OK, What have they done to ATX?

Published on September 1, 2006 By Dr Guy In Personal Computing

So my PS died. So I went down to my "trusted" computer store and told them I needed a new one. They trotted out a nice one, just fourty bucks. And I was happy. BUT

It did not fit! It was too big!

BUT

it did fit, just with a hangover. Ok, I know my setup is old (coming up on 3 years now), but what is the extra prongs for? It works (or you would not be seeing this) and is great.

Damn! I have to get up on the NEW ATX. I missed that on the road to the Core 2 Duo.

But my Locals are still my vendor of choice!

Any insight is GREATLY welcome!

Comments

Phoon

on Sep 01, 2006

If your PC is a newer Pentium 4 or Athlon 64 system, you'll have more than one connector running from the power supply to the motherboard. Both of the newer CPUs usually require an additional 12V header, a 4 pin connector arranged as a square 2x2.

Source: Here

UBoB

on Sep 02, 2006

Phoon is right. The newer Pentium 4's (socket 775) require a 24-pin power connector. Actually, I've heard of people trying to get away with using their older PSU's with a 20-pin connector, (which will still work if you plug them correctly to the right 20 pins on a 24-pin connector motherboard), and ending up frying their ram. Not Good!!

However, the way you are using the 24-pin PSU connector and plugging it into your 20-pin connector on your MB won't cause any problems. And heck, if you eventually need to replace the mobo and cpu you've already got the right PSU for the job.

Corky_O

on Sep 02, 2006

Check the molex connector (24 pin) at the end of your main line. Most manufacturers have made it possible to disconnect the extra 4 pin connector so that you can separate it and then connect it to the 4 pin 12V on your MoBo (A.K.A. P4 connection).

Dr Guy

on Sep 02, 2006

Both of the newer CPUs usually require an additional 12V header, a 4 pin connector arranged as a square 2x2

It does, and that is on a separate connector. And this PS had it. SO are they combining that on the newer MBs?

Dr Guy

on Sep 02, 2006

And heck, if you eventually need to replace the mobo and cpu you've already got the right PSU for the job.

That is this year. I want a Core 2 Duo to run Vista.

Dr Guy

on Sep 02, 2006

Most manufacturers have made it possible to disconnect the extra 4 pin connector so that you can separate it and then connect it to the 4 pin 12V on your MoBo (A.K.A. P4 connection).

This one just gave me both. I guess I need to read up on the new ATX boards before getting my Core 2 Duo. Thanks all!

yrag

on Sep 02, 2006

Only the dedicated 12v 4pin from the PSU can be plugged into the CPU (P4) connector. If you do not use the 4 extra pins (PCIe) on the 24 pin plug, do not plug them in anywhere

Dr Guy

on Sep 02, 2006

Only the dedicated 12v 4pin from the PSU can be plugged into the CPU (P4) connector. If you do not use the 4 extra pins (PCIe) on the 24 pin plug, do not plug them in anywhere

All advice GREATLY accepted. No problem, I did not.

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