8-pin CPU connector from power supply seemingly doesn't match with corresponding 8-pin connector on motherboard

Nate650

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May 15, 2002
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Just a heads up in case anyone runs into the same issue I did.

I am running this power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

With this motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157334

The 12V CPU connector coming from the power supply looks like this:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Tagan/SuperRock_680W_TG680-U33II/images/12v.jpg

The corresponding connector on the motherboard looks like this:

http://i.stack.imgur.com/OZrET.jpg

On the power supply connector, notice none of the right 4 pins are square shaped. However, on the corresponding motherboard connector, two are square shaped. I initially thought this was a mismatch and proceeded to plug only the left 4 pins in the motherboard. Then I noticed the computer kept randomly rebooting when playing a video. After hours of diagnosis work, I narrowed it down to a power problem and plugged in the additional 4 pins. Random reboot problem GONE!

This is a very tricky and misleading problem because I am used to plugs and connectors matching exactly. I'm curious if anyone has experienced the same issue.
 

Nate650

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The CPU connector coming from the power supply is clearly labeled. See this photo taken from Newegg's product page (it's an Antec EarthWatts EA-380D):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9295473010_f6a9c06a40_z.jpg

I say it's misleading because the rounded pins fit in the square pins on the motherboard connector. So it seems like it isn't a match but it is. It looks like the connector is designed this way for backward compatibility:

http://forums.hexus.net/help-quick-relief-tech-headaches/220121-8-pin-cpu-connector-headache.html
 
the 4+4 pin will plug into the CPU 8 pin. it was split in half due to how mobos used to use a single 4 pin but since some of them needed more power, they made it so that its a 4+4

it will only fit one way. pretty sure people can figure it out by themselves
 

Nate650

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So you'd blindly plug in semi-rounded pins into square pins? No, it's not obvious.
 

Nate650

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I am aware of that. The issue is the semi-rounded pins coming from the 12V CPU power supply connector plugging into the square pins on the motherboard connector.
 
Sorry I didn't get your 1st gripe, you are saying that the wrong connector fits into a different slot.

I guess that is a problem as the whole idea is as mentioned if it doesn't fit it shouldn't be there.

I don't ever remember coming across this problem before, usually it becomes obvious after the 1st failed attempt.

 

Ukgamer

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i am getting fps lag just with 1 4 pin connect because my psu only has 1 4 pin and my mobo has a 8pin so ill have to buy a cable to change it to a 8pin ?
 
If someone do have PSU like this. There is no label on any cable.
3195148721_5f14168c5a_o.jpg


And I think there is a 4 pin + 8 pin connector.

But then it do have only 2 6pin connectors.