Pwr supply for both Pentium 4 and Core 2 Extreme

[WannaKatana]

If I have a motherboard that accepts all of the socket 775 processors
(EVGA nForce 680i SLI), I get the impression that one still needs
different power supplies for the different chips. If I get a power
supply that will work with the core 2 quad core (extreme?), will it
also work with say a Pentium 4 chip in other words? I know one meant
for the older chips can't be used for the newer but it seems the
reverse is also true (not backwards compatible as is the motherboard).

I want to use a less expensive chip now then upgrade later if I see the

need and as the prices go down. I'm going to load up on memory and use
the Raptor hard drive so maybe the chip speed won't be as much of an
issue.


Joel

 

[Mike T.]

If I have a motherboard that accepts all of the socket 775 processors
(EVGA nForce 680i SLI), I get the impression that one still needs
different power supplies for the different chips. If I get a power
supply that will work with the core 2 quad core (extreme?), will it
also work with say a Pentium 4 chip in other words? I know one meant
for the older chips can't be used for the newer but it seems the
reverse is also true (not backwards compatible as is the motherboard).

I want to use a less expensive chip now then upgrade later if I see the

need and as the prices go down. I'm going to load up on memory and use
the Raptor hard drive so maybe the chip speed won't be as much of an
issue.


Joel

Joel - The answer to your question depends on what motherboards you choose.
However, the newer mainboards for Intel chips seem to require an aux power
connnector for the CPU that is 8 pins in a (2X4) configuration. Meanwhile,
there are many current Intel mainboards that require an aux power connector
for the CPU that is 4 pins in a (2 X 2) configuration. There are adapters
to go from one to the other, but I've read mainboard documentation that
advises NOT to do this, under certain circumstances.

So the short answer is, if you want one power supply for all Intel chips,
you need one with both 8-pin and 4-pin aux connectors. Oh, and it better be
a pretty beefy supply from a good name brand.

You can buy an enermax liberty of around 600W (something GREATER than 500W)
if you just want to make the purchase ONCE. From what I've read, those have
modular cables that will handle either aux connector.

But for a lot less money, you could start with the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817709002

And if that doesn't have enough power to handle a future upgrade, the total
price you pay for TWO power supplies should be about the same as if you'd
just bought a large-ish enermax liberty to begin with. -Dave

 

[Peter Lykkegaard]

You can buy an enermax liberty of around 600W (something GREATER than
500W) if you just want to make the purchase ONCE. From what I've
read, those have modular cables that will handle either aux connector.

The SeasSonic S12 comes with both 4 and 8 pin connector as well as dual 6
pins for your extreme sli/crossfire layout
There's also cables for bot 20 and 24 pins MB connections and a large number
SATA/IDE/fan connectors
Nice options

- PEter