power supply question

[buildingacomputer]

I used to hear that 3.3 + 5V combined power needs to be greater than 200W (or some number near that) to power AMD processors. Is it still the case? The reason I ask is that an AMD System Configuration Power Requirement chart at AMD site indicates XP processors get power from 12V. Does this mean 3.3 + 5 V is no longer important? Thanks.

 

[Zepper]

Some recent Socket-A mobos are including a P4 (4-pin, 12V) connector to power the CPU. If you have one of those, the combined 3.3/5V current rating is irrelevant. Otherwise, your core current will still be supplied off the 5V lines (via on-board regulators) while the I/O current will be supplied directly off the 3.3V lines. I'm running a fairly heavily loaded system off a 250W Sparkle w/ a mobo that has the P4 connector - rock solid. I think that would probably be good up to a non-OCd 2000+ XP. You might need a 300W unit above that. I don't think my PSU fan has hit full speed yet.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[buildingacomputer]

Thanks for the answer. If a mobo has that P4 connector, must I power that port or can I live with the multipin ATX power connector? Do newer boards come with that?

 

[Zepper]

I'm not sure, the instructions in my mobo manual aren't clear. But I beleive you must use the P4 connector if the mobo has one. There are cable adapters you can buy that allow you to adapt a large drive connector to a P4 connector.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[jackschmittusa]

My Abit mobo says the connector is optional, though I use it. I believe all P4 mobos require that you use it though, as I have never seen an exception.