Can a 24-pin connector work with a 20-pin power connector?

Almost all of the new power supplies used today feature a 24-pin power connector to connect to a computer motherboard. However, some motherboards still feature a 20-pin ATX power connection.

Thankfully, almost all 24-pin power connectors are designed so that four of the pins can be detached or moved out of the way. Detaching those pins should allow enough room for the connector to be plugged into the motherboard power connection. By detaching the 4-pins or moving them out of the way, the connector becomes a 20-pin power connector. The 4 additional pins can be left unplugged since they are unnecessary with motherboards with a 20-pin power connection. These extra pins supply additional power for higher-end motherboards.

If the 24-pin power connector on your power supply does not allow the detachment of the 4 additional pins, you can still connect it to the motherboard's power connection one of two ways.

1. You can purchase a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter from a computer retailer. The adapter will connect to the 24-pin connector, converting it to a 20-pin connector, allowing you to connect it directly to the motherboard's 20-pin connection. There will be no need to detach or move the additional 4 pins.
2. You can plug the 24-pin connector into the 20-pin motherboard connection without detaching or moving the additional 4 pins. It will be a tight fit and require a small bit of force to make the connector fit in place correctly. While this is an option you can try, we don't necessarily recommended it. Pushing a connector that actually doesn't fit or using excessive force could cause damage to the components on the motherboard or crack the motherboard itself.