Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods > Use PCI-E plug for 8 pin power connector?

Use PCI-E plug for 8 pin power connector?

Forum CPU & Components : Power Supplies, PC Cases & Case Mods - Use PCI-E plug for 8 pin power connector?

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webvigator2k   10-31-2009 at 02:07:16 PM

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?

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Dariusz   10-31-2009 at 02:15:28 PM

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

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GhislainG   10-31-2009 at 02:58:45 PM

webvigator2k wrote :

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.

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webvigator2k   10-31-2009 at 03:09:26 PM

GhislainG wrote :

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 :(


Message edited by webvigator2k on 10-31-2009 at 03:09:50 PM
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GhislainG   10-31-2009 at 03:43:12 PM

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

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webvigator2k   11-05-2009 at 02:49:07 AM

GhislainG wrote :

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.


Message edited by webvigator2k on 11-05-2009 at 02:49:35 AM
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SpidersWeb   11-05-2009 at 04:55:16 AM

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.


Message edited by SpidersWeb on 11-05-2009 at 04:58:54 AM
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Bronze CPUs badge jsc   11-05-2009 at 09:48:55 AM

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.

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