Power supply confusion

[dimtim]

So I got all my new computer parts but I'm pretty sure my power supply isn't compatible with my motherboard. I just purchased the MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum SLI, and apparently it requires an ATX 24-Pin power connector. My power supply only has a 20 pin power connector. I'm almost 100% sure I need to get a new power supply to be compatible with my motherboard but my question is how do I know if a PSU is going to have the 24-Pin power connector or not? Also, is there any possible way to convert a 20-pin power connector to a 24-pin or do I have to get a new PSU?

Thanks
Tim

[waheed]

Im sure a number of 20 pin power supplys do work with 24 pin power connectors on motherboards. I myself, have a 24 pin power supply, but ive read in other forums that many people were able to use their existing 20 pin power supply with the Asus A8N which has a 24 pin connector without any problems.

To answer your second question, Yes, if your power supply can provide enough power, you can just get a 20pin to 24pin adaptor for only a few dollars.

[zzyzzx]

Does your new power supply also have the 3 pin powr connector? I think you put it in next to the 20 to get a total of 24....

[waheed]

some more info here

DO NOT plug in the 3 pin power connector as zzyzzx says, doing so may cause damage to your motherboard. This is incorrect.

[Marty2003]

I just purchased an Asus A8V-E Deluxe mobo which has a 24-pin connector,but fortunately for me it also accepts a 20-pin power supply. A 20 pin supply will fit directly into a 24-pin mobo. Some motherboards are designed to be used with either power supply connector, some motherboards will only work with a 24-pin. I could be wrong about this but I think Pentium mobos require the 24 pins but AMD one's will also work with 20.

If your board requires a 24-pin connector you can buy a 20 to 24-pin adapter cable for about $10 or less, just do a google search for "20-pin to 24-pin power supply adapter". These should only be used on 450-watt and up power supplies, Also check what you're buying if you get an adapter. There are some of these adapters which actually only have 20 wires between the two sides and have 4 unwired connectors on the 24-pin side, which is actually completely useless since a 20-pin PS should fit into a 24-pin mobo. Make sure you get one with all the connectors on the 24-pin side that are wired.

[dimtim]

hey thanks for the input guys. Right now I have my 20-pin power supply plugged into my motherboard, and I was going to email msi support to see whether I need to purchase a converter or not. Does anybody have an MSI motherboard and know whether or not I can just plug in my 20-pin power supply and still have it work?

Thanks

[redwudz]

Unless the MB manufacturer specifically says it's OK, I would go with the 24 pin adapter. I got one off NewEgg for $9US. I have a Gigabyte K8NXP-9 that has a cap covering the extra four pins on the MB power socket so you can safely use a 20 pin plug. If you were to plug in a 20 pin on the wrong end of that socket, could be very bad

Also, I hope you have a 400W+ PS. SLI uses a lot of power. The video cards may have their own power socket on the MB. The 24 pin PS's are pretty pricey, the adapter route is much cheaper and safer.

[waheed]

dimtim, have a look at your motherboard manual to see if there is any information if you can use a 20pin power supply.

more info on MSI boards can be found here