The last step toward the PC building is to know that how to connect power supply to motherboard. This part might be tricky for you all if you are a beginner since there are a lot of wires that need to be connected here and there. You do not have to be worried about anything as here is a step to step guide telling you how to connect the power supply to the motherboard.
If the connections to your motherboard are not secure then your computer won’t be able to work properly, it may not even start at all. Since the motherboard comprises the CPU, RAM, fan assembly, BIOS chip, and basically all internal cards and processors, it is the most important component of your computer.
Without further ado, let’s get on to the steps involved in this process.
How to Connect Power Supply to Motherboard
Assembling your motherboard and connecting it to the power supply is not a very difficult task, you just need to be careful while making your connections. Place the motherboard in front of you and assemble all its cables. Now follow these steps one by one to connect it to the power supply:
#1. Insert the power supply
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you connect a power supply to your motherboard. Your computer will only turn on if a stable connection has been made.
The power supply portion is provided at the back of the case and is easily identifiable. All you have to do is connect the PSU with the motherboard.
#2. Connect the power cable to the motherboard
The next step in this process is connecting the power cable to the motherboard. Motherboards have different models which require a different amount of pin connectors. Hence the wire for this connection comes in a 20 + 4 pin cable so you can make adjustments according to your needs.
Read the manual thoroughly before making the connections so you don’t make any errors while inserting the cable. Use both hands while pressing the pins into their sockets to make sure the connection is firm.
#3. Connect the CPU power cable to the motherboard
The next cable you need to join is for providing a power supply to the CPU. Its connection pins are provided just beside it on the motherboard. Almost all CPUs require an 8 pin cable but a few older versions only need 4 pins, so depending on the number of pins provided there, connect either the 4 or 8 pin cable into it. Make sure the locks are secure in their position.
#4. Connect the PCIe power cable to the graphics card
You will find that you have two PCIe cable ports near your graphics card. Depending upon the strength of the graphics card, we use 6 pins or 8 pins cable in its socket. Powerful graphics cards like the MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Ventus OC require both sockets. So check the graphics card manual to know which cables you are going to need.
Make a stable connection with the ports so the pins don’t come off.
#5. Connect the SATA power cable
SATA cables are usually used for data transferring. They are connected to the motherboard and hard drives to provide a power supply to them. So make sure that you connect them properly.
If you have more than one hard drives to connect to, you can also use Molex connectors for this purpose. Get a Molex to SATA adapter and you’re good to go.
Sometimes SSD cards are ultra-thin and need to be connected directly to the motherboard. Make sure you make your connections accordingly.
#6. Connect Molex power cables
Labeled as the peripheral cables in your PSU set are the Molex power cables. The cables have been replaced by the SATA cables now but you might still need them for a few other accessories. For example, if you want to control the performance of your cooling fans using a 3rd party software, you will have to connect these cables.
Hence if you need to add these extra features to your PC, then install the Molex power cables in their sockets as well. The socket contains 4 pins for connection.
#7. Other connections
The connectivity ports are considered essential in a laptop and in a CPU while using desktops not just for speedy data transfers, USB connections, or for connecting your microphone or speakers.
All of them are connected to the motherboard separately.
If you have sockets available for USB, HD audio header, and LED lights, you will have to make connections for them too. Get appropriate cables according to what will fit into the port.
The power connection will not be established if you do not use the appropriate cables.
Things to keep in mind
A couple of things need to be kept in mind while you’re on to connecting the power supply to the motherboard.
Call them the precautionary measure of the process. If not followed it may mess up the stable connection that you aim to develop. Sometimes it can also damage the motherboard as well.
- Plug the cables firmly using both your hands
- Use cable ties to tie up the cables after you have finished working
- Use the modular power supply
- Wear protective gear before operating on electronic items
Conclusion
How to connect a power supply to a motherboard; the topic itself seems quite technical.
Now that you have gone through the step-by-step guide, you know it is not something as difficult as you first thought it would be.
Make sure that you’re taking all precautionary measures and staying patient throughout.
