Using a 20 pin psu on a 24 pin board

[Fidgit]

Anyone using an old 20 pin psu on a 24 pin mainboard? I ordered some new hardware, asus p5q pro, e7200, 2gig ram, and a radeon 4850 and I'm in a dilemma whether or not to get a new psu. I have an oldie but goodie antec truepower 550 watt psu that's been in use for about 5 years now but its a 20 pin. I would really like to save the cash not having to buy a new psu if all possible.

I've read some info here and there about people using old 20 pin psu's on new 24 pin mainboards but I'm a bit skeptical about it but I know for a fact that the one i have now is a rock solid psu. Anyways afaik the antec i currently have has a single 12v rail with a 24a max output if that helps. I just wanted to get some opinions if this was doable and if or not it's a good idea, if just a temporary solution until i get more funds. What would be the worst case scenario? Lol i'd hate to screw up my new hardware. Thanks

 

[gators1223]

worst case is everything shorts and blows up but thats not likely probably most likely if it doesn't work it wont turn on, and is $50 to much to spare for a antec earthwatts 500w powersupply that has all the right cables

 

[Mondoman]

Your old PS probably isn't powerful enough for your specific new setup. Modern graphics cards require a lot more power than ones from five years ago. Overall watts don't matter -- what matters is the +12V amperage available.

 

[o1die]

See if your old antec has any required connectors to the video card. Some mid to high end cards require a ps connection. I use a 20 pin ps on my 24 pin connector, and it works fine. My compaq presario came this way. I changed to a 20 pin antec ps and it works fine, but the video connection must match. I use onboard video so this isn't an issue for me, but you need to check the video card requirements before ordering.

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

Look around though, they do make adapters. I know there is such an animal as a 20 to 24 pin adapter, also, you would probably need an adapter for the 4 pin plug to provide power to the cpu. Though will it power a 4850...not sure on that.