Can I use a 4 pin PSU on a CPU that needs 8 pins???

[kinghall22]

Hi just asking if I could use my PSU with a 4 pin CPU power to run my and fx 8320 which I think needs an 8 pin CPU power.

 

[Zephyrium]

What kind of PSU are you trying to use? actually list all your specs. It should be fine if anything it just wont start you can buy 4 to 8 pin adapters but i think it's just mainly to fill slots as long as you have the correct wattage everything should be fine.

 

[Obnoxious]

A CPU doesn't need to be connected to the PSU directly. It simply slots into your motherboard, and you're good to go. The CPU heatsink + fan (or other cooling method) may require additional power from your PSU, but generally they simply slot into your motherboard's CPU fan 3 or 4-pin and that's it.

The 4th pin is for PWM, so you can still use a 3-pin in a 4-pin; simply slot the 3-pin into the first 3-pins and leave the 4-pin unplugged. Your fan will still work, albeit will spin at full RPM.

All the best.

 

[kinghall22]

What kind of PSU are you trying to use? actually list all your specs. It should be fine if anything it just wont start you can buy 4 to 8 pin adapters but i think it's just mainly to fill slots as long as you have the correct wattage everything should be fine.

Hi, I think my xfx 550w PSU has blown and I'd like to test my rig with my brother's 250w PSU that only has a 4 pin supplemental CPU power, my CPU( amd fx 8320 ) requires an 8 pin supplemental CPU power ( I think) would I be able to use my brothers PSU for only a few seconds to see if I can boot to BIOS?

 

[CodenameHaswell]

What are your full specs? You may not be able to boot it if you have additional GPU(s).

 

[kinghall22]

What are your full specs? You may not be able to boot it if you have additional GPU(s).

Hi thx for the reply. My PC was working great I just think my PSU has blown. I want to see if my PC works with a different PSU to figure out if myn if really broken. All I really want to know is if I can power my CPU with a 4 pin supplemental CPU powder. XD

Specs
Amd fx 8320
Amd 7870
Xfx pro550w
1tb HDD
MSI 970-g 43 motherboard

 

[CodenameHaswell]

You may need to use a GPU that only runs off the PCI-E slot's power. I don't think a 250w can power a 7870, an 8320, and a HDD. But I'm sure if you use a GPU that doesnt need an external power source, it will boot.

 

[kinghall22]

You may need to use a GPU that only runs off the PCI-E slot's power. I don't think a 250w can power a 7870, an 8320, and a HDD. But I'm sure if you use a GPU that doesnt need an external power source, it will boot.

Yeah I know XD. I just wanted it to start, as thats the problem. No gpu or HDD, just the motherboard. I found out that i could use a 4 pin anyways just at low usage at stick speeds which is all i need to test it.

Thanks anyway though.