When you’re building a PC for the first time, you will come across two types of 8-pin connectors: one is a 4+4 pin connector, and the other one is a 6+2 pin connector.
These connectors are distinct and serve different purposes. Now, let’s delve into a detailed discussion about each of them.
What Are 4+4 Pin & 6+2 Pin Connectors?
When you build a PC nowadays, you’ll likely need both the 4+4 pin and 6+2 pin connectors. Your power supply comes with both of these connectors.
Let’s talk about both these connectors one by one:
4+4 Pin Connector
The 4+4 pin connector is also known as the EPS 12v connector, and this connector is primarily used to provide power to the CPU. You will find this connector on high-end motherboards that support high-end CPUs.
6+2 Pin Connector
The 6+2 connector, also known as the PCIe connector, is used to power graphics cards.
You need the 6-pin connector for all PCI Express devices, and the 2-pin connector is needed to give extra power if needed.
The 6-pin PCIe connector can supply 75W of power, and the 6+2 pin connector can supply 150W power.
Difference Between 4+4 Pin & 6+2 Pin Connectors
Both the 4+4 pin & 6+2 pin connectors have different pin configurations, and they have other differences as well. Let’s talk about the differences-
| 4+4 Pin Connector | 6+2 Pin Connector |
| This Connector is known as an EPS connector and is used to supply power to the CPU | This connector is known as a PCie connector and is used to supply power to the GPU. |
| You have to connect this 4+4 pin EPS connector to the motherboard’s EPS or ATX 12v slot. | You have to connect this 6+2 pin Pcie connector to the GPU 8-pin slot |
| The 4+4 Pin connector can supply up to 235W power to the CPU | The 6+2 pin connector can supply 150W power to the graphics card. |
When To Use 4+4 Pin & 6+2 Pin Connectors?
Nowadays, if you’re building a PC, then you need the 4+4 pin connector and the 6+2 pin connectors for various situations.
When You Need a 4+4 Pin Connector?
Modern CPUs require higher power, and to supply the necessary power for these CPUs, you need the 4+4 pin EPS connector.
However, the low-end CPUs don’t require the 4+4 pin CPU connector because their power requirement is lower. For these CPUs, you require only a 4-pin CPU connector.
For the high-end overclockable CPUs, you may require more than a 4+4 pin connector; you can read this in-depth article about When you need multiple CPU connectors.
When You Need 6+2 Pin Connector
On the other side, modern GPUs require more than 150W power, and therefore, you need a 6+2 pin PCIe connector.
The GPUs that require below 150W power do not need this 6+2 pin connector; instead, they require only a 6-pin connector.
Some GPUs don’t need any PCie connector because these GPUs require below 75W power, and they take that power from the motherboards.
However, for super high-end GPUs, you may require multiple 6+2 pin PCIe connectors; you can check this article to know how many PCIe connectors you need for your GPU.
What To Do If You Don’t Have 4+4 Pin Connector?
If your Power Supply doesn’t have the 4+4 Pin EPS connector or 6+2 pin PCIe connector, then there are a couple of things that you can do:
Use A Single Connector:
If your Power Supply doesn’t have the 4+4 pin connector, then you can simply use one single 4-pin connector and check whether the PC is turning on. In some cases, your CPU may get the necessary power; therefore, everything may work fine.
On the other side, if your PSU doesnt have the 6+2 pin PCIe connector, then you can use only the 6-pin connector and check whether your GPU is running or not. Sometimes, your GPU may work, and sometimes it might not work.
Use Adapters:
There are different kinds of EPS adapters & PCIe adapters available in the market, and you can use these adapters if your PSU doesnt have these connectors.
If you are planning to use these adapters, then you should buy from a reputable brand such as Cable Matters.
However, if you’re using such a powerful CPU or GPU, then don’t use these adapters because using these adapters for high-end CPUs or GPUs can burn your PC components.
Upgrade The PSU:
If none of the above methods is working for you, then the final solution is upgrading your power supply.
You can purchase a good brand’s Power Supply with a sufficient amount of 4+4 pin EPS connectors and 6+2 pin PCIe connectors and use that with your system.
