Question Using 8-Pin & 4-Pin 12v Power Connectors ?

[Safester]

Hi,

My MB has an 8-pin & a 4-pin, do I need to use both? MB manual doesn't state which to use

I did some research and have gotten mixed results. Some say to use it if it's there, others say use both only when extreme OC'ing, others say the 8-pin is enough and that the 4-pin is for legacy reasons or PC's with low power consumption needs.

I have the capability to use both so am wondering if it will do any harm just to plug them both in regardless if needed or not.

MB: Gigabyte Z690 UD AX
CPU: i5-12600k
Cooler: Dark Rock Pro 4
RAM: 32Gb DDR5 5600MHz
SSD1: 500Gb NVMe
SSD2: 1Tb NVMe
SSD3: 2Tb 2.5" SATA
GPU: RTX 3070Ti
PSU: 850W Gold

Any advice, help or suggestions appreciated.

 

[SkyNetRising]

My MB has an 8-pin & a 4-pin, do I need to use both? MB manual doesn't state which to use
I have the capability to use both so am wondering if it will do any harm just to plug them both in regardless if needed or not.

Use both.

You can harm your system, if you have only one of them connected.
Cables can melt, if more power is required by cpu, than single connector can provide.

 

[Safester]

Thanks, I'll do that.

 

[--SID--]

You don't have to use both if the PSU and the cables are of decent quality. The 8 (4+4) pin can handle over 300w. You never reach that with a 12600K.

 

[Safester]

You don't have to use both if the PSU and the cables are of decent quality. The 8 (4+4) pin can handle over 300w. You never reach that with a 12600K.

The PSU is a Corsair RM850x (2021) so is of a high standard. The 12600k is rated 125W so I guess that's the maximum it can draw even when OC'd?

 

[SkyNetRising]

The 12600k is rated 125W so I guess that's the maximum it can draw even when OC'd?

i5 12600k can go up to 150W (normal operation).
When overclocked, it will go even higher.

 

[Safester]

I'm not planning on OC'ing just yet but likely will in the future so think I'll use both power connectors just in case, as long as they won't fry my CPU!