4-pin power supply on 8-pin motherboard?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
B

BeepBeepImaJeep

Honorable
Jun 1, 2013
2
0
10,510
I have found this question posted before, but I have yet to see a definitive answer.
I recently purchased a new mobo and CPU (specs below).
My PSU is fairly old, but I have had no problems with it in the past.
But with this new build there is only one 4pin connector available for the 8pin power supply socket on the mobo.
I dont plan on doing any overclocking.

Would simply using only the 4pin connector be safe and sufficient?

Also would like to mention I purchased a 4pin to 8pin adapter cable to potentially resolve the issue. Turns out the assembled PC would not even turn on with the adapter in place. But would in fact turn on with only the 4pin.

Im new to computer assembly and appreciate all your help!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128514

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
MJSBLUES

MJSBLUES

Honorable
May 7, 2013
360
0
10,810
It should be safe, with only a 4 pin into the cpu socket the maximum it can give the CPU is 75 watts. Your CPU's TDP is 125 watt however, so if it goes above 75 watts your computer will freeze. If you're doing simple tasks it should be ok, but I personally wouldn't risk it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
jnkweaver

jnkweaver

Distinguished
Nov 11, 2011
2,160
1
20,515
The 125W TDP is not the wattage used by the CPU but the thermal energy that must be dissipated. The 4 pin provide 75W over what the motherboard supplies (through the 24-pin connector) which I think is close to 75W itself.

I agree with Ksham. As long as you don't overclock (which is why we have 8-pin connectors) than you will be good.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
TenPc

TenPc

Honorable
Jul 11, 2012
2,471
1
11,960
You have to also consider the Watts of the PSU as compared to your other hardware, it might be that your PSU is only 250 watts. The PC will boot up but you might not be able to play anything other than very old low end games, and that depends of the requirement of your video card.

Even if the CPU is 75 watts, the video card might be 95 watts, the other hardware might total about 80 watts so you would need on the 12v rail at least 250 watts which a 250 watt PSU would not provide (about 180 watts). Your PSU would need to be about 430 watts (336 Watts 12v rail) minimum to allow for peak power as well.

Consider giving details to all your hardware so we can ascertain as to whether your PSU would be adequate.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom