CPU extension cable

pillar

Poster Extraordinaire
Joined
Feb 14, 2008
Messages
2,968
I will be checking my case later today, but I think the motherboard that im bout to upgrade to has an 8 pin cpu power slot, whereas my psu only has a 4 pin plug. Is it just best to use a 4 pin extension or do I really need to upgrade my psu to get the 8 pin extension? My psu has done wonderfully & really dont think theres such a big need to upgrade.
 
you can use an extension cable. but for better power management and usage i would suggest upgrading your PS. That way you are not putting unwanted stress on your PS

Are you going to be getting a new CPU with your new Mobo. if its yes, get a new PS
 
So I just got home & checked the cpu power connector. It is an 8 pin connection, which means that it will fit my new mobo just fine.

I am in the process of switching my setup to a new mobo/cpu/memory setup. However, to make sure that theres no strain on the psu, im gonna get an extension. My psu is still under warranty, so no need to go out and buy a newer psu. Maybe if theres a great deal during Black Friday, then ill go after 1. I believe I still have like 1-2 years left on the warranty.

I will post in the thread about my new rig setup.
 
I dont understand how you think an extension will put less load on the PSU? What are we talking about here? An 8 pin extension cable or...????

All power supplies have more then enough length to reach any connector on any motherboard. You wont be stressing the connector. Dont worry. Dont waste the money. If your PSU is still in warranty, you're fine.
 
I dont understand how you think an extension will put less load on the PSU? What are we talking about here? An 8 pin extension cable or...????

All power supplies have more then enough length to reach any connector on any motherboard. You wont be stressing the connector. Dont worry. Dont waste the money. If your PSU is still in warranty, you're fine.

I believe he is meaning an adapter:

Newegg.com
 
I believe he is meaning an adapter:

Newegg.com

No matter what he really means its not worth it... He doesn't really need an extension. An adapter will most likely give faulty performance since instead of having a full 8 pins of power it will split that 4 pins of power into the 8. Resulting in less power through each pin. (Or so I believe.)

Again, Just save the money broski.
 
No matter what he really means its not worth it... He doesn't really need an extension. An adapter will most likely give faulty performance since instead of having a full 8 pins of power it will split that 4 pins of power into the 8. Resulting in less power through each pin. (Or so I believe.)

Again, Just save the money broski.

The 4 pin P4 is 12V.... the 8 pin P8 is 12V. How is that less power?
 
voltage is the same, except those two rails have higher amp rating. you "could" use a y cable as a last resort solution, but i wouldnt recommend for a long time. Current wouldnt be regulated properly.
 
The 4 pin P4 is 12V.... the 8 pin P8 is 12V. How is that less power?

Voltage can be the same but amps will be different. 4 pin connectors cant power a mid to high end motherboard. How do you think adapting that will make it produce more power?

The specs on the specific adapter also says it is meant for cases, fans and accessories. Not a high end graphics card or motherboard.
 
You guys seem to have it figured out i think, but you can (and I have) use(d) a 4 pin plug in an 8 pin board.

the 8pin plug is literally just 2 4 pin plugs together. I wouldn't overclock your face off on a 4 pin connector, but it'll run up to just under 200w just fine. Unless you have some weird server board that requires 2 separate 12V rails for CPU power, you'll be fine (provided you aren't loading more than 200w, but that's nearly impossible on a stock CPU, but easy if overclocking). And even if you aren't fine, OCP will kick in assuming you have a non-bogus power supply.


some info
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#atx12v4
 
You guys seem to have it figured out i think, but you can (and I have) use(d) a 4 pin plug in an 8 pin board.

the 8pin plug is literally just 2 4 pin plugs together. I wouldn't overclock your face off on a 4 pin connector, but it'll run up to just under 200w just fine. Unless you have some weird server board that requires 2 separate 12V rails for CPU power, you'll be fine (provided you aren't loading more than 200w, but that's nearly impossible on a stock CPU, but easy if overclocking). And even if you aren't fine, OCP will kick in assuming you have a non-bogus power supply.


some info
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#atx12v4

This. 4-pin connector works in an 8-pin port just fine. If you read the manual for your motherboard it should give you further instructions.
 
This. 4-pin connector works in an 8-pin port just fine. If you read the manual for your motherboard it should give you further instructions.

It is keyed though, so it does matter which way you plug it in.
 
It is keyed though, so it does matter which way you plug it in.

Which is why you should read the manual. My motherboard's manual says this:

Image%202014-10-24%20at%208.02.42%20AM.png
 

Latest posts

Back
Top