8+4 CPU power...this refers to a combined processing capacity of 12 units.
8+4 CPU power...this refers to a combined processing capacity of 12 units.
I'm starting to explore PC hardware again after upgrading my build. The motherboard I ordered (Asus VIII Dark Hero) has 8+4 CPU pins, which I haven't seen before—especially not from any hardware I remember from my 3770k setup. I might get a 5900X and possibly boost it to 5GHz MAX, but most likely I'll stick with PBO. I'm wondering if I still need the extra 4-pin connector. My PSU is an RM850, which doesn't have any 4-pin slots, and I don't think I have a compatible cable either. That makes me a bit concerned about running into problems during the upgrade.
It's the EPS power supply for the CPU. Likely, the 8-pin model handles 235 watts and the 4-pin one 150 watts. The power supply will have connectors tailored for this. Usually you don't need to connect everything, but doing so can be advantageous. If the PSU includes two 8-pin EPS units, they're often designed to be split into four.
The 8-pin connector is sufficient for the 5900x with PBO. A 4-pin or 4+4 layout can work too, though you might not need it at all.
I believe you should have chosen a b550/x570 tomahawk and selected a 5950x model. The dark hero won’t be fully used unless you’re doing some overclocking, so you probably won’t need to worry about extra cooling. The extra 4-pin connector is meant for pushing the CPU beyond normal limits.
I’m set for a few reasons—no small chipset fan, and it’s a workstation build. I’ll switch to PCIe 4.0 lanes later when high-end GPUs become more accessible. A second PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot won’t fit on the B550 because I’ll be using all lanes with just one M.2 and a single GPU (planned for multiple GPUs). I’ll also need 10 gigabytes, so I should check if my PSU and 280mm AIO are sufficient.
Focus on the exact devices. Generally (with some care), the same production line uses identical wiring, but confirm with the maker about compatibility for your particular unit.
You're considering a workstation setup with maximum overclocking on the motherboard. This approach prioritizes stability over pushing performance to extreme limits. While it might have been better to let the CPU run at high speeds, if you already own the board, sticking with it for several years could be practical. High-end OC boards can become scarce and costly, so there might be a good return on investment after ten years.