Power supply EPS12v (CPU power on mobo) question

Danny75 · 27 Aug 2013 at 04:20

Hi all,

Could do with some tips about how to connect a second EPS12v cable (the one for extra power to the CPU) to the power supply (NZXT Hale90 750w) I'm expecting, if it's possible at all.

That power supply only comes with one such cable, and the motherboard (MSI Z87 Mpower Max) has two connections for them. So for the next build I'll get an 850w that has two of them.

Now, I know the mobo and cpu should work okay with one of those, but given the mobo has two connections and using both is meant to provide a little more stability when overclocking the CPU, it would be nice if there was a way to rig up a second cable to the 750w power supply that I've already purchased.

Any ideas?

Danny75 · 28 Aug 2013 at 19:03

How about something like this (if the power supply brings an ATX 4-pin port) -

Cubitek Black Cobra Series 4-Pin ATX12V to 8-Pin EPS12V Adapter - 30cm

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-006-CT

Would that do the trick?

JonJ678 · 28 Aug 2013 at 19:22

The (cheap, nasty and reasonably likely to catch fire) NZXT power supply has a 4 pin ATX cable. If that psu can meet the atx spec, it's rated for 100W, with two pins at 12V and two pins at 0V.

An 8 pin cable is rated for 200W, with four pins at 12V and four at 0V.

If you buy something like the cable linked, you still only have a nominal 100W from the PSU. This doesn't magically become 200W because you changed the plug on the cable. It'll actually go down slightly as you'll have losses in the connection between the two cables.

I vaguely understand the motivation to sell whatever people will buy, but in the case of the linked cable it's simply exploitation of those with no electrical background.

The "right" answer is to buy a better power supply. The "cheap" answer is to stick with the current one and hope for the best.

Danny75 · 28 Aug 2013 at 20:18

Thank you Jon, that's very helpful. Won't be doing that then.

Can you recommend a couple of good 850-1000w PSU's?

RJC · 28 Aug 2013 at 20:44

You should be fine with just the one cable, unless your looking at really high overclocks.

Some members have asked regards the Asus Z87 MAXIMUS VI FORMULA which has similar and 8 Pack mentioned just the 8 pin will be fine.

Also a review of your PSU which got a Silver award.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/12/13/nzxt_hale90_750w_power_supply_review/9#.Uh5RKRblfww

setter · 28 Aug 2013 at 20:52

Yep, running the formula here and only have a single 8 pin connector installed. Psu only has this anyway.

Danny75 · 28 Aug 2013 at 22:45

RJC and Setter, that's also good to know (and nice little review), thank you. No, not aiming for really high overclocks.

Cheers for helping me out, everyone.

JonJ678 · 29 Aug 2013 at 01:24

Looks like my reaction to NZXT was unfair. They sold me a really, really crap case a few years ago.

Still, I've found the 850W model on johnny guru and he likes it. Looks like sticking with the current model is the way forward.