Power supply connectors are essential to delivering electricity from your PSU to your computer’s components. Knowing what each connector does helps ensure compatibility and prevents potential damage during installation.
24-Pin ATX Connector
The 24-pin ATX connector is the main power cable for the motherboard. It provides power to the board and is required for any desktop system to function. Some older PSUs may have a 20+4 pin variation for backwards compatibility.
8-Pin (4+4) CPU Connector
This connector powers the CPU and is usually located near the processor socket. Most modern motherboards require either a 4-pin or 8-pin connector. High-end boards may include an additional 8-pin for extra power delivery.
PCIe 6+2 Pin Connector
Used primarily for powering graphics cards, the PCIe connector typically comes in a 6+2 pin configuration. Some GPUs require one, two, or even three of these connectors depending on power demand.
SATA Power Connector
SATA power connectors supply electricity to storage devices like SSDs, HDDs, and optical drives. They are slim and flat, making them easy to route and connect in tight spaces.
Molex Connector (4-Pin Peripheral)
An older style connector, Molex is mostly used for case fans, some pump units, and legacy peripherals. While not as common today, many PSUs still include a few Molex connectors for backward compatibility.
12VHPWR Connector (Next-Gen GPUs)
Newer high-end GPUs, especially those in the NVIDIA RTX 4000 series, use the 12VHPWR connector. This high-power connector replaces multiple PCIe cables and requires a compatible PSU or an adapter.
Floppy Connector
Rarely used today, the floppy connector is a smaller 4-pin used for legacy devices. Some fan controllers and niche hardware may still use it, but it's mostly obsolete.
Modular vs Non-Modular Cable Layouts
- Modular PSUs allow you to connect only the cables you need, improving airflow and cable management.
- Semi-modular units have fixed essential cables (like 24-pin and 8-pin CPU), with modular peripheral cables.
- Non-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached, which can make cable management more difficult.
Conclusion
Understanding the different power supply connectors helps you build and troubleshoot PCs more confidently. Always consult your motherboard and component manuals to ensure proper connections, and double-check compatibility when selecting a PSU.
