AN35N Ultra ATX12V Connector? PS?

[kwan888]

Hi all,

New to these forums and looking for some help. =)

I just purchased a new mobo, CPU, and RAM to upgrade an old home server comp. I went with the Shuttle AN35N Ultra (nForce 2 Ultra chipset) with a AMD 2000+ XP.

I am trying to install the board, but I notice on it that there is a ATX12V connector. I thought that these were for P4s only...? Naturally, since I am porting the old PS (a 300W one) to these new parts, the PS doesn't have an ATX12V connector. Now my question is this: Is this connection absolutely necessary? I couldn't find anywhere in the manual that says it is, but it does say to connect it.

Next, if a new PS *IS* required, what type should i get? (I'll be running 5 HDDs and 1 CD Burner in the system.)

Any advice and answers are much appreciated! Thanks for helping a newbie out! =)

[GrefMofovich]

I'm no expert but I read that the extra 4 pin connector supplies additional 12v power to the mobo. And additional power is good. :) What does Kirk always say to Scotty? "More power Scotty!" If your current psu is questionable, then I would say upgrade in any case. Here's a psu that I believe has your name on it: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-915&depa=0

[rmanet]

Welcome to syopt

Go buy a new case and a 350+ brand name psu or better - messing around with an old psu when building the new system is asking for trouble and accroding to my read of the manual it says it's to be connected on page 18? :t

[cuelebre]

try your PS...see what happens.

[mrpickles]

Originally posted by kwan888
I am trying to install the board, but I notice on it that there is a ATX12V connector. PS doesn't have an ATX12V connector. Now my question is this: Is this connection absolutely necessary?

Yes if you have it, use it...
From what I was told the ATX12V power supplies adds increased +12V output capability and increased +5VSB current when needed. Too much/little power on 12v rail can cause fans probs, or possibly damage your optic drives and hard drives and it could ruin your motherboard.

5% variance is normal. Anything more will adversely affect your system. Too little and things draw excess amperage. Too much and they just fry. :eek:

[fizur2002]

go and get yourself a 350 watt antec power supply from pricewatch, they are not that expensive and its one of the best you can buy. To answer the question, you have to have the 4 pin power connector on your board connected or else your board will not post. So your only option is to go and get yourself a new power supply.

[GrefMofovich]

actually fizur you must be thinking of P4 boards. I got this very board up and running today and am now posting (hehe) w/o the 4 pin connector in. Though I noticed a difference in my HW Health Meter as follows:

Voltages w/o 4 pin:
--------------
CPU : 1.34
AGP : 1.5
3.3 VIN : 3.28
+5 VIN : 4.96
+12 VIN : 11.39
-12 VIN : -12.44
Chipset : 1.68
5V SBVIN : 4.90

Now WITH the extra connector plugged in, the +5 VIN raises just a bit to 4.98 and the +12 VIN jumps to 11.77. Hope this helps. :D

[fizur2002]

thats much more stable. and stable is the key here in this game.