Posted: 5/26/2011 11:02 PM
Post subject: Power conntector on motherboard with adaptable power supply
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Nach
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I have a motherboard with a 12x2 pin power connector and a 4x2 pin power connector. This is what the manual has to say about it: Notice that it labels ATX_12V pins 1, 2, 5, 6 as "only for 2x4 pin", it makes me think connecting some of those are optional. Same for pins 11, 12, 23, 24 on ATX. Now the PSU I have comes with two power adapters, a 2x2 and a 12x2. But looking closely, I see I can snap the last 2x2 off of the larger connector. Is this power supply enough for my motherboard? Or do I need one which can connect every single pin? Meaning one which comes with another 2x2 connector, or a 4x2 instead of the 2x2 it has? Should I move the 2x2 from the 12x2 turning it into a 10x2 and plug the 2x2 next to the other one? However that would be difficult because its taped and bound in place:
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Posted: 5/26/2011 11:28 PM
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Tub
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In any case, keep the 12x2 together. An older standard only required 10x2, which was extended by 2x2 more. All current computers I know require 12x2, not sure why new PSUs still have those splittable. If you look at the mobo-page, those 2x2 deliver +12, +5, +3.3 and ground. If you jam them into the CPU power connector, baaad things will happen. About the CPU connector: each 12V line can only supply a defined amount of power. If you have a hungry CPU, you will need 4 lines. Low-end CPUs will be happy with just two (both my 65W Athlon and my fusion box only have a 2x2 connector). Conversely, only high-wattage-PSUs will provide a 4-line connector, because a low-end-PSU couldn't supply enough power to satisfy the standards. My guess is that your motherboard supports a wide range of CPUs and must provide a 4-line connector for the highend-ones. Low- to midrange-CPUs should work fine with a 2-line connector. But I can't tell you whether your mobo actually handles that case gracefully (i.e. whether it's a supported configuration), so don't blame me if your fridge blows up.
m00
Posted: 5/26/2011 11:30 PM
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Nach
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Thanks for the info Tub, best and clearest info I could find on this topic. How do I know which cases require more pins and which less? My manual doesn't seem to have any further info in it. Edit: Looking on their website for compatibility, I see they support a hundred different CPUs with this motherboard, ranging from 20 to 140 watts. The higher ones need more pins of power perhaps? How do I know which CPU requires which?
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Posted: 5/26/2011 11:42 PM
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Tub
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Provide more info. Mobo-model, CPU model, PSU model? Your PSU should contain an ATX version number. Which one? At what wattage is it rated? Your mobo should contain some information about the required ATX version as well. This may be useful, if you need in-depth info about the connectors of each revision. I don't know which CPUs require more than 2 lines. All I know is that my Athlon 64, rated at 65W, is happy with two.
m00
Posted: 5/27/2011 1:33 AM
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Nach
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Thanks for your help Tub. Everything seems to be running fine despite being 4 pins short on the 4x2 connector. Was annoying to figure out how to put the 2x2 connector in though, what with the 6 possible ways it seems like it could connect.
Warning: Opinions expressed by Nach or others in this post do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or position of Nach himself on the matter(s) being discussed therein.