Would an adapter work, or do I need a new power supply?

July 30, 2009 5:43 PM

Do I need a new power supply with the correct connection, or can I get an adapter and not fry anything?

I'm building a new gaming computer for myself. The motherboard is a DP45SG, from Intel. The power supply is this one here. The motherboard's slot to power to the CPU is a 2x2 connection. The power supply doesn't have a 2x2 connection. It has a plethora of connections to power SATA devices, as well as a 12v 2x4 connection. So, do I need to send back the power supply and get a new one, or can I use an adapter such as this? I've also seen adapters that attach to a SATA power connection and have the 2x2 connection.

This is my first computer I've constructed by myself without friends cohorts lending a significant hand. Any assistance would be grand.

posted by ZaneJ. to computers & internet (4 comments total)

If it were me I'd get the adapter.
posted by wfrgms at 6:36 PM on July 30

As long as it can supply enough current and the voltages go to the correct positions, it should be fine. It seems like the 2x4 was designed for the higher-power Intel processors (Extreme Edition and Quad Core chips, according to this post, or any 130W+ CPU according to this). Which CPU are you using (the model #)?
posted by spiderskull at 7:07 PM on July 30

Wait, I just re-read your question. The adapter should be fine, since the 2x4 is used for higher-power CPUs. If your motherboard only has a 2x2, you're probably using a lower-power chip, so you'll be fine.
posted by spiderskull at 7:22 PM on July 30

the 2x4 connector is simply 2 of the 2x2 12v connectors tied together into one plug for higher power processors. If your psu is powerful enough (i.e. can supply sufficient current on that single rail), you can use an adapter cable to go from 2x2 on the psu to 2x4 on the motherboard - which is what I think is the one you've linked to there, i.e. its the wrong way round for your needs.

There's certainly no reason why you can't convert your 2x4 to a 2x2 connector, though it'll be fun finding a cable to do it - most people go the other way round, with an older psu in a newer motherboard.

Some PSUs allow you to split the 8 pin connector to two 4 pin connectors. You may also be able to simply plug it in anyway if there's room on the board next to the socket, and just have 4 pins overlap (it should only go in one way round; look for the slopings on the pins and socket).

Also, the proper term for the 4x2 connector is an 8-pin EPS12v, and the 4-pin ATX12v is what's on your motherboard.
posted by ArkhanJG at 12:37 AM on July 31