Using a 20+4 pin connector with a 24 Pin Motherboard

[bobgreen5s]

I just started building a new system by buying all new parts except using my old power supply. I realized that my old powersupply (Fortron Source) ATX400-PA, version 2.0, SATA, 400W) only had a 20+4 pin connector instead of the 24 pin atx connector that my motherboard uses. I was wondering if I could combine the 20 pin and 4 pin connectors and plug them into the 24 pin socket, without causing any damage or malfunction.

Any help would be appreciated.

[chuckskull]

If it is a 20+4 then yes thats what it was designed for. Just make sure it actually is one and no a 20 pin with another random four pin connector

Theoretically if it isn't, it wont fit.

[Hottentot]

You can buy an adapter for the job
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=153575

[Clunk]

The whole idea of the 20+4 setup is so that you can use it in either boards with 20 or 24 pin connectors, so yeah, use them both if your board is 24 pin

[dave87]

Am I the only one that by the +4 hes referring to the P4 4 pin extra? I know my Hiper came with both a 20+4 ATX lead and a 4 pin P4 (which has the +5v standby on it?)...

Dave

[bobgreen5s]

So if they can be used together, are they any special instructions for aligning the 20+4 pin plugs into the 24 pin socket. (theres no labeling on the 20+4 pin connectors)

[Clunk]

if it is truly a 20+4 setup, then you can use it, but the other 4 pin lead isnt the right one, i think the plastic on the plugs is slightly different.

[dave87]

Ah that would make sense, so you should be ok as long as you don't force the connector into the socket

[bobgreen5s]

ok thanks for all the replies, my computer seems to be working fine (so far)

[bsodmike]

It's best to have a native 24-pin PSU, as I've heard horror stories of using a 20pin PSU on a 24-pin mobo via a 20->24pin adaptor. The main reason is because the native 24-pin mainboard is designed to source more current and it isn't a matter of 'just more' wires...