Question Concerning z87 Mpower SP EPS 12v Connections and Antec Signature 850

[velozzity]

Ok so Basically I am upgrading my Computer, which currently has a i7-875k and P55-gd80 motherboard with a MSI Mpower SP Z87 motherboard and an I5-4670k. Question is I was looking online at some Pics of the board and just realized that it has 2 EPS 12v connections and my current PSU (Antec Signature 850) only has 1 EPS 12v (8 pin connector) and 1 ATX 12v (4 pin connector)....So should I....?

a. Only use 1 of the EPS 8 pin connectors

b. Use both the 8 pin and the 4 pin connector (assuming I can just put the 4 pin in the secondary 8 pin slot)

I have heard that the connections for these connectors are wired in Parallel on the motherboard side, so not sure if any benefit or need to put the 4 pin connector into the second 8 pin slot...or if it will cause problems?

I am basically upgrading the core parts of my computer which I think will have the biggest impact on gaming performance and extend its life hopefully an additional 3 years, and just want to know the best way to approach the connection of motherboard to PSU since the whole dual 8 pin setup is new to me.

 

[redduc900]

The 1 x 8-pin alone is sufficient.

 

[velozzity]

The 1 x 8-pin alone is sufficient.

So basically the 2 (8) pin setup is for extreme overclocking only (Dice, LN2) where a extremely slight variation in voltage stability might cause a failure? But totally unneeded on air or water? I do plan on finding a mild to moderate overclock for gaming purposes most likely.

 

[EarthDog]

It's not voltage variation that is the issue but the actual amount of power available to the socket is why it's there. One is fine as redduc said.

 

[velozzity]

Ok gotcha, i guess i meant to say wattage available but i get the idea, tyvm for both replies