Safety of 8-pin cpu power connector vs 4-pin

RZap

Honorable
Jun 13, 2014
11
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10,510
Okay, silly question, but I'm one of those guys that values the opinions of other people when trying something new even if I (think I) know the answer.

I ordered a GIGABYTE GA-B85M-DS3H motherboard to use with an i5-4590. I don't overclock. This is the 1st motherboard I've used that has an 8-pin CPU power connector. I understand the extra power offered by an 8-pin connection is useful for overclocking, but that extra juice won't damage the i5, correct? The CPU will only draw as much power as it needs?

Are there any benefits to using an 8-pin CPU power connector aside from potential overclocking endeavors?
 
Solution
Perfectly fine.

The board probably won't power on without all 8 pins connected. Not sure.

More cable is better; they don't get so hot and you get less voltage drop.

RZap

Honorable
Jun 13, 2014
11
0
10,510


The not getting so "hot" part . . . hadn't thought of that. So, the power needs are being divided among the 2 cables on an 8-pin connection versus the 1 power cable used for a 4-pin. That makes perfect sense :)

I guess I should opt for 8-pin connections given the choice if more is better?