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Motherboard damage running 4 pin power connector instead of 8 pin?

W

webvigator2k

Junior Member
So things have changed quite a bit since my last build 3 1/2 years ago. I guess the 4 pin plugs are no longer used and now they've upped it to 8pins + the regular 24 pin ATX power plug. People say that you can use the 4 pins just fine in the 8 pin motherboards, it's just extra if you have a high powered (125w+) CPU. Some people claimed that it could cause system damage though as it's too underpowered and possibly not flowing the juice correctly. Is it true that I run the risk of component failure and ruining the hardware if I use a 4 pin instead of an 8 pin? It's a Phenom X2 550 Callisto 3.1ghz, only 80W. My current chip is a Sempron 2600+, which runs at probably around 65W is my guess. Old board only had a 4pin connector. To me, I think it'll be just fine, but I just want to be safe so that I don't burn out my brand new board and chip 🙂
 
If your CPU draws 120W or more, you're much better off going with an 8-pin mobo and PSU.

If you run a CPU that powerful through a 4-pin connector, yes, you do risk burning it.
 
VirtualLarry said:
If your CPU draws 120W or more, you're much better off going with an 8-pin mobo and PSU.

If you run a CPU that powerful through a 4-pin connector, yes, you do risk burning it.
Click to expand...

Do you think my chip will draw that much power at its default settings? I do plan on unlocking it to a quad core, but not immediately. I was going to hold off until I got a beefier powersupply before I do that.
 
webvigator2k said:
So things have changed quite a bit since my last build 3 1/2 years ago. I guess the 4 pin plugs are no longer used and now they've upped it to 8pins + the regular 24 pin ATX power plug. People say that you can use the 4 pins just fine in the 8 pin motherboards, it's just extra if you have a high powered (125w+) CPU. Some people claimed that it could cause system damage though as it's too underpowered and possibly not flowing the juice correctly. Is it true that I run the risk of component failure and ruining the hardware if I use a 4 pin instead of an 8 pin? It's a Phenom X2 550 Callisto 3.1ghz, only 80W. My current chip is a Sempron 2600+, which runs at probably around 65W is my guess. Old board only had a 4pin connector. To me, I think it'll be just fine, but I just want to be safe so that I don't burn out my brand new board and chip 🙂
Click to expand...

This adapter cable (convert a 4-pin molex from the psu to an 8-pin power for the motherboard) will solve your dilemma.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-003-_-Product
 
Thanks everyone - I actually jumped on an 400W Corsair deal that's on NewEgg for $30 after rebate. It comes with the 8 pin and 4 pin, so i can rest easy now 🙂
 
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