8-pin CPU connector from power supply seemingly doesn't match with corresponding 8-pin connector on motherboard

[Nate650]

Just a heads up in case anyone runs into the same issue I did.

I am running this power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

With this motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157334

The 12V CPU connector coming from the power supply looks like this:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Tagan/SuperRock_680W_TG680-U33II/images/12v.jpg

The corresponding connector on the motherboard looks like this:

http://i.stack.imgur.com/OZrET.jpg

On the power supply connector, notice none of the right 4 pins are square shaped. However, on the corresponding motherboard connector, two are square shaped. I initially thought this was a mismatch and proceeded to plug only the left 4 pins in the motherboard. Then I noticed the computer kept randomly rebooting when playing a video. After hours of diagnosis work, I narrowed it down to a power problem and plugged in the additional 4 pins. Random reboot problem GONE!

This is a very tricky and misleading problem because I am used to plugs and connectors matching exactly. I'm curious if anyone has experienced the same issue.

 

[TheBigTroll]

the 8 pin for the GPUs and the 8pins for the CPU look very much alike. if it doesnt fit, it isnt supposed to be there.

 

[Nate650]

the 8 pin for the GPUs and the 8pins for the CPU look very much alike. if it doesnt fit, it isnt supposed to be there.

The CPU connector coming from the power supply is clearly labeled. See this photo taken from Newegg's product page (it's an Antec EarthWatts EA-380D):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9295473010_f6a9c06a40_z.jpg

I say it's misleading because the rounded pins fit in the square pins on the motherboard connector. So it seems like it isn't a match but it is. It looks like the connector is designed this way for backward compatibility:

http://forums.hexus.net/help-quick-relief-tech-headaches/220121-8-pin-cpu-connector-headache.html

 

[TheBigTroll]

the 4+4 pin will plug into the CPU 8 pin. it was split in half due to how mobos used to use a single 4 pin but since some of them needed more power, they made it so that its a 4+4

it will only fit one way. pretty sure people can figure it out by themselves

 

[beanoslim]

On the spec it says 1 x 4+4 Pin ATX/EPS 12V

4+4 pins = 8 pins

 

[Nate650]

the 4+4 pin will plug into the CPU 8 pin. it was split in half due to how mobos used to use a single 4 pin but since some of them needed more power, they made it so that its a 4+4

it will only fit one way. pretty sure people can figure it out by themselves

So you'd blindly plug in semi-rounded pins into square pins? No, it's not obvious.

 

[Nate650]

On the spec it says 1 x 4+4 Pin ATX/EPS 12V

4+4 pins = 8 pins

I am aware of that. The issue is the semi-rounded pins coming from the 12V CPU power supply connector plugging into the square pins on the motherboard connector.

 

[beanoslim]

Sorry I didn't get your 1st gripe, you are saying that the wrong connector fits into a different slot.

I guess that is a problem as the whole idea is as mentioned if it doesn't fit it shouldn't be there.

I don't ever remember coming across this problem before, usually it becomes obvious after the 1st failed attempt.

 

[Ukgamer]

i am getting fps lag just with 1 4 pin connect because my psu only has 1 4 pin and my mobo has a 8pin so ill have to buy a cable to change it to a 8pin ?

 

[AxlFone]

If someone do have PSU like this. There is no label on any cable.

And I think there is a 4 pin + 8 pin connector.

But then it do have only 2 6pin connectors.