20pin PSU on 24pin motherboard?

[dagreek]

is it harmful to use a 20pin PSU on a 24pin motherboard?

 

[folken]

No. You will need a 24pin psu if you are doing SLI or have 2 cpus though.

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[dagreek]

Thank you for the reply I've found it tough to get information on this subject. I seen some say you don't need the extra 4pins but then I think they must has a reason. I am planning to use SLI in the future I am planning to buy a nice case and 500w power supply. To start off I'm getting one Geforce 6600GT then later will get the second. So with the information you provided I think I'll need to buy my PSU seperate, I was looking at getting one already with the case, like Antec or Thermaltake. If you have any advice about a good 24 pin power supply in the 440-500w range please share.

 

[Crashman]

24-pin power was introduced to PC motherboards in anticipation of increased power demands, specifically for Intel's Prescott. Of course AMD boards have followed, Intel can push some things to the market.

The extra power pins are on the same rails as those that already exist on the 20-pin connector. Most boards simply group each rail too, so that many can't even tell whether you're using a 20-pin or 24-pin power supply.

But if you're interested in a new power supply anyway, I've prefered Fortron Source for years now, and lots of people like their 500W Blue Storm (although I'd just take a plain looking one myself).

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[dagreek]

I just want to avoid any problems with my system by using a 20 pin on my 24pin Motherboard. Are there any articles out that cover this? I really want my dual graphics card's to work correctly so if thats an issue I really need the newer card. I will check out Fortron thank you for the advice.

 

[Crashman]

If you have a good 20-pin power supply, I'd try it. If it's not good enough, it needed to be replaced anyway.

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[dagreek]

I'm actully building this desktop from scratch every part will be new. I looked up the Fortron Model you suggested it looks great! It's tough to find out its a 24pin model I almost missed it because its not in the discription, I only saw it in the picture. I then read the user reviews of it on newegg.com and they also mentioned its a 24pin. I was mostly having a tough time finding power supplies that are listed as 24pin at least it was hard to find a good brand 24pin. Thank you again for the suggestion when I'm ready to order I think I have this part decided now.

 

[Guest]

that's a great choice, I use the very same, also from his recommendation

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[dagreek]

Thank you for the extra input, I don't mind spending the extra because I think it will last me some time before I need a larger PSU.

 

[Meppie]

Just get a PSU that says SLI Ready it usually comes with a 24 pin psu connector and dual PCI-E connectors and such.

 

[Guest]

Sorry I misread your post up above, this psu does NOT have a second pci-e connector. You will need to purchace an adapter if you get the 500w Blue Storm.

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[dagreek]

Is there anything bad about getting the adaptor? Is it better to have one with that connector already on the PSU? I assume that the PSU already has one connector for PCI-e and for SLI you need 2 of them correct?

 

[dagreek]

Can anyone suggest a 24pin 480+watt power supply with the right connectors for SLI video cards

 

[dagreek]

I'm sure someone has this setup, so if you do please share. I'm buying my parts all online so knowing its correct before I order is helpful. The Fortron mentioned above....can I get an adapter for the SLI to work correctly?

 

[fishmahn]

I don't have that setup, but you should be able to get/use a Y adapter for 2 6600GT's and the blue storm should be enough PSU for it.

Mike.

 

[dagreek]

thanks for the reply, Right now that looks like my best option, it also matches the color of the fan inside my case I just got so thats a plus