IP-35 Pro: [ATX4P1]: Auxiliary 12V power connector

[Taz]

A quick question on the IP-35 Pro power connectors. There is a 4-pin molex connector on the motherboard labelled [ATX4P1]: Auxiliary 12V power connector. The manual describes this as "This connector provides an auxiliary power source for devices added on PCI Express slots."

Does this need to be connected as I already have a separate PCI-E power connector for my 8800GT video card?

[BUFF]

No, you shouldn't need it.
It's there to bolster the PCI-E bus if necessary e.g. if you had 2 high-end gfx cards in Crossfire.
of course it shouldn't do any harm having it connected so it's up to you.

[Taz]

Cheers, BUFF. I'm trying to minimise cabling so will leave that unconnected.

[stroberaver]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but have you had any problems leaving that 4-pin molex disconnected?

I'm glad to read it's not necessary if you don't have any PCI cards installed except a single gfx card. I'm planning on getting an IP35 Pro and an 8800GT with the giant Thermaltake HR03GT cooler - which I suspect may completely block access to that molex connector on the mobo.

[LuckyNV]

as mentioned on ALL mdoern Intel boards that support crossfire and has a molex connector, it is only required IF you have high power dual cards.
Single cards do not need the extra molex at all.

[stroberaver]

Cool, thanks for the confirmation.

[ellen.shorty]

I had an Abit AB9 Pro motherboard and now I have a Gigabyte G31M-ES2L motherboard. The only thing I can't find on the new mobo is the ATX4P1 slot. I have a GeForce 7950 GX2 video card. Do I need the ATX4P1 for this video card?

[BUFF]

going by the images on Gigabyte's site it's the square 4-pin block top left of the board behind the ps/2 ports.
however, your 7950gx2 will have it's own power supply connections.
you should still plug in the ATX4P1 though as it helps power the CPU.

[ellen.shorty]

I don't have that on the new motherboard though. Will I be ok not using it or should I get a new mobo?

[BUFF]

the pictures on Gigabyte's site say that you do (both rev.1.x & 2.x)