ATX 12V PSU: Everything you Need to Know

The CPU needs the 8-pin ATX 12V cable for additional power

4 min. read

Published onAugust 9, 2024

published onAugust 9, 2024

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Navigating the world of power supplies and connectors can be daunting, especially when dealing with the ATX 12V standard. This guide will walk you through the essentials, ensuring your PC build is both stable and efficient.

How do I choose the right ATX 12V PSU?

Understanding the 8-pin ATX 12V power connector

The 8-pin ATX 12V power connector is primarily meant to provide additional power to the CPU. This connector typically consists of two 4-pin connectors that can be used together (as an 8-pin) or separately (as a 4-pin). The 20+4 pin connector on the other hand is designed to provide power to the motherboard and its peripherals.

Using the 8-pin connector properly ensures that your CPU receives the necessary power for optimal performance. This prevents system instability and potential hardware damage

2. Extension cables for the ATX 12V power connector

If the 8-pin ATX 12V cable from your PSU is too short to reach the connector on your motherboard, you can use an extension cable. Here’s how to do it:

Using an extension cable allows you to maintain a clean build with proper cable management, reducing clutter and improving airflow within your case.

3. Identifying correct connectors

When dealing with modern power supplies, the 8-pin connector might be split into two separate 4-pin connectors. Here’s how to ensure you’re using the correct connector:

Ensuring each connector is correctly identified and connected prevents improper installation that can cause power delivery issues or damage components.

4. Upgrading to a compatible PSU

If your current PSU lacks the necessary connectors or does not meet the power requirements of your new build, consider upgrading to a compatible PSU:

Upgrading to a modern and compatible PSU ensures reliable power delivery to all components, ensuring system stability and longevity.

5. Using an adapter for older PSUs

If you have an older PSU and need to connect to a more modern motherboard, adapters may help. Here’s how:

Using adapters allows older PSUs to be compatible with newer motherboards, saving cost on immediate PSU replacement while still powering your system correctly.

However, we don’t recommend this approach because most likely, the older PSU doesn’t have enough power to distribute the necessary resources to your CPU. Our advice is to change the PSU with one that comes with the 12V 8-pin cable and sufficient power.

By following these solutions and guidelines, you can ensure that your ATX 12V power connections are properly managed, which will help maintain the stability and performance of your PC build. Always double-check connections and consider future upgrades to keep your system running smoothly.

We have a convenient guide onhow to check the PSU wattageif you don’t know it by heart. Ifthe motherboard doesn’t get enough power, click the highlighted link for proper solutions.

That being said, feel free to use the comments section below to write any additional questions you might have.

ATX 12V PSU: Everything you Need to Know#

How do I choose the right ATX 12V PSU?#

Understanding the 8-pin ATX 12V power connector#

2. Extension cables for the ATX 12V power connector#

3. Identifying correct connectors#

4. Upgrading to a compatible PSU#

5. Using an adapter for older PSUs#