24 PIN and 20 + 4 PIN

[IPW]

My Mobo has a 24 pin connector from the Power Supply Unit.

I need to upgrade my PSU but most of the options I am looking at state 20+4 Pin connector.

Are they the same or compatible?

Thanks.

 

[delluser1]

They are the same

 

[IPW]

Thank you

 

[__Miguel_]

Just a little tidbid to add to delluser1's reply, if I may.

Some PSUs have not "upgraded" to the full 24-pin connector to keep compatible with older motherboards that might not have the extra 4-pin space around the ATX connector to handle a fixed-size connector. So, manufacturers allow the new 4 pins to detach, so you don't end up with a perfectly good PSU and motherboard not being able to work together.

Keep in mind that, even if the PSU doesn't have a 24-pin (or 20+4 pin) connector, but only the standard 20-pin + P4 connector (it should be VERY rare these days), 24-pin motherboards are able to properly function with older 20-pin PSUs. I've done that myself in the past, you just need to take care NOT to overtax your motherboard with high-drain components (like high-end GPUs, especially more than one).

Oh, and don't worry, the 20 and 24-pin ATX connectors are keyed, you can't have a motherboard meltdown by incorrectly plugging in the connector. Do keep in mind that the P4 and "+4" connectors ARE interchangeable but NOT compatible, though. Luckily, they ARE color-keyed (P4 is yellow+black) and you can't usually strech the "+4" lead to the P4 connector...

Hope this helps.

Miguel

 

[IPW]

Thanks - very helpful. The Mobo is 2 years old and definitely has a 24-pin connector. I will make sure I avoid the 20 + P4 because I will have a good GPU on it.

Regards,

Ian

 

[user9999]

Actually they are not always the same. I have a power supply with a 24 pin connector that died. I purchased a 20+4 and it des not work. I noticed that the 4 extra wires on the +4 are not the same color as the corresponding 4 wires on the 24 pin connector of the dead power supply. However all the other wires are identical on both. The bottom line is it doesn't work in my situation, so it might not work in yours either. Sometimes 20 + 4 doesn't equal 24.