{"id":17547,"date":"2022-05-19T17:34:16","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T15:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=17547"},"modified":"2022-09-03T12:43:49","modified_gmt":"2022-09-03T10:43:49","slug":"psu-cable-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Connect Your PSU Cables to Your Motherboard \u2014 Power Supply Cable Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668455542c637\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668455542c637\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668455542c637\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#PSU_Power_Cables_-_Whats_What\" title=\"PSU Power Cables \u2014 What\u2019s What\">PSU Power Cables \u2014 What\u2019s What<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#ATX_24-Pin_Power_Connector\" title=\"ATX 24-Pin Power Connector\">ATX 24-Pin Power Connector<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#8-Pin_44_CPU_Connector\" title=\"8-Pin (4+4) CPU Connector\">8-Pin (4+4) CPU Connector<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#68-Pin_GPU_Connector\" title=\"6\/8-Pin GPU Connector\">6\/8-Pin GPU Connector<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#SATA_Serial_ATA_Power_Connector\" title=\"SATA (Serial ATA Power Connector)\">SATA (Serial ATA Power Connector)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Molex_Connectors\" title=\"Molex Connectors\">Molex Connectors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Summary_-_Overview_Graphic\" title=\"Summary - Overview Graphic\">Summary - Overview Graphic<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Do_I_Need_to_Connect_All_of_My_Power_Supply_Cables\" title=\"Do I Need to Connect All of My Power Supply Cables?\">Do I Need to Connect All of My Power Supply Cables?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Whats_the_Purpose_of_My_Power_Supply\" title=\"What\u2019s the Purpose of My Power Supply?\">What\u2019s the Purpose of My Power Supply?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Should_I_Get_a_Modular_Power_Supply\" title=\"Should I Get a Modular Power Supply?\">Should I Get a Modular Power Supply?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Are_CPU_and_GPU_Power_Cables_the_Same\" title=\"Are CPU and GPU Power Cables the Same?\">Are CPU and GPU Power Cables the Same?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Is_there_a_Wrong_Way_to_Connect_Power_Supply_Cables\" title=\"Is there a Wrong Way to Connect Power Supply Cables?\">Is there a Wrong Way to Connect Power Supply Cables?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/psu-cable-guide\/#Over_to_You\" title=\"Over to You\">Over to You<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Connecting your <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/power-supply-guide\/\">power supply<\/a> cables sure can seem like a daunting task.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re not great in number but they\u2019re all of varying designs and lengths and, depending on your model and its manufacturer, colored in all sorts of ways.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, there\u2019s no reason to fret: <strong>connecting your PSU cables is an extremely simple process and it rarely ever changes, too!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You only have to experience this process <em>once<\/em> and you\u2019ll be good to go for the years to come! Plus, it only <em>seems<\/em> daunting at first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Once you understand <em>which<\/em> cable does <em>what<\/em>, you\u2019ll realize just how simple and straightforward it all actually is!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So, with that little introduction out of the way, let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PSU_Power_Cables_-_Whats_What\"><\/span>PSU Power Cables \u2014 What\u2019s What<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For this piece, specifically, we\u2019re going to be focusing on your run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter kind of PSU \u2014 <strong>the kind you can buy off the shelf at your local IT shop.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve opened the packaging, taken the power supply out, and are now staring at a bunch of different cables and connectors.<\/p>\n<p>So, what\u2019s the purpose behind each and every single cable laying in front of you?<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ATX_24-Pin_Power_Connector\"><\/span>ATX 24-Pin Power Connector<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The 24-pin connector is arguably the most important as it provides your entire motherboard with all the power it needs so as to function properly.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17559\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power.jpg\" alt=\"24 Pin Power\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17559 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"24 Pin Power\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/24-Pin-Power.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Older motherboards required a 20-pin connector whereas newer ones need an additional four pins. That's why this connector is divided into two parts \u2014 the 20- and 4-pin segments (so as to ensure maximum hardware compatibility).<\/p>\n<p>The easiest way to connect your 24-pin PSU cable is to first insert the smaller bit (the 4-pin one) and then line up the wider piece accordingly and push it all the way down so that it is fully leveled.<\/p>\n<p>Once connected, it should look like a single connector \u2014 nothing should be sticking out or be misaligned.<\/p>\n<p>Much like most other connectors on this list, the 24-pin one is both keyed <em>and <\/em>clipped which means it can only go one way. That, in short, is great for novice PC builders.<\/p>\n<p>The corresponding header for this particular cable is almost always located on the right-hand side of the motherboard. In other words: <strong>you can\u2019t miss it.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here's me installing the PSU:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Install the PSU\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SgNuS0Gkuag?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Install the PSU\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SgNuS0Gkuag?feature=oembed\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>And this is what it looks like with my 24-Pin ATX Power Cable and CPU Power Cable plugged in:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Attach ATX &amp; CPU Power Cables\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PBCwZ9-GLtA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Attach ATX &amp; CPU Power Cables\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PBCwZ9-GLtA?feature=oembed\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>More on the CPU Power cable below:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-Pin_44_CPU_Connector\"><\/span>8-Pin (4+4) CPU Connector<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This particular connector will provide your processor with all the power it needs. That is its primary function and, well, it\u2019s about as important as you can imagine.<\/p>\n<p>Now, different CPUs have different power requirements which are also reflected in your motherboard of choice.<\/p>\n<p>Your motherboard will have <strong>one<\/strong> of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a single four-pin header<\/li>\n<li>a single eight-pin header<\/li>\n<li>an eight- <em>and <\/em>a four-pin header<\/li>\n<li><strong>or<\/strong> a <em>dual <\/em>eight-pin header.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17560\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors.jpg\" alt=\"CPU Power connectors\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17560 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"CPU Power connectors\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/CPU-Power-connectors.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Higher-end motherboards \u2014 those that will enable you to overclock to your heart\u2019s content \u2014 allow for more flexibility and, in turn, can accommodate more powerful CPUs (those that need an inordinate amount of \u201cjuice\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>Now, because <em>some <\/em>processors aren't all that power-hungry, this cable is <em>also<\/em> divided into two parts or, rather, two 4-pin connectors to be more exact.<\/p>\n<p>You should always connect <em>both <\/em>even if your processor doesn\u2019t need that much power. Unless, of course, your motherboard only has a single four-pin header.<\/p>\n<p>A single four-pin connector will supply your CPU with up to 155W; the combined eight-pin connector provides up to 235W.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This connector is <em>also <\/em>notched and keyed so connecting it to your motherboard shouldn\u2019t prove to be much of an issue. <\/strong>The header itself is almost always located on the left-hand side of the motherboard, near the very top.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"68-Pin_GPU_Connector\"><\/span>6\/8-Pin GPU Connector<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Graphics cards vary in size and potency.<\/p>\n<p>Entry-level ones might consume less than 75W which is why they don\u2019t require any additional power \u2014 they get all the \u201cjuice\u201d they need through the motherboard and <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/what-does-pcie-x16-mean\/\">its PCIe x16 slot<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Moderately powerful graphics cards consume well over 100W which is why they require additional power from your PSU.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For these models (and they <em>are <\/em>the most ubiquitous), you\u2019ll have to connect the corresponding 6-pin (+75W) or 8-pin connector (+150W).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17561\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector.jpg\" alt=\"GPU Connector\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17561 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"GPU Connector\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/GPU-Connector.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>The most potent GPUs on the market require <em>two <\/em>8-pin connectors, and certain models from NVIDIA even come with a 12-pin header.<\/p>\n<p>8-pin connectors are often divided into two parts: a 6-pin and a 2-pin. This is done so as to ensure maximum compatibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The header (either singular or plural) is always located on the graphics card itself.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here's me installing the GPU and plugging in the 6-pin GPU Power Cable (at the end):<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - GPU Installation\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tzAaCvwPCT0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - GPU Installation\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tzAaCvwPCT0?feature=oembed\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SATA_Serial_ATA_Power_Connector\"><\/span>SATA (Serial ATA Power Connector)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These cables are intended to supply power to various different types of hardware including hard drives, SSDs, internal CD\/DVD optical drives, fan hubs, RGB strips, and so on.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17562\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables.jpg\" alt=\"Types of SATA Cables\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17562 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Types of SATA Cables\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Types-of-SATA-Cables.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re easy to connect as they\u2019re keyed on only one side which means they\u2019re amongst the \u201csimplest\u201d connectors available.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on your build, you\u2019ll either be connecting a <em>few <\/em>of these or <em>none at all<\/em>. Most folks have transitioned over to the M.2 SSD format (for a wide range of reasons).<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17563\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection.jpg\" alt=\"M.2 vs SATA Connection\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17563 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"M.2 vs SATA Connection\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/M.2-vs-SATA-Connection.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>To learn more about this interesting transition, make sure to click on the <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/types-m2-drives-slots\/\">following link<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here's me plugging in the SATA Power Cable to a SATA SSD that is mounted at the back of my case (<a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/sata-cables\/\">SATA Data cable<\/a> already plugged in):<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Attaching SATA Power\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QUhHIAjRrdc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"How to Build a PC - Attaching SATA Power\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QUhHIAjRrdc?feature=oembed\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Molex_Connectors\"><\/span>Molex Connectors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Molex connectors are pretty archaic but are still used for certain (older) hardware peripherals.<\/p>\n<p>These connectors once played a very similar role as SATA but have since been phased out.<\/p>\n<p>Still, depending on your build and the components which you're working with, you might end up needing Molex connectors (extremely unlikely but still possible), so they\u2019re definitely worth a bit of coverage.<\/p>\n<p>On the off chance that your particular PSU doesn\u2019t have any Molex cables\/connectors, you can always buy a SATA-to-Molex adapter and circumvent the issue that way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17589\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17589\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-17589 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example-300x292.jpg\" alt=\"Molex Power Connector Example\" width=\"300\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example-300x292.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example.jpg 693w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17589\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-17589 size-medium lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20300%20292%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Molex Power Connector Example\" width=\"300\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20300%20292%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example-300x292.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example.jpg 693w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2022\/05\/Molex-Power-Connector-Example-300x292.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-17589\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An old Molex connector that you probably won't find in a more modern PC anymore<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_-_Overview_Graphic\"><\/span>Summary - Overview Graphic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>And because text doesn't always bring everything across, here's our <strong>PSU Cable Overview Graphic<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7648\" style=\"width: 1850px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7648\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7648 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management.jpg\" alt=\"PSU Cable Connectors\" width=\"1850\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management.jpg 1850w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-1516x2048.jpg 1516w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7648\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7648 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201850%202500%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"PSU Cable Connectors\" width=\"1850\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201850%202500%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management.jpg 1850w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management-1516x2048.jpg 1516w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2019\/12\/PSU-Cable-Management.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-7648\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">PSU Cable Overview Graphic<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s go over a few questions you might have regarding your power supply and the many cables and connectors coming out of it:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_Need_to_Connect_All_of_My_Power_Supply_Cables\"><\/span>Do I Need to Connect All of My Power Supply Cables?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You actually don\u2019t. Non-modular power supplies will come with a host of different cables and connectors, but not all of them need to be connected for your computer to function properly.<\/p>\n<p>The ones that <em>must <\/em>be connected are the 24-pin cable that supplies your motherboard with power, the 4\/8-pin cable that powers your processor, the 6\/8-pin one for your graphics card, and \u2014 potentially \u2014 a few SATA cables.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s pretty much it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_Purpose_of_My_Power_Supply\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Purpose of My Power Supply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Its purpose is rather simple: to supply your components (and, by proxy, your PC) with power.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Without it, your computer \u2014 no matter how beautiful or expensive \u2014 will be about as useful as a bag of bricks (if even that much).<\/strong> Each and every single component within your build has a certain power requirement.<\/p>\n<p>These can range from just a few watts (in the case of SSDs, for instance) to many hundreds in the case of your graphics card and processor.<\/p>\n<p>And so, naturally, to relay electricity from the outlet to your components, your power supply has to be connected with a series of cables, each of which has a very specific purpose.<\/p>\n<p>They are, fortunately, limited in number and, therefore, easy to categorize.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_Get_a_Modular_Power_Supply\"><\/span>Should I Get a Modular Power Supply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Well, that depends on your personal preference and overall budget.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/best-modular-power-supplies\/\">Modular PSUs<\/a> are a lot easier to use because they offer PC builders the luxury of connecting only the cables which they need and nothing else.<\/p>\n<p>They <em>do<\/em> come at a premium, though. If you want your PC build to be as \u201cclean\u201d as possible and to have the least amount of cabling, then a modular power supply is not only <em>advisable<\/em> but a <em>necessity<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>That is their biggest benefit, but if you don\u2019t have a tempered glass side panel and couldn\u2019t care less about what the internals of your enclosure looks like, then you might as well save a few dollars\/euros and go with a non-modular PSU.<\/p>\n<p>You could, alternatively, go with a semi-modular power supply. <strong>Those only have the most important cables permanently attached, so it\u2019s a very good middle ground.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also worth noting that semi-modular and fully modular power supplies tend to be of a higher quality.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re building a \u201cregular\u201d PC \u2014 i.e. one that can be categorized as \u201cbudget-friendly\u201d \u2014 then a non-modular PSU is definitely the way to go.<\/p>\n<p>If, however, you\u2019re sparing no expense and want the absolute best components money can buy, then a semi- or fully modular power supply (one that is energy efficient and has enough watts to spare) should definitely be at the top of your list of priorities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_CPU_and_GPU_Power_Cables_the_Same\"><\/span>Are CPU and GPU Power Cables the Same?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely not! They might look similar, but they provide different amounts of power and have entirely different use-cases.<\/p>\n<p>Just remember that the CPU connector is divided into two equally sized <em>4-pin<\/em> parts.<\/p>\n<p>The GPU connector, on the other hand, is divided into two <strong><em>uneven<\/em><\/strong> parts: a 6-pin and a 2-pin segment which makes this particular connector easy to distinguish from all the rest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_Wrong_Way_to_Connect_Power_Supply_Cables\"><\/span>Is there a Wrong Way to Connect Power Supply Cables?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not really. The good thing about PSU cables (or connectors, rather) is that they\u2019re all designed in a very distinct way.<\/p>\n<p>In other words: <strong>they all have a different design and are in no way interchangeable.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Just make sure that all of your connectors are fully inserted into their corresponding headers and you\u2019ll be good to go!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_to_You\"><\/span>Over to You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Connecting your power supply cables sure can be a daunting task to the uninitiated.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, it\u2019s not only simple but fairly straightforward, too! And once you do it <em>once<\/em> you\u2019ll basically have all the knowledge and experience you\u2019ll need for the years if not decades to come!<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do you find connecting PSU cables a hassle? Or do you enjoy that part of the PC building experience as well? Let us know in the <a href=\"#comments\">comment<\/a> section down below, and in case you need any help, head over to <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/\">our forum<\/a> and ask away!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Connecting your power supply cables sure can seem like a daunting task. They\u2019re not great in number but they\u2019re all of varying designs and lengths and, depending on your model and its manufacturer, colored in all sorts of ways. Fortunately, there\u2019s no reason to fret: connecting your PSU cables is an extremely simple process and...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2343,"featured_media":17590,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[74,209],"tags":[119,216],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17547"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2343"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17547"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20859,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17547\/revisions\/20859"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}