Wrong Motherboard/Power supply ATX connection Damage.

[Moffat Cafe]

If a motherboard is accidentally powered up with only the ATX 4 Pin (2X2) connected to power supply, what will be damaged. 1) the motherboard, 2) the CPU, 3) both?

 

[SlitheryDee]

I doubt it would do anything without the main 24 pin ATX power plugged in.

 

[bigsnyder]

Likewise, shouldn't be a problem. The PSU shouldn't even turn on without the 24pin connector engaged in the motherboard unless you have jumped off pin#16 to one of the grounds.

 

[Moffat Cafe]

I guess I did a poor job of phrasing the question. My question is what if only the 24 pin ATX power is plugged in (The 4 pin ATX not plugged in).

 

[SlitheryDee]

In that case I still don't think anything would be damaged immediately, but it would cause system instability due to reduced power to the CPU.

 

[Zap]

what if only the 24 pin ATX power is plugged in (The 4 pin ATX not plugged in).

With most motherboards, everything will power on, but you will get no POST (no picture on screen). The reason is the 4-pin supplies power to the CPU itself. It would be like trying to run the motherboard w/o the CPU installed. No damage should occur.

 

[Moffat Cafe]

I thought I had a problem , but after hearing your response I checked further and now have every thing tip top. THANKS!