Points For Using a 24-Pin Computer Power Cable
Every computer motherboard comes with a power connector. This assists in producing the power needed for getting all your computing peripherals started up. A 24 pin connector may be used for moving that power to your motherboard.
The 24 pin connector standard was established as a new setup for getting more voltage to link up to a PCI Express or PCI-E setup. The old -5V rail is eliminated on this one while new 3.3V and 12V rails are added. It may also work with board-to-board connections in mind, what with individual motherboard components requiring extra power.
How the Terminals Work
The terminals for the Molex power supply are covered with a sturdy plastic body. A Molex connector should come with .093-inch pins. These terminals are small enough to secure a strong connection within a tight space like around a motherboard.
Check the Wires
Molex focuses on producing connector parts with wires in the appropriate colors. The following cable colors are used in a wire-to-board link for a power connector:
- Blue and Brown - These are the live feed wires that may become hot while the power supply is active.
- Black and White - The AC feed moves from the switch to the power source through these wires.
- Green - Green wires are ground leads that keep the power supply under control.
When setting up your Molex connector, you must see that the wire-to-wire connections are consistent and that they will fit into the plug the right way.
Can a 20+4 Pin Cable Work?
You have the option to use a Molex connector that features one 20 pin link with a separate 4 pin connection next to it. It is a choice that a manufacturer might provide to you as a few cable bits are separated from the others. It is ideal to get a single-piece connector with all 24 pins on its body from Molex if possible.
How Can You Install It?
Your Molex power connector can be installed with the following steps. These can work regardless of your computer manufacturer, but it should work with the proper Molex parts no matter what happens:
- Start by grounding yourself before you work with the connector. This is to keep the plug or any electric signals from shocking you.
- Check the voltage level on your 24 pin setup. It should match up with the components you are working with while being safe to handle. Some socket components might have switches to let you adjust the voltage, but this will not always work.
- Open your computer case. Check the top part as it is where the power supply is usually located.
- Unscrew any pieces around the motherboard or other terminal that the power is coming from.
- Insert the cable and the Molex plug setup into the area. You might have to crimp some of the wires in your connector depending on what you are using.
- Screw in the pieces that you set loose after the connector is in there.
- Attach your connector to the motherboard.
- Secure everything on the inside and close up your computer. Check that the power is moving through the plug and socket as you start it up.
At this point, you should have gotten the extra power needed in your receptacle to keep all your parts running.
What About a Converter?
Finally, you have the option to use a converter for your Molex 24 pin connector. Your power cable setup would have to be attached to a separate electric plug for it to work. An appropriate adapter might have to be installed on your computer to allow your Molex connector to work.
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