Real reason for 8 pin cpu power vs 4 pins \ VOGONS

Real reason for 8 pin cpu power vs 4 pins

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First post, by computergeek92

Posted on 2016-09-08, 10:55

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I heard 8 pin cpu power is necessary for really hot running cpus, but would having it for an energy efficient cpu make any difference versus just using the 4 pin cpu power? Is there anything more than just extra overclocking stability?

What is the point of using EPS power connections on a server motherboard? I’ve seen the old dual Coppermine Pentium III systems with unused EPS connectors. They worked just fine with out the extra power.

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Reply 1 of 7, by Standard Def Steve

Posted on 2016-09-08, 15:18

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Whether you need all 8 pins filled depends on the motherboard. I have an LGA775 board that runs fine with only 4 pins in its EPS socket. However, iirc my lga2011 board gives me an error code via its onboard LED display if I only plug 4 pins into the EPS connector.

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Reply 2 of 7, by dr_st

Posted on 2016-09-08, 15:44

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I ran a QX9650 on a P5Q PRO for years with just the 4 pins, before I learned that I was supposed to use the 8 pins. Never noticed any difference (and it was even 20% overclocked a lot of the time).

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Reply 3 of 7, by agent_x007

Posted on 2016-09-08, 18:14

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8-pin helps to balance power load on PSU's cables.
4-pin is good only to a certain point (after which it may melt because of heat generated by the current running through it).

Newer CPUs require 8-pin to work because they draw initial power from it (again, for better overall load balance).
That kind of CPUs WILL NOT work without 8-pin plug in (adapter will do just fine, tho - but it's risy in case of higher end CPU/overclock ones [max. current limit for adapter is lower than normal 4-pin]).

Last edited by agent_x007 on 2016-09-09, 06:19. Edited 1 time in total.

Reply 4 of 7, by swaaye

Posted on 2016-09-08, 23:39

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I melted/blackened a 4-pin connector by overclocking a Q6600. The resistance of the connector is a problem. I always look for 8-pin now unless I'm building something very basic.

Reply 5 of 7, by Unknown_K

Posted on 2016-09-09, 00:34

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Heat is the reason.

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Reply 6 of 7, by SquallStrife

Posted on 2016-09-09, 01:09

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Unknown_K wrote:
Heat is the reason.

Current is the reason, heat is just the symptom.

Running more conductors in parallel increases the current carrying capacity of the lead.

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Reply 7 of 7, by Jade Falcon

Posted on 2016-09-09, 01:58

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SquallStrife wrote:
Unknown_K wrote:
Heat is the reason.

Current is the reason, heat is just the symptom.

Running more conductors in parallel increases the current carrying capacity of the lead.

This. Also having more lines decreases the need for heavy gauge wire

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