4pin power connectors?

[joshwa]

You know the 4 pin power connectors you get on new AMD and P4 motherboards - do you have to connect these?

Will not connecting this have any adverse effect on the computer?

Thanks

Josh

eg:
http://www.extrememhz.com/KM2MCL-p1.shtml
if you enlarge the pic of the motherboard, you can see the 4pin connector next to the standard atx connector (on the 2nd page there's a better view)

[bertie]

I have mine connected, makes no difference if it's on or not as far as I remember.

[streetster]

if you dont connect it the whole computer explodes...

well thats a lie, but some motherboards seem to need it connected, others dont.. i've got it connected on my is7-e motherboard, but i dont think its compulsory

mark

[Craig]

On most motherboards your computer will not POST if you havent got the 4pin connector plugged in.

Cr4iG

[gamezfreak]

I read somewhere (Please - don't quote me on it) that this 4 pin connectecter is actually a separate power connecter thats fed to your CPU (instead of using the 12 pin as normal.)

Hmmm. Why anyway - out of curiosity ?

[joshwa]

well setting up the motherboard linked it first post, as a replacement for 2 faulty pc chips boards i had... it's all a bit academic anyway, as i don't have a psu with that kind of connector at the mo - seems to be working fine so far

[scottyman]

with high-drain devices, it's often needed - it's part of the design - and whether it's impletemented on that model or not does make a difference.
Both my Tyan Tiger and Thunder series boards require it when the AGP port is in use, but if I use the onboard ATi chip for video, then it's not required. Most of my dual boards need it connected - all the supermicros, a couple of tyans and that's about it. Honestly couldn't tell you for single processor machines.