Ok...(likley) a dumb@ss question

[Homerboy]

But I have to ask

I have a MSI K7N2 motherboard currently running an AMD 1600+
next to the standard ATX power connector on the MB the is a small, 4-prong female connector. I assume this is for more juice directly dedicated to the CPU correct? For power hungry CPUs?

Obviously my PSU doesnt have this plug on it, and everything is running fine. Would I need a new PSU if I wanted to jump to a Barton 2500+ (@ 3200+)?

 

[BlackMountainCow]

Most likely yes.

 

[Homerboy]

so that is in fact what that 4-prong doo-hickey is? dedicated CPU power?
damn it... now my upgrade price tag just went up again!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

While it probably won't be quite as effective, you could just add the adapter that turns 1 of your 4pin Molex connectors into the 12v connector. I've seen members here do that with good results even when overclocking

 

[NokiaDude]

Use it if you can, I find it to help with stability under heavy stress.