I'm building a PC for my mom primarily for browsing and using MS Office. I've got a Ryzen 5 2600 CPU paired with a Gigabyte AB350M-DS2 motherboard and a GT710 graphics card, and I'm considering the Seasonic SS-300TGW power supply because of the slim case I have. However, the PSU only has a 4-pin CPU power connector, and the motherboard requires an 8-pin connector. Can I just plug the 4-pin into half of the 8-pin connector, or do I need to get a 4-pin to 8-pin adapter? Thanks in advance for any advice!
2 Answers
It's generally not recommended to run a CPU with just one 4-pin connector when the motherboard has an 8-pin connector. Although the Ryzen 5 2600 should use less than 100 watts, using only the 4-pin might cause stability issues if the CPU requires more power during peak loads. It's best to find a power supply that includes the 8-pin connector for safety and reliability.
You might be okay with just using the 4-pin, but there's no definitive answer unless someone has tried it out. I checked the manual, and it doesn't specify using just the 4-pin. If you're concerned, those adapters are usually just to make the connection fit but don’t increase power.
Yeah, adapters can help fit the connectors but don't change the power output. Play it safe if you can!

Totally agree! It's smarter to use the right connector. You don't want risks when powering your system.