A technician is replacing a failed ATX power supply in an older system board that has only a 20-pin main power header. The new replacement PSU has a single 20 + 4-pin (24-pin) main connector. Which of the following is the BEST way to connect the new power supply to the 20-pin motherboard?
Select one option.
The power supply cannot be used; replace it with a PSU that has a fixed 20-pin plug.
Detach the 4-pin segment and plug only the 20-pin portion into the board, leaving the extra 4 pins unconnected.
Purchase a 20-to-24-pin adapter and install it between the PSU and motherboard.
Force all 24 pins into the 20-pin header until the connector snaps into place.
The 20-pin segment of the 20 + 4-pin connector is designed for backward compatibility. Detach the additional 4-pin segment (or leave it unattached if it is on a hinged clip) and plug the 20-pin portion into the motherboard's header, ensuring the keyed shapes align. The extra four pins supply additional current for newer boards and are safely left disconnected on a 20-pin socket.
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What is the significance of the 20-pin and 24-pin connectors?
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Why is it important to align the connector correctly?
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What might happen if I use a 24-pin connector on a 20-pin motherboard incorrectly?