MSI Motherboards for AMD CPUs and the P4 power connector

[argion]

I typically use ASUS mobos when putting together computers for myself, but recently I have been building quite a few for friends and family and finding the MSI ones to be a better bang for the money. In systems that I build from scratch, I typically connect the 12V connector (4pin) for the CPU. I believe this connector was originaly for the P4 processors but that MSI put it to good use for their AMD motherboards as well.

The question I have is this. I recently upgraded an old computer with a PIII and ASUS CUS4V-E to a AMD XP 2000+ with a low end MSI motherboard. Since costs had to be kept to a minimum, no other component was upgraded including the PSU. This PSU was old enough not to have the P4 connector. Therefore I just hooked up the regular power connection to the motherboard and nothing else. To my surprise the computer did boot up and everything installed just fine. I did look through the manual and did not find any reference to the fact that the additional power connection was optional.

That being said, is there anything I should be concerned about given that it is not getting the additional power?

Thanks,

-J

 

[Aikouka]

If I remember right, I made a post about the 12v connector, AMD processors and if it really mattered a while ago. The responses I got said that even though it was originally used for Intel processors, some manufacturers are starting to use the power for AMD CPUs as well. If you want to use the same PSU, I've seen 4-pin molex to 12v adapters.

 

[mechBgon]

I would be concerned. The boards that use the ATX12V secondary connector typically power the CPU's power circuitry from it, AFAIK. By depriving the board of the two additional 12V lines on the ATX12V cable, you are forcing it to pump all of the 12V amperage through one wire, because the main ATX cable only has one 12V wire on it.

For an AthlonXP 2000+, that means that about 45 amps of 12V power. I'd try to correct that, if it were me. An ounce of prevention...