CPU Power Cable Guide - Explained

[@taketheredpill1452]

You answered the main question. If I just plug them all in, will it hurt my system. You answer was no...

[@taketheredpill1452]

@gorkman5697 - I can't help you. What the maker of the video would say is that the benefit of plugging them both in would be that IF the CPU needs more juice then it has it available.

[@christofferhoff6669]

There isn't a more straight to the point video than this, good work!

[@fuzzymuffinsthe3rd]

Still not understanding 😅

[@MichaelR6s]

quick to the point and useful as always, good stuff

[@charonme]

1:58 those wattage numbers don't tell you how much the CPU can draw, for example the i7-12700KF spec lists 125W as the "base power", but 190W as "maximum turbo power" and the spec even allows for higher power draw: "Instantaneous power may exceed Maximum Turbo Power for short durations (

[@staycold547]

One od the best video explenations I have ever seen, this is just what i needed, THANK YOU

[@matygpt]

My 13900ks crashed after 30 seconds while i had only one

[@shinryu9683]

Thank you, your info really helped me out with my new build! Liked and subscribed!

[@mostaphamost12]

What about 4 pin cable from old power supply to 8 pin motherboard ? And how to plug?

[@MrShodizzle]

Very informative, short and to the point... Great video!

[@Sharpypus]

Thanks so much, I was so stressed when I got the motherboard out and noticed it had 2x 8pin slots, and I only have 1x 8pin connector. Luckily my 7800x3d only looks to use 120 watts so I should be good!

[@yeisonvargas8074]

Did everything go well for you bro? On the mother I have an 8x4 pin connector but on the psu it only has the 8 pin connector

[@Sharpypus]

@@yeisonvargas8074 hey hey! Yes indeed, worked great! It seems I just needed 1x 8pin connected to the motherboard and left the other one unplugged. Everything running smoothly, temps are good and yeah, all great thanks!

[@NavinMunda]

I build a pc with ryzen 5 7600x and bobo msi b650 gaming plus wifi which support 2x 8 pin connector but my gigabyte P650B support only 1x 8 pins do it will cause issue.. 🙏 guide

[@williammckeever4790]

This was very helpful. Thanks for clearing this up for me. 👍

[@sachinraj5613]

Can i use 4pin atx 12v in 8 pin ......i have i5 4590 (4th gen)

[@postnick]

Thank you, I'm using my OLDER power supply and case for a newer motherboard and I saw it had that extra 4 pin - but the manual says it's optional. I'm only looking at a 115 watt chip so i'm fine with just the 8 pin!

[@Canadian76]

Great video it answered my question. I had one 8 pin connected to my 13700k and it runs totally fine as it only draws a max of 253 watts and basically I never really reach that so I’m good.

[@archowdhury1458]

What an informative video❤ Keep up the good work.

[@bocconom]

I appreciate this video a lot as you you are the first I have ever come across that explained what I needed for power. I have an x570 MB with a 4 and 8 pin configuration but my cpu is a Ryzen 3600 which means just the 8 pin is more than sufficient. Thanks.

[@Coopertom]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks so much for posting this video!

[@marioperez2443]

This is the answer that i was looking for.

[@jeffreygrindle6396]

Thanks and right to the point finnaly upgrading from my old 3rd gen intel build to a x570 3700x build and I saw the 8 pin for cpu power and was like what? 😂

[@skitzdaniel3314]

Thank you very much. My biggest problem has been to find a power supply with the additional Black/Yellow 4 pin connector. Seems elusive. If there is a 4 + 4 the connector shell does not fit the 4-pin on motherboard. Nor do they have the right colored wires. It is like the PSU industry was not expecting that 4 - pin connector on motherboard.

[@SmileyWins]

thank you man, i keep getting Automatic repair screen on a new build & now i can rule this out cheers 👍🏽

[@sergou6804]

bro i have a 8+4 pin in my mb but my psu is have 8+8pin and is no modular psu i can use 8+8 pin or i buy a adapter for use my mb ? for a amd ryzen 5 7600X

[@22DIM55]

Same , what happen for u ?

[@9numbernine]

​@22DIM55 what happened for you? I have the same issue

[@22DIM55]

@@9numbernine i put just 8 and 4 pin and its good , 4 pin are free

[@Gnailgnuh]

Thank you for this. B550m steel legend gang lets gooo. (PS, that cup gave me a mini panic attack)

[@phobosplatonov8331]

I understand everything even with my bad english. Thank You very much!

[@bryansullivan9588]

can i connect the 12vhpr plug to an AMD graphics card with with the dual 8pin plugs ?

[@jeromaq]

can i use 4 pin only??

[@kantholzwerfer4273]

Instant like and sub. Straight to the point and all questions answered! :)

[@shap7296]

can you use a 8 pin on a 4 pin because mine fits but i don’t wanna try it

[@dtx3741]

Aa, i got every bit of information i needed. Thanks man, also for all the comments are useful.

[@palg20]

Thanks for the help. Very quick and informational video

[@nassimabed]

You are a star. Thank you very much for this video 😊

[@tyroneturner4128]

thanx for the explanation. NOW I UNDERSTAND!!!

[@MaxsTech]

My goal = accomplished! Glad you got it now!

[@irvin3232]

So my motherboard only has a 4pin connector and all newer PSU come with 8 (4+4), 8+4, 16. What do I use in my situation. Is it safe to plug in a 8 (4+4)

[@MaxsTech]

Yea, you should be able to split the 8 into 2 lines of 4 each. That’s the reason they make them 4+4.

[@irvin3232]

Thank you so much for this in! It worked with the RM850 👌🏽😁

[@irvin3232]

Hey! Quick update! I upgrade my motherboard to an B550 Aorus Elite AX V2, has an 8 pin connector but when installing my cpu 8pin connector would not fit, later realized that the motherboard is ATX 12v and my PSU is a EPS 12v, would an adapter be safe to use? Or would I have to get a new PSU? Any info would be helpful! Thank you in advance!

[@Frogeramus]

very informative and straight to the point! thank you very much!

[@DonnyShine]

thank you I had no idea why I was connecting those two connectors on the top left

[@forglorybruh5995]

Man you are a hero. thanx

[@dane4890]

Super beginners guide, thanks! :)

[@yccmzimmy]

Thanks a lot! although this is in fact one of the most simple connection in a MB the increase of female connectors got me confused a bit :)

[@robertm3263]

Does a msi b650 p need both because I'm not getting any power from the board with a Ryzen 7 7700x

[@gabrieloleastro5378]

I have a similar problem on my MSI B650m-a wifi with a Ryzen 5 7600. The mobo shows the Red and Orange easy debug LEDs for the CPU and RAM and does not post. My PSU has the 8pin CPU connector but I am missing the extra 4pin that the mobo manual asks for. Did you manage to solve your issue?

[@robertm3263]

@gabrieloleastro5378 yes you have to flash the bios on the motherboard. Took me a few days to figure that out.

[@gabrieloleastro5378]

Thanks for saving me the time@@robertm3263

[@Bob-b5r7r]

I have an Asus motherboard, the ROG Maximus Z690 hero, paired with a Corsair HX 850 power supply. I'm facing an issue with the power connectors. I seem to be missing the one 4-pin power connector that should be connected to the motherboard. I've tried using an 8x4 by 40 connector, but it didn't work. I've made this mistake twice and would like to avoid it in the future. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the correct power connector for my specific Asus motherboard. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@vinceyoas5156]

Answered my question perfectly thank you

[@utes-herbal-corner1916]

The i9 14900K CPU can need up to 253 watts ???

[@protodg6567]

I have a one 8 pin socket on my motherboard but my 8 pin cable splits into 2 8 pins. Do I just plug one into the mobo and let the other one just hang?

[@OldTrenzas]

I have the same question

[@Manolo4000]

Thanks a lot, just what I was looking for.

[@MustafaKattan-b2e]

I have a 12-pin board and the power port only supports 8 pins and the processor is i5 12400f. Is there a problem with connecting only eight pins or not?

[@unleasheth]

My prob is I have 2x8 pin on z690 intel board. But I only have one wire with 8 pin from psu. I have other wires coming from psu that are 6/8 pin but it won't take but 6 pin, it won't let me hook up the last 2. Hope that makes sense. So essentially I'm only able to plug up 14 pin holes instead of 16

[@Wokfrfr]

My psu has 2 4pin connectors but my mobo has 8 can I plug the two 4 pin into the 8 pin?

[@Lecsic]

Спасибо большое. Даже без знания английского я все понял и ты решил мою проблему с выбором блока питания

[@lasseholm1380]

thanks, my guy. I was upgrading my PC and noticed that my 750W PSU didn't have an extra 8-pin connector. I was thinking I might have to buy a new one.

[@andystuman]

The latest i-7 say 125w tdp, but it says 253w mtp. I am debating using a splitter to plug in the extra 8 pin. Will probably get new psu though. 750w barely enough for cpu and gpu.

[@MaxsTech]

MTP is your Maximum Turbo Power, so worst case your cpu may not be able to run at higher clocks but it won’t draw that much normally. TDP is your thermal design power, basically all about heat output so you know how to cool it properly. 750W should be decent for 95% of builds. Unless you are running the latest 4090 card… personally I just recently got a 1000W but previously still had a 650W.

[@bhavyamalik3239]

My motherboard manual sont say anything about if i can use 1 or both cpu connector…i have i5 13500 and only one cou 8 pin connector, but my b760 mobo has two 8 pin connectors

[@tlstechtalk]

What about plugging just a 4 pin psu connector into an 8 pin motherboard? My CPU only draws 58 watts.

[@AthamAldecua]

That coffee cup on top of your PC made me clench my seat so hard XD XD XD

[@matze7651]

Can i also use the pci express of my psu for the cpu connection?

[@MaxsTech]

You cannot :/

[@Pawcio2115]

Thank you. This is very helpful 👍🏻

[@Sh4dowSasuk3Kun]

Thanks you very much for this Video. It helped me alot!!!

[@Arthur-m3m5q]

Bro my mobo has 2*8pin connectors and my psu has a 1*8 and 1*4pin .can I connect the 1*4pin to the second 8pin connector on the mobo

[@Lt.Col.CottonHill]

I believe you. But a lot of information elsewhere says an 8pin only can supply 150 watts

[@TheCocreator]

Question! Asus Prime Z690-P D4 has an 8 and a 4-paired with I9-12900k Can I use only one 8 pin connector to my Seasonic Prime TX-1000 ? 😢

[@Unhatermas_YT]

Did you solve your doubt? Im in a same situation as you bro :/

[@ITZMEALLOY]

If there's 2 8 pin on motherboard and my PSU has a single 8 pin connector, So where should I plug the connector to Left or Right ?

[@djsuth7727]

In most situations it shouldn’t really matter. If for some reason you’re getting random crashes then just switch them. Usually the left most port is labelled the “primary” , but as I said … majority of the time doesn’t matter which one you plug in.

[@Rana-xo2qt]

Very Helpfull video thx...🎉

[@tonymccaff2937]

Hi, my mobo has 2x 8pin connectors but my psu has 2x4pin connections. Do I split the 2 4pins over the 2 8pins or do I join both 4s and slot them into 1 8pin connection. TIA

[@gamerjuice._.]

my cpu is a ryzen 7 7700(65W) I don’t OC but my pad only has a single 4pin tht I could see. The board i’m trying to switch from and to, hp omen mobo, idk the name, and i’m switching to a MSI pro B650m-A wifi. Looking to see if I could just plug in a single 4pin.

[@marcusbighouse]

I have a 8+4 pin in my mobo. So one cabe goes 8CPU/PSU. And the other is 8 on PSU, and the other tip i can split into 4+4. The question is: which one of this two sided 4 pin should I connect into my mobo? Does it matter which half I put in?

[@MaxsTech]

I don’t recall which one is standard but they are all keyed so only one should fit.

[@MaxsTech]

You’ll see the pin shape is either a square or like a square with 2 corners cut off so it’ll make it impossible to plug the wrong type power cable in.

[@x-arya-x]

I bought extensions for the cpu cord. I've got the one where you need two 4 pin cables. The problem is that the two extension cord are the exact same. So the pattern isn't mirrored, it's the exact same. Where the usual top layout would be square, rounded, rounded, square, mine is now square, rounded, square, rounded. So it's pretty self explanitory that it doesn't fit. What the hell do I do now.

[@MaxsTech]

Most CPU cables can reach the top of your case if you run them under/behind the board. I’m not sure what kind of extensions you got but sounds like either they’re defective or you just have to plug them in backwards with the clip facing the other way.

[@WetNappy]

My question is can I use one 8 pin in 1 gpu and the side of the pigtail in another gpu cuz my 1080 has 2 8pins but my 1060 only has 1

[@JohnEdge]

Need help asap, what if the Squares and Circles dont match from a CPU connector versus motherboard layout. i.e. MB is (sqaure circle circle square) but the cpu cords is (Square circle circle circle) can you mix layouts? or are they that way to designate Volts to Ground?

[@MaxsTech]

They should match up, try flipping them, or make sure you aren’t using the pcie power cables (for gpus)

[@guisa9]

​@@MaxsTech another example here: I can't flip them without disrespect the shapes. My CPU cable on the PSU are like this: Round, Square, Square, Round Square, Round, Round, Square. My mother board asks for this exact shape as well, BUT, the other end of my cpu cable (the one that goes into the cpu slot in the mother) are a 4+4 pin like this: Round, Square, Round, Round Square, Round, Round, Round. I must buy a new cable or can I go like this? I have to buy a new PSU? I will fry something if the round ones on the cable fits into the square shapes in the mother board? I was assembling my new mother board and had to stop because no one seems to know the answer for this. I don't wanna a fry a fresh brand new motherboard that I've just bought it. 😅

[@Arthur-m3m5q]

Bro am facing the same problem Need help 😢

[@High.Vibe.Living]

Ok so ive got a PSU that supplies 44A on dual 12V rails. My CPU is a 58W intel G6400 (socket 1200) My PSU only has a 4 pin CPU power connector but the motherboard has an 8 pin socket. So from what you tell me, a 4 pin cpu connector should be fine by itself, because it still supplies upto 168W for the CPU, meaning i have a plenty of cpu headroom power of 110W. So i should be fiiine. Right?

[@tlstechtalk]

I just asked the same question. I am wondering if the motherboard is expecting to see 8 pins to distribute power for max stability.

[@High.Vibe.Living]

@@tlstechtalk i used just 1x 4pin, it worked fine. And should be fine for any cpu with a max TDP of 168W i think. Best to stay under 160W to be safe imo

[@tlstechtalk]

@@High.Vibe.Living Thanks, my G6400 and Asrock mobo arrive in a few days.

[@High.Vibe.Living]

@@tlstechtalk g6400 is a VERY eco CPU. Tdp maxes at 58 watts i beleive. Much less than the 4 pin CPU power can provide, which is 160W+

[@Eyran84]

Great video. This simple answer was so hard to find.

[@Count_Dongula]

I have a ASUS PRIME B550-PLUS Can I just use 4pin or will I need to find a splitter. It only has a 8 pin

[@misterPAINMAKER]

i7-13700KF i have, will one 8-pin be enough? No OC , stock.

[@jornmulder]

my power suply (psu) only got 1 cable for cpu in motherboard, and my mobo has 2 inputs for it, what can i do ?

[@a_q.t1p353]

This was actually amazing

[@linuxrant]

so if I have a 4 pin cable, but my motherboard expects an 8 pin cable I should get away with using it, because my CPU tdp is 120W, while 4pins support 168W? (according to your equation)

[@darkthought7860]

my new computer wont turn on. everything seems to be plugged in the right holes. im wondering if the cord that goes into the PSU is the wrong kind? im using a bronze 600 EVGA. helllp

[@MaxsTech]

First checks (the easy ones) - try multiple outlets some have switched to power off, check the actual power switch on the power supply is on, double check your front panel connections to make sure your power button is wired correctly, could easily just have swapped the +/-. If none of that gets it on you may have a dead power supply, especially if you don’t even get any LEDs lit up, like absolutely no power is likely a power supply failure and I would return it.

[@darkthought7860]

thank you. my dummy ass plugged the power switch and stuff into the wrong area. luckily didn't fry my new build lol@@MaxsTech

[@IEJAPM]

great video man

[@cyberplonk]

My psu only has a dual 4 pin will that do?

[@WeisserAllan]

Thanks for the video, but my problem is that the PSU have the 8pin squares as you show in the first picture, but the other side of the cable, wich is the splitted one 4+4 for the MOBO don't match the squares. The MOBO needs exactly the same form that the PSU needs, but the cable is not the same in both sides. What can I do?

[@Raymundo_404]

Actually have that same issue right now so same. Lol

[@LuapTneb]

Same issue here. Seems like mixed information online. Some people say it's fine to put the hexagons into a square plug, others say it's not... 😢

[@WeisserAllan]

@@LuapTneb I managed to get it right. Just plug the "right side" on the PSU and the other in the mobo, it doesn't matter if it doesn't match because the plugs that aren't with a square form fit anyway on the square holes of the mobo.

[@guisa9]

I'm having the exact same problem. My CPU cable on the PSU are like this: Round, Square, Square, Round Square, Round, Round, Square. My mother board asks for this exact shape as well, BUT, the other end of my cpu cable (the one that goes into the cpu slot in the mother) are a 4+4 pin like this: Round, Square, Round, Round Square, Round, Round, Round. I must buy a new cable or can I go like this? I have to buy a new PSU? I will fry something if the round ones on the cable fits into the square shapes in the mother board? I was assembling my new mother board and had to stop because no one seems to know the answer for this. I don't wanna a fry a fresh brand new motherboard that I've just bought it. 😅

[@2523fred]

So I have an old 8+4 cable from cablemod, can I still use it on an 8+8 motherboard ?

[@MaxsTech]

While I don’t like “old” cables for use for power, as long as the cable is in good condition I would just double check the wire gauge to make sure it’s the same spec as whatever power supply you have and it should be fine. I doubt you’ll have any issues with power, 8+4 is a lot.

[@tobios89p13]

One 8 pin is enough for an i7 13700k right?

[@Dylan-gu5nm]

there are 2 cables that have one has p4 written on it and the other has p6 on it and idk where to connect them

[@mind_flare7867]

Great video 😊

[@soulabics]

are atx 8 pin splitter cable any good ?

[@joseoner9169]

I have a rtx 3080 ryzen 5 7600x 32gb ddr5 and a x670p mobo with 2 (8 pin) slots.. only have 1 (8 pin) plugged in because I only got a 600w non modular, works fine but not sure if that's bad lol

[@MaxsTech]

You’re all good :) that ryzen chip will only require about 109W at peak load.

[@LookintomyBarrel]

Nice & clear thanks

[@JosephAddison-s2k]

Hi! thanks for the video, but how about if I plug 4+4 pin cable instead of 8pin cable? Is it okay for the CPU? or iI must use 8 pin (not split) for the CPU?

[@MaxsTech]

4+4 is identical to an 8 pin, just gives you the option to use that power supply on a board that only has a single 4 pin.

[@guisa9]

​@@MaxsTech my pins are not. My CPU cable on the PSU are like this: Round, Square, Square, Round Square, Round, Round, Square. My mother board asks for this exact shape as well, BUT, the other end of my cpu cable (the one that goes into the cpu slot in the mother) are a 4+4 pin like this: Round, Square, Round, Round Square, Round, Round, Round. I must buy a new cable or can I go like this? I have to buy a new PSU? I will fry something if the round ones on the cable fits into the square shapes in the mother board? I was assembling my new mother board and had to stop because no one seems to know the answer for this. I don't wanna a fry a fresh brand new motherboard that I've just bought it. 😅

[@darkdinodev]

wow, you are the best, thanks for the info!

[@PaulC001]

if i have an 8 and a 4 pin connection on the board, can i use an 8 + another 8 that splits into two 4s?

[@MaxsTech]

Yea that’s actually exactly how I have my PC right now.

[@teddybanker9055]

@@MaxsTech what if the next gen PSU only provided 2 full 8 pin power cord that have no split? Can I plug the 8 pin into a 4 pin? It fits but my bother board only has an 8+4

[@kennydaniel1]

cant you just use a 2 pin i know that thay dont exist but for the 65 watt cpus thay only need 5 amps so wouldn't even a 4 pin be overkill?

[@aldrinlacsina1963]

can I ask a question? that 4 pins and 8 pins are only for the Processor? even though I have a lot of cooling fans? thanks master 🙏

[@MaxsTech]

Yes the connectors in the upper left are for powering your cpu. Fans take very little power to operate, usually only 1-3W per fan.

[@MaxsTech]

Fan headers on your motherboard will draw power from the large 24 pin power connector.

[@806jaspreet]

Very Good Information 👍👍

[@hagnerplaylists]

Great explanation

[@benpeers7810]

I'm going to grab a B550F plus Asus Rog over the cheaper board a ryzen 5600 65W Iv done several calculations on sites and all coming in around 550-600W with my current GPU now the board has an extra 4pin do I not need to connect this then? There's an 8pin like I already used on my old ryzen 2600 system, my PSU is a EVGA GQ Modular 750W Gold rated one which does have another 2x 4 pin / split 8 pin cpu connector. I can't seem to find a solid answer anywhere whether I should plug the extra 4pin in not sure it's needed for a 5600 GPU is a single 8pin Anyone know or help? Before I grab the cheaper 8pin only TUF version may aswel just plug it in?

[@mr.roboteliot7445]

Thanks bro. I need this informations.

[@lodvikgoolanians1125]

What rgb cable go to the psu to motherboard?

[@MaxsTech]

No dedicated rgb power cable goes between the psu/motherboard. Any rgb header on your motherboard will draw power through your 24pin power connector.

[@Djuntas]

Good info. So you usually get an extra CPU power cable that can be split for 4 pin supplemental power I guess? But yeah, I guess that I just haft to locate a single cable - Which I understood they always split up into 2 4 pins like GPU 6 + 2?

[@MaxsTech]

Some will split some won’t, depends on the power supply

[@Djuntas]

@@MaxsTech Thanks :)

[@Drakongrr]

Thanks, super simple

[@mlgmikey8512]

Thanks for this upldaod

[@irod.87]

Very informative. Thanks

[@kingzilant]

Question... my z590 mobo needs both plugged in [::]+[::::] but my 550w psu only has the one [::::] cpu plug, is it safe to use the splitter adapter 12v for it (female [::::] to male [::]+[::::]? Cpu is 11400f. Ty.

[@-Tecky-]

My cpus old motherboard only had a 4 pin, my new Mb will have an 8 pin will it run fine with just a 4 pin plugged in the 8 pin?

[@MaxsTech]

If your power supply doesn’t have any 8 pin power cables you can use the 4 pin in the 8 pin slot, if your cpu requires more power than the 4 pin can give your pc will probably crash, but if like you said it’s the same cpu then you should be good

[@-Tecky-]

@@MaxsTech thanks for the quick reply!!

[@CptSlow89]

Running Ryzen 5600 only on 4pin. No problems. Don't even use 8pin.