Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter?

Merkwurdigliebe · 25-January-07, 07:39 PM

Newegg.com - APEVIA 20 pin to 24 pin ATX Power Supply Converter - Retail

Under what circumstances would you not want to use one of these?

This is the 20-pin power supply to a 24-pin ATX motherboard adapter.

CubanConnectionZ · 25-January-07, 08:08 PM

That is a good question I am surprised no one responded to that already.

Wordbiker · 25-January-07, 08:17 PM

The only disadvantage I can see is if your motherboard gets toasted from having inadequate power. Standards changed signifigantly when the ATX power header moved from 20-pin to 24-pin, including splitting the 12V rails when a certain amperage draw is possible, as well as other safety measures.

I think about it like this:"Do I want to trust my brand new costly 24-pin mobo to an old power supply and a $4 adapter..and just hope it works?" Personally, I don't use them. I'd buy a power supply to match that new board that won't keep me awake at night wondering if it's gonna blow, taking my entire system with it...and maybe even the house.

Merkwurdigliebe · 26-January-07, 08:59 PM

Hehe. Good advice.

But what if I wanted to power a uATX board with a low-power 2GHz Sempron, a mid-range AGP card, a stock CPU fan, and two case fans (and NOTHING else)? Any concern with the 12 volt rail there?

Iateronmly · 26-January-07, 09:19 PM

Nope not really.

godfoot · 27-January-07, 12:10 AM

Another concern might be one like I experienced with one of those adapters I used during the Enermax PSU review I did.
If I bumped the adapter, sometimes my video would go out (or at least go screwy enough to warrant a restart).

WrathOfSocrus · 27-January-07, 01:46 AM

Quote:


	Comments: All 24-pin motherboard connectors are compatible with 20-pin power supplies so this power cable serves no useful purpose.

That review seemed to sum it up pretty well to me . . .

Iateronmly · 27-January-07, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrathOfSocrus


	That review seemed to sum it up pretty well to me . . .

To bad they're talking backwards. That adapter is for 20 pin PSU's to a 24 pin mobo.....

Joe88 · 27-January-07, 03:18 AM

even if backwards some PSU's only have 24pin not 20+4 pin like the standard ones today
so dont belive some of the reviews on products because some of the people on there are complete idiots who dont even know what there doing

Iateronmly · 27-January-07, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe88


	even if backwards some PSU's only have 24pin not 20+4 pin like the standard ones today

Yah my bad - I misread. Most motherboards work with 20 in a 24, but I've had stability issues with my old Biostar t-force ran that way.

WrathOfSocrus · 28-January-07, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iateronmly


	Yah my bad - I misread. Most motherboards work with 20 in a 24, but I've had stability issues with my old Biostar t-force ran that way.

Yeah, my point was the power that the supply can produce is the most important part. While any 24 pin supply should be adequately powerful, any 20 pin WITH ENOUGH POWER should be able to do the job. Basically, if you have enough power you dont need the adapter and if you dont have enough power then you need a new PSU, not some silly adapter.

Also, I have personally hooked 24 pin supplies to 20 pin mobos and vice-versa without ever using an adapter. Unless there is a cap or another connector in the way, there should be plenty of room to let the 4 pins hang over and no need for and adapter.

In conclusion it is my experience that there is no need for an atx adapter.

25-January-07, 07:39 PM		#1 (permalink)
Merkwurdigliebe Apex Advanced Techie	Disadvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? Newegg.com - APEVIA 20 pin to 24 pin ATX Power Supply Converter - Retail Under what circumstances would you not want to use one of these? This is the 20-pin power supply to a 24-pin ATX motherboard adapter. Last edited by Merkwurdigliebe; 26-January-07 at 08:56 PM.. Reason: I can't spell... EVAR!

25-January-07, 08:08 PM		#2 (permalink)
CubanConnectionZ Apex Tech God	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? That is a good question I am surprised no one responded to that already.

25-January-07, 08:17 PM		#3 (permalink)
Wordbiker Apex Tech God	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? The only disadvantage I can see is if your motherboard gets toasted from having inadequate power. Standards changed signifigantly when the ATX power header moved from 20-pin to 24-pin, including splitting the 12V rails when a certain amperage draw is possible, as well as other safety measures. I think about it like this:"Do I want to trust my brand new costly 24-pin mobo to an old power supply and a $4 adapter..and just hope it works?" Personally, I don't use them. I'd buy a power supply to match that new board that won't keep me awake at night wondering if it's gonna blow, taking my entire system with it...and maybe even the house.

26-January-07, 08:59 PM		#4 (permalink)
Merkwurdigliebe Apex Advanced Techie	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? Hehe. Good advice. But what if I wanted to power a uATX board with a low-power 2GHz Sempron, a mid-range AGP card, a stock CPU fan, and two case fans (and NOTHING else)? Any concern with the 12 volt rail there?

26-January-07, 09:19 PM		#5 (permalink)
Iateronmly Smooth Operator	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? Nope not really.

27-January-07, 12:10 AM		#6 (permalink)
godfoot A George Orwell fan...sorta	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? Another concern might be one like I experienced with one of those adapters I used during the Enermax PSU review I did. If I bumped the adapter, sometimes my video would go out (or at least go screwy enough to warrant a restart).

27-January-07, 03:18 AM		#9 (permalink)
Joe88 Apex Master Tech	Re: Disatvantages to a 20-to-24-pin ATX power adapter? even if backwards some PSU's only have 24pin not 20+4 pin like the standard ones today so dont belive some of the reviews on products because some of the people on there are complete idiots who dont even know what there doing

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