Use PCI-E plug for 8 pin power connector?

[webvigator2k]

So things have changed quite a bit since my last build 3 1/2 years ago. I guess the 4 pin plugs are no longer used and now they've upped it to 8pins + the regular 24 pin ATX power plug. My OCZ400SXS power supply does have an 8 pin connector, but it's labeled for PCI-E only. Since I don't have a card that requires an extra connector, would I be able to safely use this 8 pin PCI-E connector for the motherboard 8-pin connector?

 

[Dariusz]

Hey I just got myself that same problem ! (read thread below) so far I ges you cant do that from what people say...so I ges u need new power supply :s

 

[GhislainG]

So things have changed quite a bit since my last build 3 1/2 years ago. I guess the 4 pin plugs are no longer used and now they've upped it to 8pins + the regular 24 pin ATX power plug. My OCZ400SXS power supply does have an 8 pin connector, but it's labeled for PCI-E only. Since I don't have a card that requires an extra connector, would I be able to safely use this 8 pin PCI-E connector for the motherboard 8-pin connector?

Unless you have a CPU that requires a lot of power (not likely since you have a 400W PSU), you can use the 4-pin CPU power connector.

 

[webvigator2k]

Unless you have a CPU that requires a lot of power (not likely since you have a 400W PSU), you can use the 4-pin CPU power connector.

The board I want to get is the GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392&Tpk=GA-MA770T-UD3P) and the chip is the Phenom XII Callisto 545 3ghz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103694) that I plan on unlocking to a quad core. The board makes no mention of a 4 pin power plug, only an 8

 

[GhislainG]

While 8-pin is recommended, the 4-pin should work.

 

[webvigator2k]

While 8-pin is recommended, the 4-pin should work.

Is it true that I run the risk of component failure and ruining the hardware if I use a 4 pin instead of an 8 pin? It's a Phenom X2 550 Callisto 3.1ghz, only 80W. My current chip is a Sempron 2600+, which runs at probably around 65W is my guess. Old board only had a 4pin connector.

 

[GhislainG]

4-pin is fine with that CPU.

 

[SpidersWeb]

We've had this topic already in the last week.
4 pin is fine.
Do not use the PCI-E connectors for anything other than graphics cards. PCIE 8pin and EPS12V+ 8 pin are not the same thing.

If you want to confirm this, contact the manufacturer or board supplier, or simply download the manual. The 4 pin connector usually plugs in to only one end of the 8 pin socket - so you can't get it in the wrong way etc.

 

[jsc]

The PCI-e plugs are wired "backwards" from the CPU power plugs. If you try to interchange either, you will short 12 volts to ground. If you have a good PSU, it will simply electronically shut itself down.