Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes—provided those are CPU/EPS 4+4 connectors. Hold the two 4-pin halves together and plug the complete 8-pin EPS12V/ATX12V connector into the motherboard’s 8-pin CPU-power socket. Do not substitute an 8-pin PCIe/GPU cable: its pinout is different.
What “2×4-pin CPU” means
Motherboard CPU power is commonly provided as either a 2×2 4-pin ATX12V connector or a 2×4 8-pin EPS12V connector. Intel documents both formats in its ATX12VO design guide.
Most modern PSUs supply one 8-pin EPS cable that splits into two equal 4-pin halves. It may be described as “2×4-pin CPU,” “4+4 CPU,” or “8-pin EPS.” The halves are designed to join for an 8-pin socket or separate for a motherboard with only four CPU-power pins. Corsair illustrates this arrangement in its cable guide.
Some PSUs provide two independent 4-pin CPU leads instead. They can be used side by side only when both are explicitly CPU/EPS/ATX12V cables and the PSU documentation confirms that arrangement.
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#1 Best Overall
- CPU Cable for EVGA PSUs: CPU 8 pin male end to plug into the power connector of power supply (NOTE: 8 pin male connector is CPU 8 pin, not PCIe 8 pin.), CPU 8 pin (4+4) male end to plug into the Motherboard.(NOTE: the 8 pin end and 4+4 pin male ends cannot be used interchangeably);
- Only designed for motherboards, it doesn't work with graphics vedio cards: Compatible with motherboard with ATX 4 pin or 8 pin port(Detachable CPU 8 pin(4+4) end could be used as EPS ATX 8 pin or P4 ATX 4 pin by sliding on/off the 4 pin.);
- Compatibility: It only works with EVGA modular power supply such as: EVGA 650GS/750B2/1000G1/850G1/750G1/650G1/1600T2/1000T2/850T2/750T2/1600G2/1300G2/1000G2/850G2/750G2/650G2/550G2/1600P2/1200P2/1000P2/850P2/750P2/650P2/1000G3/850G3/750G3/650G3/550G3 650GQ V1/750GQ V1/850GQ V1/1000GQ V1; 650BQ/750BQ/850BQ;(NOTE: Do not work with 1000PS/850GS/1050GS and Corsair PSUs.)
- Parameter: Length(including connectors): 33-inch (84cm), Gauge: 1007-18AWG(standard tin-coating copper wire), Quantity: 1pcs, Hook loop strip*1pcs, (NOTE: Do not work with GPU.);
- Attention Please: This cable does not work with Corsair PSUs. It was only designed for some types of EVGA PSUs as listed. If you use other incompatible brand PSUs or types, it will definitely burn or damage the motherboard. Please carefully check the compatible types or contact us if you are not sure if it supports your power supply;
Identify the right cable before connecting it
| What you see | Use for the motherboard CPU socket? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPU, EPS, EPS12V or ATX12V; 4+4 connector | Yes | Join both halves for an 8-pin CPU socket. |
| Two separate 4-pin connectors labeled CPU/EPS | Usually, if the PSU manual approves it | Place both 4-pin sections into the two halves of the socket. |
| PCIe, VGA or GPU; commonly 6+2 | No | PCIe and EPS connectors have different pin assignments and keying. See Seasonic’s cable compatibility information. |
| Molex, PATA or Peripheral | No | These are peripheral-power connectors, not CPU power. |
Do not choose by the number “8” alone. The CPU socket is normally at the motherboard’s top-left edge near the processor and may be labeled CPU_PWR, CPU_PWR1, ATX12V, EPS12V or CPU 12V. A detachable 4-pin section of the 24-pin motherboard cable is not an EPS cable.
How to install the 4+4 CPU connector
- Shut down the computer, switch the PSU off and disconnect the AC power cord.
- Locate the motherboard socket marked for CPU power.
- Find the PSU cable marked CPU or EPS. If it is modular, connect its PSU-side plug only to the PSU port labeled CPU/EPS.
- Hold the two 4-pin halves together so they form one 2×4 connector.
- Align the keyed square and rounded shapes and the connector’s locking clip with the motherboard socket. Never force it.
- Press it in until the retaining latch clicks and verify that neither half is hanging loose.
- Connect the 24-pin motherboard cable and any other required GPU, storage or peripheral cables.
- Reconnect AC power and start the system. A normal startup or successful POST indicates that the connector is seated; it does not by itself prove the PSU has sufficient capacity.
Corsair’s installation guide likewise directs builders to use the EPS cable for the motherboard CPU-power socket rather than a PCIe cable: HXi Series quick-start guide.
If the motherboard has an extra 4-pin or 8-pin socket
Many boards have an 8-pin socket plus a secondary 4-pin or 8-pin connector. The primary 8-pin is generally the required connection for ordinary operation. The extra socket may provide additional current capacity for high-power processors or overclocking, but requirements differ by board, processor and firmware.
Rank #2
- 『Compatibility』 Only compatible with RMi, RMX, RM, RMe,SF, AX,AXI,HX,TX-M,CX-M,AX760I/AX860I/AX1200I/AX1500I/AX760/AX850/AX860/HX1200I/HX1000I/HX850I/HX750I/RM1000I/RM850I/RM750I/RM650I/RM1000X/RM850X/RM750X/RM650X/RM550X/RM1200e/RM1000e/RM850e/RM750e/RM650e/RM1000/RM850/RM750/RM650/RM550/RM450/SF750/SF600/SF450/HX750/HX1200/TX850M/TX750M/TX650M/CX750M/CX650M/CX550M; (NOTE: Do not work with AX1200 and other PSUs.)
- 『CPU Cable for Corsair PSU』(Do not work with GPU(graphics card)). CPU 8 pin male end to plug into the power connector of power supply; CPU 8 pin (4+4) male end to plug into the Motherboard.(NOTE: the 8 pin end and 4+4 pin male ends cannot be used interchangeably);
- 『Note』Please note that it doesn’t work with GPU(graphics card). This cable does not work with Other PSUs. It was only designed for some types of Corsair PSUs as listed.
- 『Parameter』Length(including connectors): 27inch+17inch (69cm+19cm), Gauge: 1007-18AWG(standard tin-coating copper wire), Quantity: 1pcs, Self-adhesive tape*1pcs, (NOTE: Do not work with GPU.);
- 『Compatibility』Compatible with Thermaltake Modular PSUs: RGB GOLD/ RGB PLATINUM/ ARGB GOLD/ Toughpower GF1 PF1 TF1 GF3 SFX. ARESGAME Modular PSUs: AGK750/ AGK850/ AGT1000/ AGS750/ AGS850.Compatible with Pystar PSU: ES850/ ES1000.
- If the manual says the auxiliary socket is optional, connect the primary 8-pin and leave the auxiliary socket empty.
- If the manual recommends or requires both sockets, the PSU must provide the necessary CPU/EPS connectors.
- Do not connect only the auxiliary socket while leaving the primary CPU socket empty.
Follow the motherboard manual rather than assuming an extra connector is always unnecessary. Corsair discusses typical and high-load cases in its CPU-power cable guidance; Supermicro provides an example of board-specific connector requirements in its motherboard documentation.
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If the PSU has two separate 4-pin leads
Safe to use
Use both connectors when each is labeled CPU, EPS or ATX12V, both fit the two halves of the motherboard socket without force, and the PSU’s manual identifies them as CPU-power outputs.
Stop and verify
Do not proceed if the connectors are labeled Molex or Peripheral, came from a proprietary prebuilt system, have different key shapes, or are modular cables from another PSU. Obtain the exact PSU model and consult its manual or cable-compatibility chart.
Rank #3
- Built with UL1007 18AWG antioxidant tinned copper core and high-current U-terminal, this cable supports 300V/10A stable power output, reducing resistance and heat for long-term reliable use in high-load gaming PCs and workstations.
- 24 inches segmented cable (60cm+20cm) fits all PC case layouts, solving messy wiring problems and optimizing internal cable management, with a tight male-to-male connection to avoid loose contact.
- Perfectly compatible with Corsair Type3/Type4 PSU, Thermaltake RGB/ARGB/Toughpower series, and ARESGAME AGK/AGT/AGS series. Delivers precise power for CPU/high-end GPU without compatibility issues.
- Compatible with Corsair AXi/HXi/RMi/RMX/RM/SF & Platinum/Gold series; NOT compatible with Corsair AX1200/AX Gold/HX Bronze/White, EVGA and other non-listed brand PSUs (check model before purchase).
- Strictly manufactured to meet industrial power supply standards, with sturdy connectors and wear-resistant insulation. We provide a 2-year official warranty and professional after-sales service for all products.
Modular PSU cables require special caution
Modular cables are not universal. A cable can fit the PSU-side socket while having a different pinout, potentially damaging the motherboard or PSU. Use only the cable supplied with that exact PSU or an officially compatible replacement for its model, revision and cable family.
For example, Seasonic publishes model-specific compatibility information at seasonic.com/cable-compatibility. Corsair replacement EPS cables are restricted to specified Type 3, Type 4 or Type 5 pinouts; its Type 4 cable page is here, and its Type 3 cable page is here. Never mix brands or cable families merely because the motherboard plug looks identical.
Do you need an adapter?
Normally no. If the PSU already includes a correctly labeled CPU/EPS 4+4 cable, use it directly. Avoid generic Molex-to-CPU and PCIe-to-CPU adapters. An adapter cannot correct a wrong pinout or add the PSU capacity your system needs.
Rank #4
- Compatible with: Only for CORSAIR RMx Series, RM550X RM650X RM750X RM850X RM1000X, please check the models that we listed on picture. 🔺🔺🔺🔺if you use it on other brands or model, it may damge your device!
- Connectors: 1x CPU 8 pin male, 1x CPU 8 pin (4+4) male;
- Length: 25-inch(63cm), 1007 18AWG, 34*0.178TS Tinned Copper Wire, Higher Quality than Regular Cable
- Note: The 8 pin male connector is CPU 8 pin, which was designed for Corsair PSUs,not pci-e 8 pin
- Package include: 1pcs 8 Pin Male to CPU 8 Pin (4+4 Detachable) Male power cable
If the PSU has no proper CPU/EPS output, replace it or obtain a manufacturer-approved cable specifically for that PSU model. A physically fitting marketplace cable is not sufficient evidence of compatibility.
Why using only one 4-pin half is risky
On a motherboard with an 8-pin CPU socket, inserting only one 4-pin half leaves half the socket unpowered. The computer may fail to start, show a CPU-power warning, shut down or become unstable under load. A single 4-pin connection is appropriate only when the motherboard itself has a 4-pin CPU socket or its manual explicitly documents that configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Connector compatibility is separate from PSU capacity
A correct EPS connector answers only whether the plug and pinout are suitable. It does not establish that the PSU can safely power the complete system. Check:
Best Value
- 『CPU 8 Pin Splitter』Provding the best solution for the motherboard required dual CPU 8 pin or CPU 8+4 pin ATX EPS 12V ports;
- 『CPU 8P - Dual CPU 8P』CPU 8 pin female end to plug into the power supply, Dual CPU 8 pin(4+4 Detachable) male ends to plug into the motherboard(Detachable CPU 8 pin(4+4) end could be used as EPS ATX 8 pin or P4 ATX 4 pin by sliding on/off the 4 pin.);
- 『Compatibility』Compatible with motherboard with ATX 4 pin, CPU 8 pin, CPU 8+4 pin or CPU 8+8 pin EPS 12V ports;
- 『Parameter』Length(including connectors): 9.5-inch(24cm)(approx), Gauge: 1007-18AWG(standard tin-coating copper wire), Quantity: 1pcs, Self-adhesive tape*1pcs;
- 『Note』This cable only works with motherboard, not GPU(Graphics Card). It will be damaged or burned once you plug it into GPU and we won’t take any responsibility for wrongly using or installing. Please carefully check the compatible types or contact us if you are not sure about it.
- PSU model, rated wattage, age and condition.
- CPU model and configured power limits.
- GPU model and its recommended power supply.
- How many CPU/EPS connectors the PSU actually provides.
- Whether the system will be overclocked.
- The PSU manufacturer’s specifications and protections.
An 8-pin CPU connector is not a guarantee that every processor or graphics-card combination is supported; implementation, wiring, PSU quality and motherboard design all matter.
Troubleshooting a system that will not start
- Turn off the PSU and unplug AC power.
- Reseat the 24-pin motherboard connector.
- Reseat the complete 4+4 CPU/EPS connector until its latch engages.
- On a modular unit, confirm the PSU-side plug is in a CPU/EPS socket.
- Confirm the cable is not labeled PCIe, VGA or GPU.
- Check the motherboard manual for primary and auxiliary CPU-power requirements.
- Try a minimum-hardware configuration and inspect for bent pins or damaged housings.
- Verify the PSU’s wattage, age and condition.
- If the cable identity or modular compatibility remains uncertain, stop testing and obtain the exact PSU documentation or a suitable replacement PSU.
The Bottom Line
Use the two 4-pin sections together only when they are the PSU’s labeled CPU/EPS 4+4 outputs. Connect the full 8-pin to the motherboard, never substitute a PCIe cable, and verify modular-cable compatibility and overall PSU capacity separately.
Quick Recap
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