Using 20 pin PSU on 24 pin motherboard

[dinosaw]

Is it safe to use 20 pin PSU on 24 pin motherboard?
A guy who is fixing my pc said that it isn't safe and it might damage the motherboard. My Mobo is Biostar p4m900-m4.

Thanks
DinoSaw

 

[hefox]

Yes, it might. Depend son what components you have and how much power they need. I only used once a 20 pin PSU on a 24 pin motherboard just to test if you motherboard is working. I didn't know if the motherboard or psu was broken and only had a 20 pin psu.

 

[dinosaw]

So its best to get a 24 pin PSU??

 

[hefox]

Of course. Also you can find an adapter 20->24 pin but I suggest you should buy a decent psu.

 

[dinosaw]

Nah i have researched that those adapters sucks so i rather get a decent psu

 

[hefox]

What videocard do you have?

 

[dinosaw]

Im using intergated graphic till i get one from that guy.

 

[hefox]

Then you are ok. From what I remember, the 4 pin (11,12,23,24) are for more power hungry videocards (agp or pci-exp). So if you want to add a videocard, I suggest you buy a decent psu.

 

[dinosaw]

What if i add a not that powerful video card? Do i still need a decent PSU?

 

[hefox]

You didn't tell us what psu you have know. If you a decent psu now, it should be fine.

 

[dinosaw]

AC input(47-63hz) : 100-127v/6a
: 200-240v/4a
DC output: +5v=25A , +12v=14A
: +3.3V=18v , -12V=/0.8A
:+5VSB=2A
+5V & +3.3V SHALL NOT EXCEED 165W
+5V & +12V SHALL NOT EXCEED 218W
MAX OUTPUT POWER 250W
it looks to me that i might have to get a better PSU if i really implant a videocard.
Do i?

 

[hefox]

Yes.

 

[dinosaw]

Well if i don't implant one, do i still need to get one? or is my PSU able to support it?

 

[Onus]

You need to replace that PSU. At best, it works fine, but is an older, inefficient design that probably also does not provide enough of its amperage on the +12V rail(s) where it is needed by a modern PC. At worst, it will overload and croak, taking your mobo and/or other parts with it.
You don't need a powerful one, but you need a quality one. If the video card you decide to get does not need auxilliary power from the PSU (up to an ATI 4670 or nVidia 9500GT or "low-power" 9600GT), an Antec Earthwatts 380 would be sufficient. Use a 500W model for more demanding single video cards. If you cannot get, or don't want Antec, other good brands include Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, and Enermax.

 

[Onus]

Late post. Yes, you need to replace it.

 

[dinosaw]

Wad if i get a higher Watts like maybe 800w? Does it damage my mobo?

 

[hefox]

Is too much. No it will not damage anything but is no point buying a psu so powerful. Now depends what videocard you want to buy. Anyway a 450-500 PSU like Corsair, it will more than fine.

 

[dinosaw]

Thanks for the info