VNF4 Ultra Question

[DemonicPenguin]

I've been hearing mixed emotions about the VNF4 Ultra's reliance on a 24-Pin ATX Power Supply, and I know that it's not required for the computer to run. But I bought the MSI NX6600GT video card to go along with it, and I heard that if the video card doesn't have its own power supply connector on itself somewhere, then those extra 4 pins are needed in order to power the VGA card. Is this true? And I've also been hearing bad news about people who've tried using a 20 to 24-pin ATX adapter with this certain mobo and the results were less than satisfying. Is there a "safe" adapter that I could use (assuming I need it)?

 

[Silversierra]

I'm running a 6600gt on a vnf4 ultra with a 20 pin antec 350watt psu (21a +12v)(I even oc'ed the card and didn't have power problems yet, I set it back to stock for now though.) You don't need an adapter, the plug can only go in one way(at least mine could) and I've heard that someone fried their mobo with a bad adapter, ouch. The 4 pin small power connector goes in the 4 pin mobo connector, not the missing 4 pins in the 24 pin connector, they're left open.

 

[DemonicPenguin]

Phew. *wipes a bead of sweat from my forehead*
Thanks for your help.

 

[imported_Slider]

Originally posted by: Silversierra
I'm running a 6600gt on a vnf4 ultra with a 20 pin antec 350watt psu (21a +12v)(I even oc'ed the card and didn't have power problems yet, I set it back to stock for now though.) You don't need an adapter, the plug can only go in one way(at least mine could) and I've heard that someone fried their mobo with a bad adapter, ouch. The 4 pin small power connector goes in the 4 pin mobo connector, not the missing 4 pins in the 24 pin connector, they're left open.

Awesome, those are the exact parts that I ordered. An antec slk3700amb, 6600gt, and a vnf4ultra. Did you have any trouble with the motherboard/case? Any words of advice?

 

[MajorPayne]

Originally posted by: DemonicPenguin
I've been hearing mixed emotions about the VNF4 Ultra's reliance on a 24-Pin ATX Power Supply, and I know that it's not required for the computer to run. But I bought the MSI NX6600GT video card to go along with it, and I heard that if the video card doesn't have its own power supply connector on itself somewhere, then those extra 4 pins are needed in order to power the VGA card. Is this true? And I've also been hearing bad news about people who've tried using a 20 to 24-pin ATX adapter with this certain mobo and the results were less than satisfying. Is there a "safe" adapter that I could use (assuming I need it)?

I frequent the forums at pcper.com, and one of the mods over there communicated directly with Chaintech on this issue. Chaintech's response was basically this: The 24-pin connection on the motherboard is NOT required to run the board, or any combination of add-ons. The 24-pin connection was simply used to make the board compatible with FUTURE power supplies (since most will be moving to a 24-pin standard), and using a 20-pin PSU with this board has NO negative affects at all, in fact, the board was designed with the 20-pin PSU in mind, and the 24-pin connection is simply for compatibility with upcoming power supplies.

I have spoken with many users who use this board with 20-pin power supplies (both with adapters, and without), and all seem to be able to run thier boards without a problem. I myself HAVE a 24-pin PSU, so this has not been a problem for me, but I have even known 1 person to run the board with a 6800GT, and he did not have any issues either.

 

[Silversierra]

I got the slk1650B case because I like black, and like that it doesn't have an annoying drive door. It is cheap and works well. The vnf4 fit well (the i/o ports aren't tight against the i/o plate, but it still works good) especially because it isn't full atx(memory above cpu rather than beside). I used 512mb of kingmax super ram, and I'm thinking of getting another gig of corsair value and a tagan 480w 24pin psu. Haven't decided yet, but bf 1942 suffers on 512mb ram.