M6 Gene - 4-pin 12V connector

[White Wind]

Hi guys

I'm to build a rig for the first time (4670k, 2x8GB, custom watercooling, SLI later on), it will primarily be for intense gaming (with OCed components) but I'll do virtualization as well.

The Maximus VI Gene has a 24-pin EATX and a 8-pin EATX 12 V power connectors, but it misses a 4-pin ATX 12V power connector in comparison with other ROG boards. I read that that connector can be used to deliver more power to the CPU and that it would mean a better OC ...or is it meant to feed a second graphics card in case of a bi-GPU set up ?

Well I'd just like to know if I'd miss anything useful or better, OC wise and performance wise, if I went with the Gene which does not feature that 4-pin power connector.

Thanks

 

[v1zzle]

Based on an image of your motherboard, the 8-pin ATX 12v is for your processor. Some motherboards only have/need 4 pin (like mine for example). Some or most PSU manufactures ship with both of these connectors to accommodate the different requirements depending on the Motherboard vendor.
So that 4-pin you say it seems missing - it's not, it's just an 8-pin in your case.
Hope this clarifies.

Happy build

Cheers!

 

[White Wind]

Thanks

I understand, but then why some motherboards have both ? one 8-pin and one 4-pin

Gene has only one, a 8-pin

 

[v1zzle]

Its really all about the amount of power drawn from your power supply to those wires efficiently and evenly. It is said that it draws power and voltages more "accurately" and evenly with an 8-pin, which is why you see it on some "high end" motherboards. But it doesn't necessarily mean that a 4-pin is bad. it also depends on the PSU you have. Good quality PSU, should have good quality parts. Another factor is the Motherboards VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) which regulates the proper voltages being distributed to your processor.
Here is an article on VRM:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_regulator_module

Good luck with your build