[taskmgr]

Thanks for your time.

I've just installed a EP45-UD3R motherboard from Gigabyte, and I'm wondering what power connectors to use. I've loaded it up with an E8500 45nm Wolfdale Intel Core 2 Duo processor (3.16ghz), and 2x2gb sticks of DDR2 1066 in slots 1 and 3. The heat sink and fan are default.

My power supply is an Antec 430w with ~36a available. It has a 20-pin ATX connector (leaving 4 slots empty in this motherboard) and a single 4-pin (2x2) supplimental power connector - the rest are for drives, etc.

The book specifically states that a 4 pin connector can be used in place of the 8-pin (page 23 of http://download.gigabyte.ru/manual/motherboard_manual_ga-ep45-ud3(r)_e.pdf) but I'm unclear simply as to whether they would prefer that I install both connectors, or leave it at only the ATX.

Really appreciate any assistance.

 

[Wrench97]

Well you need a 24 pin main and at least a 4 pin cpu but if you have a 4+4 or a 8 pin(EPS) cpu then I would use it but it is really there for the extra power needed by a Quad core cpu.

I'm guessing if you have the 4+4 or 8 pin then you have the 24 and not a 20 pin main.

1 Other thing I don't know what video card you have but a 430w is small for that set up even if you had integrated (which the board doesn't)

 

[taskmgr]

Hey thanks for the reply.

Well you need a 24 pin main and at least a 4 pin cpu but if you have a 4+4 or a 8 pin(EPS) cpu then I would use it but it is really there for the extra power needed by a Quad core cpu.

Are you sure that I need a 24 pin? My ATX connector leaves 4 open slots on the motherboard, and the specifications read that the ATX connector on the board has 24 pins. Most boards that I'm used to can run with 20 pins used or 24, and it's just a matter of the components you put in. Is that not the case with this board (and if not, is that need for a 24 pin connection the standard with P45s in general)?

I'm guessing if you have the 4+4 or 8 pin then you have the 24 and not a 20 pin main.

It's true that the board has a 24 pin ATX and 8-pin supplemental connection, but my psu has only a 20-pin ATX and a 2+2 or 4 pin (square) supplemental cable. Also, the supplemental cable will not fit in the ATX connection on the motherboard.

1 Other thing I don't know what video card you have but a 430w is small for that set up even if you had integrated (which the board doesn't)

I'm using an old one - upgrading the PC in halves between the main system and the PSU/Vidcard. Right now I'm on the first half, using my (tested good) PNY GeForce 6600gt.


It seems like you're saying the 4 pin should be connected to power the CPU regardless, and that connecting both won't damage the motherboard, is that right?

 

[Wrench97]

Older boards could run with a 20 in a 24 but it hasn't been a good idea for awhile now the newer components need the power without the additional power provided you will end up damaging the board, especially with 4gis of ram to power. I'm surprised that it has a EPS 4+4 and not a 20+4 main?
What model Antec psu do you have?

 

[linderman]

the 20 plus four main connector for the motherboard (if thats what you have ......... I dont think so ......... I think you have the older 20 pin only) but if yours is the 20 plus four the detachable four pins that can convert a 20 pin connector to a 24 pin connector cant be seperated very far from each other

your square four pin connector ........ if its on a long set of wires ........ that is ONLY for cpu power ........ NOT to add more pins to the 20 pin

the extra 4 pins in a 24 pin motherboard are used to feed power to the power hungry video cards .......

power hungry video cards will get power from the motherboard main connector AND from the dedicated video card plugs ALSO


if you have more questions ........ if would be easier if you could attach a digital pic of your plugs ?

 

[linderman]

as wrench stated ......... some boards can fire up with only 20 pin main connector ....... as long as they are not using a power hungry video card

in the end ....... its not really a good idea to do that ........ not when for $50.00 after rebate you can own the Coolermaster Real Power Pro 650 watt (newegg)

 

[taskmgr]

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103908

That's a link to what I'm fairly sure is my PSU, though I've had it a long time. The specs and plugs match.

There's a review of high noise content from the PSU you reccomended (which otherwise seems like a GREAT deal). Do you have any recommendations for extra-quiet PSU's around that price point (maybe a bit higher)?

EDIT: How does this one look to you guys, assuming a GTX260 for a graphics card and the build above? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016

PS: Many thanks for the high-quality info and cordiality. These forums are much more mature and helpful than what I'm used to. Maybe I'll be ghosting here. :3-startle

 

[linderman]

PC power and cooling are top of the line units ......... them and seasonic are both king without equals

in your case the PC power & cooling 610 would be the best option ......... very quiet

500 watts these days ...... really get pushed too hard by these fire breathing video cards

 

[taskmgr]

I'm really surprised that you'd say that - I thought even NVidia recommended (as a minimum) 500w. I hear that number a lot as being adequate when I google for info.

But you guys seem to know what you're talking about - I'll have a look around Best Buy today, I've got a coupon. :heartlove

 

[linderman]

not much for quality in Best Buy and if you can find a quality unit ......... they want $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4


high end video cards produce alot of heat ........ that same heat inside the computer box is what feeds the power supply its "cooling" air .....................

the diff in price from 500 to 610 watts isnt enough to justify letting the 500 work so hard

 

[taskmgr]

Just beating the horse a bit more:

Picked up an Antec Earthwatts 650 (http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=27650). I know this is offtopic, and if you want to reply that I should start a new thread, I'll totally understand. If you don't mind extending the scope a little- do you think this psu is good / do you think it will run this?: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127361


Regardless, thanks a bunch for (potentially) saving my parts.

 

[linderman]

I will say yes ........ the earthwatts 650 will run your system with the 260GTX

while the earthwatts is not in the same stable with the PC Power & Cooling or Seasonic units IMHO ........... at least your power output is much more in line with your intentions

 

[Wrench97]

The Earthwatts are the bottom of the Antec line not very good Antec seems to have their hands full getting the Neos & Trios straightened out so I don't expect much from the Earthwatts.

For a GTX260 I would be looking for a 750w> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171024

 

[Wrench97]

Don't you love different opinions:wink:

 

[linderman]

hell yah ! thats what its all about

 

[taskmgr]

You guys all seem highly conservative here (in a good way) so I'll take differing opinions as "don't fix it if it ain't broke."

Thanks again.

 

[linderman]

well the good thing youll notice .......there arent any posters coming back saying "hey, that psu you told me was so good just blew up while I was gaming" :wave::laugh: