Which cables do I use?
Which cables do I use?
Hi everyone,
I've finally got the last three components for my new build, and I'm stuck on the cables connecting the part. To be honest, I haven't installed the motherboard and parts inside the case yet—I only placed the motherboard in its box and put in the CPU, GPU, RAM sticks, and M.2 SSD because I saw some YouTube videos suggesting doing this before putting everything in.
Well, I don’t really know what to test, but I’d like to power on the motherboard to see if it POSTs and let me enter UEFI for a closer look. The issue is that I’m checking the PSU and not sure how to handle the cables.
I’ve already plugged in the 24-pin power cable into the motherboard, which was straightforward (even though I still don’t understand why my PSU has 23 pins instead of 24). Then I connected the 24-pin cable to the motherboard because it’s the only connector of that size available and the only slot that fits.
At the other end, there are two connectors—18 and 10 pins respectively. It’s unclear whether I should connect just one or both, or force them into place without damaging anything. Here’s a screenshot of all the available slots on my PSU.
Could you help me figure out how to connect these cables during this initial setup so I can successfully power up the motherboard and verify everything works? Also, should I update the BIOS to the latest version before installing the OS, or should I stick with the current one if it’s working?
Here’s a summary of my build:
Motherboard
... AsRock B500M Steel Legend
CPU
... Ryzen 5 5600
GPU
... XFX Radeon RX 570 RS
RAM
... G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB (2x16GB) DDR4, 3200 MHz, CL 16
M.2 SSD
... WD Black SN750 SE, 500 GB, PCIe 4.0
HDD
... HGST 4TB, 7200 RPM (cache unknown, likely 128 or 256 MB)
2x
Fans
(140 mm)... Scythe Kaze Flex Square ARGB PWM (300-1800 RPM) – both will be mounted on the front panel
3x
Fans
(120 mm)... Arctic AC P12 ARGB PWM PST – 2 in ceiling, 1 at rear, all 3 as exhausts
PSU
... MSI MAG A750GL, 80+ Gold
Case
... Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Black (I’m going for a mATX build, should this matter?)
Please advise on the correct way to connect these cables so I can safely power up the motherboard and check functionality. Also, regarding BIOS updates: should I upgrade to the latest version before installing the OS, or should I go with the current one if everything works?
Thanks a lot,
[vulgarity redacted]
Top left hand corner - ATX24P
Plus bottom left hand corner - ATX24P are the connection points. The other end connects to the 24pin on the motherboard.
The 8pin EPS on the motherboard will connect to the connector immediately next to the 10pinned ATX24P connector on the PSU, which is labeled CPU&PCI-E.
The subsequent EPS connector for the motherboard can end at any of the CPU&PCI-E connectors on the PSU.
that's how I thought too. But this means I'll need to push the connectors since their cables are the same, and if I force them I could damage them.
🙁
ah-ha, understood!
is this the 4-pin connector next to the 8-pin EPS one on the MoBo?
what should i do with the 12V2x6 slot on the PSU? what's going into that slot?
finally, where should i connect the GPU? it came with an 8-pin connector that splits into two 6-pin connectors at the other end, how will i handle this cable?
Yes, half of an 8-pin connector is used for extra power. Several 8-pin EPS connectors can be disconnected, allowing you to still insert the full 8-pin if needed. Most systems are built this way.
Do not interfere with the 12VHPWR connector, which is a newer standard for powering older graphics cards, some high-end Nvidia 30 series models, and many 40 series cards.
For your graphics card, connect one of the provided PCIe cables from the PSU to the CPU or PCI-E slot on the PSU. You shouldn't need to use the adapter that came with the GPU.