Building or repairing a computer can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a tangled mess of colorful cables. Each connector looks different, and connecting them wrong could damage your expensive components.
Understanding PC power supply connector types is essential for anyone working with computers, whether you’re a beginner building your first PC or an experienced technician. This guide will help you identify every type of power connector and know exactly where each one goes.
Key Takeaways
- Main connectors: 24-pin ATX (motherboard), 4+4-pin CPU, and 6+2-pin PCIe (GPU) are the most important
- Storage connectors: SATA for modern drives, Molex for older devices
- Safety first: All connectors are keyed to prevent wrong connections, but always double-check
- New standards: 12V-2×6 connector is the latest for high-end NVIDIA graphics cards
- Legacy connectors: Floppy and Molex are outdated but still included with some power supplies
- Compatibility: Never force a connector – if it doesn’t fit easily, it’s probably the wrong one
Understanding PC Power Supply Connectors
Power supply connectors are the bridges that deliver electricity from your power supply unit (PSU) to every component in your computer. Think of them as specialized plugs that ensure each part gets exactly the right amount of power it needs to operate safely and efficiently.
Your computer’s power supply converts regular wall outlet power into the specific voltages that computer components require. These include +3.3V, +5V, and +12V, with different components needing different amounts of each. The connectors are designed to match specific sockets on your motherboard, graphics card, storage drives, and other components.
Working with power supply connectors requires basic safety knowledge. Always turn off and unplug your computer before connecting or disconnecting any power cables. Never force a connector into place – if it doesn’t slide in smoothly, you might have the wrong type or orientation.
Main Power Connector Types
24-pin ATX Power Connector
The 24-pin ATX connector is the largest and most important power connector in your computer. This main power connector plugs into your motherboard and provides power to almost every system component. You’ll recognize it by its rectangular shape with two rows of 12 pins each.
This connector delivers multiple voltages to your motherboard, including +3.3V, +5V, and +12V power. It has a small latch on one side that clicks into place when properly connected, ensuring it stays secure. Some older motherboards used a 20-pin version, but modern power supplies typically include a 20+4 pin design that works with both older and newer motherboards.
4+4 Pin ATX 12V Power Connector
The 4+4 pin ATX 12V connector, also called the CPU power connector, provides dedicated +12V power directly to your computer’s processor. This connector is crucial because modern CPUs require a lot of stable power to function properly.
You’ll notice this connector can split into two separate 4-pin connectors or join together to form a single 8-pin connector. Most motherboards have either a 4-pin or 8-pin socket for CPU power. If your motherboard has an 8-pin socket, you should use the full 8-pin connector if available. If it only has a 4-pin socket, you can use half of the 4+4 connector.
The power supply connectors on motherboard for CPU power are usually located near the processor socket and are clearly labeled on the motherboard itself.
6+2 Pin PCI Express Connector
The 6+2 pin PCI Express (PCIe) connector powers your graphics card and other expansion cards that need extra power beyond what the motherboard can provide. This connector gets its name because it consists of a 6-pin connector with an additional 2-pin piece that can be attached to make an 8-pin connector.
Most modern graphics cards require at least one 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connector. High-end gaming cards might need two or even three of these connectors. The 6+2 design gives you flexibility – you can use it as a 6-pin connector for cards that don’t need as much power, or attach the extra 2 pins for cards that require 8-pin connections.
Storage and Peripheral Power Connectors
SATA Power Connector
SATA power connectors are the modern standard for powering storage devices like hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives. You’ll recognize these connectors by their flat, L-shaped design that’s about 1.5 inches wide.
SATA connectors provide +3.3V, +5V, and +12V power to storage devices. They have a unique L-shaped design that prevents them from being plugged in upside down. Unlike older connectors, SATA power connectors don’t have a locking clip, so make sure to push them in firmly until they’re fully seated.
These connectors are part of the essential power supply cables and connectors that every modern computer needs. You’ll typically find multiple SATA power connectors coming from your power supply, as most computers have several storage devices.
4 Pin Molex Connector
The 4-pin Molex connector is an older peripheral connector that was once the standard for powering hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and other components. While it’s largely been replaced by SATA connectors, you’ll still find Molex connectors on many power supplies for compatibility with older hardware.
You can identify a Molex connector by its rectangular shape with four large pins in a straight line. The connector has beveled corners that prevent it from being plugged in backward. Molex connectors provide +5V and +12V power and are known for being quite stiff to connect and disconnect.
Many modern case fans and lighting controllers still use Molex connectors, so they remain relevant even though they’re considered legacy technology. You can also buy adapter cables that convert Molex to SATA power if needed.
4 Pin Floppy Drive Connector
The 4-pin floppy drive connector is the smallest power connector and was designed specifically for floppy disk drives. Since floppy drives are now obsolete, this connector is rarely used for its original purpose. However, many power supplies still include one or two of these connectors.
The floppy connector is smaller than a Molex connector and has a unique shape that prevents it from being confused with other connector types. It provides +5V and +12V power but at lower current levels than Molex connectors.
Today, floppy connectors are sometimes used to power small add-on cards, fan controllers, or other low-power devices. You can also find adapter cables that convert floppy connectors to power other small components.
Specialized and Modern Connectors
12V-2×6 Connector
The 12V-2×6 connector is the newest power connector type, designed specifically for high-end NVIDIA graphics cards. This connector replaces the older 12VHPWR connector and provides up to 600W of power to the most demanding graphics cards.
You’ll recognize the 12V-2×6 connector by its compact, rectangular design with 12 small pins arranged in two rows. It includes sensing pins that help manage power delivery and prevent overheating issues that plagued the earlier 12VHPWR design.
This connector represents the future of desktop computer power supply connectors for high-performance components. If you have a modern NVIDIA graphics card like the RTX 4090, you’ll need either a power supply with a native 12V-2×6 connector or an adapter cable from your existing PCIe connectors.
Types of Computer Power Connectors Evolution
Computer power connectors have evolved significantly over the years. Early PCs used simple 4-pin peripheral connectors for everything. As components became more powerful and required more stable power, connector designs became more sophisticated.
The ATX standard introduced in 1995 brought us the 20-pin main power connector, which later evolved to 24 pins as motherboards became more complex. The introduction of the 4-pin CPU power connector addressed the growing power needs of processors. When graphics cards started needing more power than the motherboard could provide, the 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors were introduced.
Modern power supplies now include a variety of connector types to support both new and legacy hardware. This evolution continues as components become more power-hungry and efficient power delivery becomes more critical.
How to Identify Power Supply Connectors?
Visual Identification Guide
Identifying power supply connectors becomes easier with practice. Here’s a quick visual guide to the most common types:
- 24-pin ATX: Largest connector, rectangular with two rows of 12 pins
- 4+4 CPU: Square connector that can be split into two 4-pin sections
- 6+2 PCIe: Rectangular with 6 pins plus detachable 2-pin section
- SATA: Flat, L-shaped connector about 1.5 inches wide
- Molex: Rectangular with 4 large pins in a line
- Floppy: Small rectangular connector, smaller than Molex
Power Supply Connector Diagram
A power supply connector diagram can be helpful when you’re first learning to identify different connector types. Many manufacturers include diagrams with their power supplies showing which connectors are which and what they’re used for.
When looking at a power supply connector diagram, pay attention to:
- Pin count (how many pins the connector has)
- Shape and size
- Color coding of wires
- Any special features like latches or detachable sections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake people make is trying to force a connector into the wrong socket. Remember that all power connectors are keyed – they have specific shapes that prevent them from being plugged in incorrectly. If a connector doesn’t slide in easily, don’t force it.
Another common mistake is confusing the 8-pin CPU connector with the 8-pin PCIe connector. While they look similar, they’re not interchangeable. The CPU connector has square pins, while the PCIe connector has some rounded pins. Using the wrong one could damage your components.
Laptop Power Supply Connector Types
Differences Between Desktop and Laptop Power Connectors
Laptop power connectors are quite different from desktop PC power connectors. While desktop computers use multiple internal connectors for various components, laptops typically have a single external power connector that charges the battery and powers the system.
Laptop power connectors are usually cylindrical barrel connectors that plug into the side of the laptop. These connectors come in various sizes, and using the wrong size can damage your laptop. Unlike desktop connectors, laptop power connectors carry DC power that’s already been converted from AC by the external power adapter.
Common Laptop Power Supply Connector Types
The most common laptop power supply connector types include:
- Barrel connectors: Cylindrical plugs with a center pin, available in various diameters
- USB-C: Modern laptops increasingly use USB-C for power delivery
- Proprietary connectors: Some manufacturers use unique connector designs
Barrel connectors are measured by their outer diameter, inner diameter, and tip polarity. Common sizes include 5.5mm x 2.1mm and 5.5mm x 2.5mm. The tip polarity indicates whether the center pin is positive or negative – most laptops use center-positive connectors.
USB-C power delivery is becoming more common in modern laptops. USB-C can deliver up to 100W of power and supports faster charging than traditional barrel connectors. The advantage of USB-C is that it’s a universal standard, so you can use the same charger for multiple devices.
Power Supply Connectors List and Compatibility
Complete Power Supply Connectors List
Here’s a complete power supply connectors list you might encounter:
Motherboard Power:
- 24-pin ATX main power connector
- 4+4-pin ATX 12V CPU power connector
- 8-pin EPS12V CPU power connector (server/workstation motherboards)
Graphics Card Power:
- 6-pin PCI Express power connector
- 8-pin PCI Express power connector (6+2 design)
- 12V-2×6 connector (modern NVIDIA GPUs)
Storage Power:
- SATA power connector
- 4-pin Molex peripheral connector
- 4-pin floppy drive connector
Other Connectors:
- Berg connector (mini-floppy, now obsolete)
- Auxiliary power connectors for server motherboards
- Fan power connectors (3-pin and 4-pin)
Compatibility Between Different Connector Types
Compatibility is crucial when working with power supply connectors. Most connectors are designed to be incompatible with each other to prevent damage, but there are some important compatibility considerations:
- 4-pin vs 8-pin CPU: A 4-pin CPU connector will work in an 8-pin socket, but an 8-pin connector won’t work in a 4-pin socket
- 6-pin vs 8-pin PCIe: A 6-pin PCIe connector will work in an 8-pin PCIe socket, but not vice versa
- Molex to SATA adapters: These exist but can be risky – SATA drives require both 3.3V and 5V power, while Molex only provides 5V and 12V
- 12V-2×6 adapters: These allow you to use traditional PCIe connectors with newer graphics cards that require 12V-2×6
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of power supply connectors?
The main types of power supply connectors include the 24-pin ATX for motherboard power, 4+4-pin ATX 12V for CPU power, 6+2-pin PCIe for graphics card power, SATA for storage drives, and Molex for older peripherals. Each connector type is designed to deliver specific voltages to different components in your computer. Modern power supplies also include newer connectors like the 12V-2×6 for high-end graphics cards.
How do I know which power connector goes where?
Each power connector is designed to fit only one type of socket, making it impossible to connect them incorrectly if you pay attention. The 24-pin ATX connector goes to the main motherboard socket, usually the largest one on the board. The 4+4-pin CPU connector goes to the CPU power socket near the processor. PCIe connectors go to your graphics card, while SATA and Molex connectors power storage drives and other peripherals. Your motherboard manual will have diagrams showing exactly where each connector goes.
Can I use a 4-pin CPU power connector in an 8-pin socket?
Yes, you can use a 4-pin CPU power connector in an 8-pin socket. The 8-pin socket is essentially two 4-pin sockets side by side. You can plug a 4-pin connector into half of the 8-pin socket, and it will work fine. However, for high-performance CPUs or if you plan to overclock, it’s better to use the full 8-pin connection if available, as it provides more stable power delivery.
Are all PCIe power connectors the same?
No, not all PCIe power connectors are the same. While they may look similar, there are important differences. The 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors are not interchangeable with CPU power connectors, even though they might look alike. PCIe connectors have some pins with different shapes than CPU connectors. Additionally, the newer 12V-2×6 connector for modern NVIDIA graphics cards is completely different from traditional PCIe connectors and requires specific cables or adapters.
What is the 12V-2×6 connector used for?
The 12V-2×6 connector is used for powering the latest high-end NVIDIA graphics cards, such as the RTX 4090. This connector can deliver up to 600W of power to graphics cards that require more power than traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors can provide. The 12V-2×6 connector includes sensing pins that help manage power delivery and prevent the overheating issues that were common with the earlier 12VHPWR connector design.
Why does my power supply have extra connectors?
Most power supplies come with extra connectors to provide flexibility for different system configurations. Manufacturers include a variety of connectors so the power supply can work with many different motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices. Having extra connectors means you won’t need to buy adapter cables or a different power supply if you upgrade your components. It’s normal to have unused connectors – you can simply tie them up neatly out of the way.
How can I tell if I’m using the right power supply connectors?
You can tell you’re using the right power supply connectors if they fit easily into their sockets without forcing them. All connectors are keyed with specific shapes that prevent incorrect connections. Additionally, the connectors should match the labels on your motherboard and components. If you’re unsure, consult your motherboard and component manuals, which have diagrams showing exactly which connectors go where. When in doubt, the connector’s shape is your best guide – if it doesn’t fit easily, it’s probably the wrong type.
Conclusion
Understanding PC power supply connector types is essential knowledge for anyone building or repairing computers. From the main 24-pin ATX connector that powers your motherboard to the specialized 12V-2×6 connector for modern graphics cards, each connector plays a vital role in keeping your system running safely and efficiently.
Remember that all connectors are designed to prevent incorrect connections, so if a connector doesn’t fit easily, you probably have the wrong type. Take your time to identify each connector properly, and don’t hesitate to consult your component manuals if you’re unsure.
For more help with PC building and troubleshooting, check out our guides on connecting RGB fans to motherboard, fixing GPU crashes, and understanding motherboard BIOS settings. With the right knowledge and careful attention, you can confidently connect any PC power supply connector and build a reliable computer system.
