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Connect the PSU’s 24-pin ATX cable to the motherboard’s main power socket and its CPU/EPS cable—usually an 8-pin or 4+4-pin plug—to the CPU power socket. The exact connector locations and any additional CPU power requirements vary by motherboard, so check the manual for your specific board before routing cables.
Which PSU cables connect to the motherboard?
Most desktop motherboard power connections use two types of leads. Match each cable to the socket identified in your motherboard manual; do not force a connector that does not align.
| Connection | What it powers | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 24-pin ATX | Main motherboard power | The wide connector and the board’s main power socket. Some PSU plugs split into a 20+4 arrangement; check the PSU and motherboard documentation. |
| CPU/EPS | The motherboard’s processor power input | Usually an 8-pin connector or a separable 4+4-pin plug. The board manual identifies the CPU power socket and any additional sockets. |
MSI describes the 24-pin connector as the motherboard power connection and identifies 8-pin or 4+4-pin connectors for CPU power in its power-supply specification guide. The CPU/EPS connector is not the same as a PCIe/GPU power lead. Corsair’s PSU cable guide explains the distinction and advises checking the motherboard manual for additional CPU power connections.
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Find the board’s power sockets
Identify the motherboard’s exact model and open its manual to the board layout and power-connector section. Socket locations and counts differ among models. ASUS likewise directs users to consult the model-specific motherboard manual and layout diagram in its modular cable connection guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Delivers 600W Continuous output at plus 40℃. Compliance with Intel ATX 12V 2. 31 and EPS 12V 2. 92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified – 80% efficiency under typical load. Power good signal is 100-500 millisecond
- Supports (2) PCI-E 6 plus 2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100, 000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- Hold up time is 16 millisecond minimum within 60 percent load. Input frequency range 50 - 60 in Hz
Confirm the PSU cable set
If your PSU is modular, use only the modular cables supplied for that exact PSU model. Cables from another PSU may fit physically while having a different pinout. ASUS warns that pinouts can vary across brands and models; Corsair’s Power Supply Manual states: “If this power supply uses modular cables, use only manufacturer supplied cables.”
Check for extra CPU power sockets
Some boards have more than one CPU/EPS socket. Whether an additional socket is required depends on the specific board and intended configuration; follow the board manual rather than assuming every extra socket is either mandatory or optional. For example, the Supermicro X14SRA-T/X14SRA-F manual specifies a 24-pin input and two 8-pin processor inputs for those particular boards. That requirement should not be generalized to other motherboards.
Rank #2
- 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED
- 10-year limited warranty, guaranteeing long term reliable operation
- Fully modular design
- ATX 3.1 & PCIE 5.1
Install and connect the PSU
- Shut down and disconnect power. Turn off the computer and disconnect it from mains power before opening the case. Follow the safety directions in the PSU and system manuals. Do not open or attempt to repair the PSU enclosure.
- Install the PSU in the case. Secure it according to the instructions for your specific case and PSU. Mounting details can differ, so use those manuals rather than assuming a universal orientation or method.
- Route the 24-pin ATX lead. Take the PSU’s 24-pin lead to the motherboard’s main power socket. Compare the plug and socket with the board manual before connecting.
- Route the CPU/EPS lead. Connect the PSU’s CPU/EPS 8-pin lead, or the two halves of a 4+4-pin lead, to the CPU power socket identified in the board manual. Do not substitute a PCIe/GPU cable.
- Connect any additional required CPU lead. Check the board’s power-connector instructions for extra CPU/EPS sockets and the requirements for your intended configuration.
- Connect power for other components as needed. A motherboard’s 24-pin and CPU/EPS connections do not necessarily power every part of a complete PC. Use the component and PSU manuals to identify any other required power leads.
- Inspect before switching on. Confirm that the intended connectors are seated as described by their manuals and that cables are not obstructing fans. If a plug does not align or you are unsure which cable it is, stop and check the documentation instead of forcing it.
What to check when choosing or replacing a PSU
Confirm compatibility against the specifications for your exact components and case. In particular, check:
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- Whether the motherboard needs a 24-pin ATX connector and which CPU/EPS connectors it requires.
- Which PSU form factors your case supports.
- The power-capacity requirements published by the makers of the components in your build.
- Whether a modular PSU includes the correct cables for its own model and your required connections.
The cited manufacturer guidance establishes connector and cable checks, but it does not provide a universal wattage recommendation for an unspecified build. Use your hardware makers’ specifications rather than applying a single capacity figure to every system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED: Delivering gold-level performance with 92% efficiency, ensuring effective power transmission to your components.
- Fully Modular Design: Unique dragon-pattern fully modular cables cut redundant wiring to tidy your chassis, improve airflow and optimize system heat dissipation. With dimensions of 150×150×86mm (5.91×5.91×3.39in), the PSU fits most mainstream ATX cases.
- Support ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1: Compliant with the ATX 3.1 standard to fuel high-performance PC components with stability, efficiency, and power spike resistance. Meanwhile, supporting PCIe 5.1 platform withstands 2x transient power excursions from the GPU.
- Dual-Colour 16-Pin Cable: The Dual-color dragon-pattern 12V-2x6 PCI-E 5.1 cable for modern high-end graphics cards. With yellow connector can easily show you whether the cable has been plugged in properly.
- RGB Silent Fan & RGB Lighting Model: This 140mm low-noise fan comes with a silent mode, it outperforms standard 120mm fans in terms of quietness, heat dissipation capability and durability. What's more, the psu features ARGB lighting model, allowing you to adjust the lights style according to your needs.
Rank #4
- 80 PLUS GOLD CERTIFIED
- 10-year limited warranty, guaranteeing long term reliable operation
- Fully modular design
- ATX 3.1 & PCIE 5.1
Rank #3
- Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output at plus 40 degree. Compliance with Intel ATX 12 Volt 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified, 80 percentage efficiency under typical load
- Supports (2) PCI E 6plus2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100,000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- High Quality Components
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