View Full Version : CPU 4-PIN and 8-PIN Connectors.
Hello all,
I've got an overclocked system that has been running perfectly fine for the past few months. It's a Q6600@3.0Ghz, 4GB DDR2, and a stock overclocked 8800GT. I have a CM Stacker with eight 120CFM 120mm fans in it, so cooling isn't an issue.
I'm having some issues at the moment, so I'll get straight to my question. My motherboard has an eight pin CPU connector. My PSU has two 4-pin ATX connectors that I have had both plugged in until now. Do I have this the right way? My mobo manual said to have an 8-pin or a 4-pin in, but I haven't had any issues up until now.
I'm running Vista 64-bit and have CPU-Z currently telling me my core voltage is fluctuating between 1.5 and 1.6, though that can't be right as I only have it set to 1.35 in the BIOS, and I'm sure my system would be smoking if that was true.
Thanks in advance!
benbaked
07-28-08, 10:42 PM
That sounds right, I believe you need a EPS12V-compliant PSU to have the necessary connectors. You should have at least two 4-pin ATX, maybe three. The third would be the extra 4-pin that goes on the end of the 20-pin connector...if it's not all one big 24-pin block. The other two are keyed to fit the 8-pin connector.
bryan_d
07-28-08, 11:07 PM
Sounds to me, if he can fill all 8 pins already, that he already has a PSU that is eps compliant. I am assuming he is already using a 24pin psu plug.
But just because the psu has an 8-pin connector, and the overclocked worked in the past, there is still a weak link in the system.
Why not post your actual specs, with brands and models included. Also tell us what "issues" your are having, and what tests you have run to troubleshoot? (ORTHOS, FUR, etc.)
Good luck,
bryand
That sounds right, I believe you need a EPS12V-compliant PSU to have the necessary connectors. You should have at least two 4-pin ATX, maybe three. The third would be the extra 4-pin that goes on the end of the 20-pin connector...if it's not all one big 24-pin block. The other two are keyed to fit the 8-pin connector.
Sorry, I should have been more specific. Not the long 24-pin connector, but the connector on the motherboard specifically for the CPU. It has an 8-pin on the motherboard, my PSU does not. However, I have two 4-pins on my PSU.
Specifically, I am running:
Asus P5N32-E SLI
Q6600 G0@ 3.0Ghz
4GB OCZ DDR2 PC-6400
BFG 8800GT OC2
I had major issues in the past overclocking this motherboard because of a large FSB hole. That was with the 1250 BIOS revision. A couple months ago I upgraded to the latest revision, which is the 1305 I believe. To my joy it fixed my issue and I was able to hit 3.0Ghz right away.
I rearranged my room yesterday and decided to put my comp on a surge protector I had lying around. Ran fine still, played some CS:S earlier this morning and no issues were found.
Came home this evening from work and my computer is sitting at the desktop, no response, and all my USB devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.) are powered off. The computer hard-locked on me. In the past I've ran Prime 95 on the machine, no issues.
I'm working on the machine right now, I've managed to get into Windows once and found all my time and date settings have been reset (as in I am living in the past) and my overclock setting back to default.
As I decided to simply bump the Vcore up to 1.35 (it was running fine on this before), OC the Q6600 to 3.0Ghz, and leave everything else at default. Seems ok so far, but I'm going to test it here shortly.
Oh, and for some reason CPU-Z is now reporting the correct voltage as being 1.36 or so. What the heck is up with this thing...could have fried my stuff if that's correct.
bryan_d
07-29-08, 07:33 PM
It is great you posted your components, but you forgot to list your PSU; you have a nice engine, chassis, wheels, and suspension, but its not going to run if you are using diesel for your gasoline engine. :)
Most 8-pin EPS connectors split into two, just to let you know... hence your "dual 4-pin."
How long did you run prime95 for? Was it during the winter? Just because you have 8 120mm's means nothing if you are using stock cooling in a boiling room; what are your temperatures at idle and at full load.
hi-yield
07-29-08, 09:40 PM
:welcome:
They are thorough here for a reason:soda:
at the risk of sounding like a complete noob... whats the actual difference between using the 4 and the 8 pin connector on the mobo? i just switch psu and this one had both an 8 and a 4 one so while the old one only had the 4 pin.. so this time around i plugged in the 8 instead of the 4.. :)
at the risk of sounding like a complete noob... whats the actual difference between using the 4 and the 8 pin connector on the mobo? i just switch psu and this one had both an 8 and a 4 one so while the old one only had the 4 pin.. so this time around i plugged in the 8 instead of the 4.. :)
It just provides more amperage to the motherboard.
If there is a spot for a 4pin or if there is a spot for an 8pin make sure it is filled... If you have two 4pin adapters then plug BOTH of them in.
It just provides more amperage to the motherboard.
If there is a spot for a 4pin or if there is a spot for an 8pin make sure it is filled... If you have two 4pin adapters then plug BOTH of them in.
thanks.. would using the 8 pin result in "better" OC or more stable? or it doesn't affect it in that way?
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