a little while?

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: conorvansmack
I currently have this power supply and would like to keep using it. I'm looking at using an Asus P5Q-Eor an MSI P35 Neo2-FR. I noticed that both boards have an 8-pin power connector, but 4 of the plugs are covered. Are they necessary?

I'll be running an e8400, 4 GB RAM, 2 DVD-RW drives, 2 hard drives (1 SATA, 1 IDE) and an 8800GT.

I know it would be a good idea to replace the power supply, but is it possible, or even a good idea to run with my current one for a little while?

If you are overclocking then yes it would a good idea to upgrade to a quality PSU with the 8pin connector.

Otherwise, it is not a bad idea to keep your current PSU. It has a good amount of amps on the 12V rail and should do you well, even if limited to the 4pin connector.

I used my Enermax 420w (with 4pin connector) on my current rig up until I swapped PSU's with my dad.

Just leave the black spacer in if you choose to use the 4pin connector. It is there as a precaution so people don't try hooking the 4pin into where the spacer is (and potentially damage your cpu/motherboard)

 

[conorvansmack]

I don't plan on overclocking anything, but I want to be sure that everything is sufficiently powered. Lots of P35/P45 boards do not have that spacer or cover there.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: conorvansmack
I don't plan on overclocking anything, but I want to be sure that everything is sufficiently powered. Lots of P35/P45 boards do not have that spacer or cover there.

The 8pin connector adds 4 pins which allows extra 12V power to the cpu. Using strictly 4pin will work on boards even if the spacer is not present, provided you have no need to draw extra amounts of power for the cpu.

 

[conorvansmack]

I figure I'm being overly-cautious, but outside of overclocking, what else would require the extra voltage? I don't want to mess up or underpower anything on a new build.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: conorvansmack
I figure I'm being overly-cautious, but outside of overclocking, what else would require the extra voltage? I don't want to mess up or underpower anything on a new build.

A higher powered CPU such as a Quad-core

 

[conorvansmack]

Cool, thanks for all the advice!