Power connector won't fit on the motherboard

WickedAngel666 · 08-23-2009, 07:59 PM

I am trying to connect my new power supply to the motherboard, and in the instructions it says there are 2 things I need to connect to the motherboard. The first is the main power connector, a 20+4 pin, which I connected successfully. The second is a 4+4+12 V power connector. The problem is, the plug in where it looks like this would go on the motherboard only has a total of 4 pins, not the 4+4. I have searched thoroughly with a flashlight and can't find any other possible place to plug this in. The power supply is 550w Rocketfish. My question is, is this power supply incompatable with my computer because of this? Or is having that second plug optional?

I am unsure of the motherboard specifics. I know that my computer is an HP and that it has a quad core processor.

Phædrus2401 · 08-23-2009, 09:56 PM

The 4+4 pin breaks apart into two 4 pin connectors. That's why it's called 4+4 and not 8 pin. It should snap apart with a little force.

EDIT: Most quad core CPUs require an 8-pin connector. What's the computer's model number?

**Tyree** · 08-24-2009, 09:10 AM

Personally, I would return the Rocketfish and get a quality brand PSU.

**wrench97** · 08-24-2009, 02:27 PM

I'll second that Corsair, Seasonic, PC Power & Cooling.

WickedAngel666 · 08-24-2009, 09:45 PM

The computer is an HP Pavilion Media Center m8120n TV PC, and it definitely only has the 4 pin. I didn't snap it apart, but just put it on the way it is and I have the other 4 pins just hooked onto nothing on the side. I was just worried if this was what I was supposed to do or not. I read some other things though, and it was suggested I do that.

Phædrus2401 · 08-25-2009, 12:09 AM

Sure, that works fine too.

Rocketfish is mediocre, but not terrible. They can actually deliver their rated wattage at 45C, have "ok" efficiency (I believe it was 78-82% for the 700w version), and the internal components are acceptable quality. However, they are very, very overpriced, the Rocketfish 700w costs $165, while a Corsair tx850w (an order of magnitude better in almost every way) costs only $140. I would return the Rocketfish if you can and buy a Corsair tx750w from Newegg.com for $120, or the tx650w or vx550w for $100.

EDIT: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/748/9
It's ok, but you can do much better. See the SeaSonic S12 550w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151027 Much better part than the Rocketfish, higher efficiency, better warranty, better design, all around good component, for the same price as the Rocketfish.

08-23-2009, 07:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
WickedAngel666 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Power connector won't fit on the motherboard I am trying to connect my new power supply to the motherboard, and in the instructions it says there are 2 things I need to connect to the motherboard. The first is the main power connector, a 20+4 pin, which I connected successfully. The second is a 4+4+12 V power connector. The problem is, the plug in where it looks like this would go on the motherboard only has a total of 4 pins, not the 4+4. I have searched thoroughly with a flashlight and can't find any other possible place to plug this in. The power supply is 550w Rocketfish. My question is, is this power supply incompatable with my computer because of this? Or is having that second plug optional? I am unsure of the motherboard specifics. I know that my computer is an HP and that it has a quad core processor.

08-23-2009, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,832 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Power connector won't fit on the motherboard The 4+4 pin breaks apart into two 4 pin connectors. That's why it's called 4+4 and not 8 pin. It should snap apart with a little force. EDIT: Most quad core CPUs require an 8-pin connector. What's the computer's model number? __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-24-2009, 09:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,686 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Power connector won't fit on the motherboard Personally, I would return the Rocketfish and get a quality brand PSU. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

08-24-2009, 02:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,654 OS: Win7	Re: Power connector won't fit on the motherboard I'll second that Corsair, Seasonic, PC Power & Cooling. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

08-24-2009, 09:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
WickedAngel666 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Power connector won't fit on the motherboard The computer is an HP Pavilion Media Center m8120n TV PC, and it definitely only has the 4 pin. I didn't snap it apart, but just put it on the way it is and I have the other 4 pins just hooked onto nothing on the side. I was just worried if this was what I was supposed to do or not. I read some other things though, and it was suggested I do that.

08-25-2009, 12:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,832 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Power connector won't fit on the motherboard Sure, that works fine too. Rocketfish is mediocre, but not terrible. They can actually deliver their rated wattage at 45C, have "ok" efficiency (I believe it was 78-82% for the 700w version), and the internal components are acceptable quality. However, they are very, very overpriced, the Rocketfish 700w costs $165, while a Corsair tx850w (an order of magnitude better in almost every way) costs only $140. I would return the Rocketfish if you can and buy a Corsair tx750w from Newegg.com for $120, or the tx650w or vx550w for $100. EDIT: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/748/9 It's ok, but you can do much better. See the SeaSonic S12 550w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151027 Much better part than the Rocketfish, higher efficiency, better warranty, better design, all around good component, for the same price as the Rocketfish. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for. Last edited by Phædrus2401; 08-25-2009 at 12:22 AM.