A question of POWER

**Vanguarde** · July 1st, 2002, 04:41 PM

Hello, first of all thank you for taking the time to read this cry for help!
Second, so it is clear to everyone, I am using this motherboard, and is the subject of this cry for help : http://usa.asus.com/mb/socket478/p4t533-c/overview.htm

the Asus P4T533-C.

Now here is the problem. I know I need to connect the main power cable, and the Aux 4 pin power cable, but this board also has a 'EZ plug' power connector - but I cannot see in the instruction book if I should connect all three power cables on the motherboard, or just the Main power and the Aux 12v, or all three, Main Power, aux 12v, AND the 'EZ plug'
This is stopping me from powering up, I really do not want to fry or otherwise hard my new system lol

Please help me

- Nervous first time builder in NY fustrated by lack of explination in Asus instruction book
_________________

**FreakyOCR** · July 1st, 2002, 05:09 PM

Yeah Asus has a large lack of technical support unfortunately

I don't think that placing all three on at the same time would do any harm... but just to be sure wait for somebody else who actually might know instead of speculate.. like me...

**Vanguarde** · July 1st, 2002, 06:43 PM

I mean the damn thing is on the motherboard, but the instructions FOR the motherboard do not tell you ! It's absurd. Help 8(

**Brangwen** · July 1st, 2002, 11:55 PM

Vanguarde:

The ASUS EZ Plug power connector lets you use your existing power supply and eliminates the need to buy a special ATX 12V power supply to support your Pentium 4 CPU.

Like FreakyOCR I have no for-sure answer ... I went to link in your post and couldn't get into Manual to search it out. I only found the above quoted reference. Have you emailed / phoned the techs? I know how you feel about possibly blowing your board on a fairly basic hookup. I'd hate to give the wrong advice ...

Perhaps they have a consumer forum of FAQ? I've never owned an Asus.

Sorry.

Brangwen

**Brangwen** · July 1st, 2002, 11:59 PM

Vanguarde:

Check this out ... http://usa.asus.com/inside/CSC.htm

I think you might find an answer.

Good luck.

Brangwen

**John C. Dechon** · July 2nd, 2002, 06:16 AM

You can also go to this ASUS newsgroup (most motherboard brands have their own newsgroup) and post your question there...I'm sure with all those AsusTek owners in there, SOMEONE will know the answer:

Go to: http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...mainboard.asus

Or, just go to www.google.com and click on "Groups" then look for this newsgroup:

alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus

In fact, do a search in that newsgroup and see if your question has ALREADY been asked and answered.

Good luck,

John D.

**dunbar** · July 2nd, 2002, 07:40 AM

At ' http://usa.asus.com/mb/socket423/p4t/faq.htm '

I read the following:

Question :

What is the function of ATX12V connector?

Answer :

ATX12V specification was defined for the growing power requirement (such as Pentium 4 processor and AGP Pro) consumed in a system. The processor's VRM circuitry on P4T makes DC-to-DC power translation from +12V because the power requirement of Pentium 4 has reached up to 88 watts. With ATX12V power supply, the chance of overcurrent can be minimized.

Sadly, no real explanation there either, but being a power supply tech, I'd say that statement makes me think that the '88 watts' which is drawn by the CPU is not optional.... implying (not clearly stating) there is a need for the connection to be made.

Still, don't plug it in just yet!

In any case, the above info would lead me to Intels site to see if there is any P4 FAQ about whether the CPU requires what is coming from that 'EZ plug'. That may get deep....

Did you buy the mobo from a dealer? Likely they can tell you what the decisions need to be; and if they tell you something wrong, you get to use their RMA policy to cover the error.

**Vanguarde** · July 2nd, 2002, 06:46 PM

No I bought the mo'bo from an online store. 8(

As for all the help you guys and gals have given me, I thank you! I have posted a email on the newsgroup AND sent a email to Asus tech support!

Let's all walk this way and see what happens! I promise to tell everyone how this turns out !

( cause I am sick of people asking for help , getting it, and not knowing if it worked or not cause they dont come back to tell us! Lol )

**Brangwen** · July 2nd, 2002, 08:55 PM

Vanguarde:

I'll follow the progress of this thread ... I'm very interested regarding the answer. I've heard of this issue before, but all I have in the "knowledge base" on my shoulders is a vaque memory!

Hope you get an answer quick!

Brangwen

**lynchmob** · July 5th, 2002, 11:59 AM

I read it like this:
If you have a power supply with the ATX12V connector then you dont have to use the EZ Plug.If you have one without the ATX12V plug then you do have to use the EZ Plug.Seems fairly straightforward to me.
If you plug in both....I wouldnt plug in both

lynch

**Brangwen** · July 5th, 2002, 01:33 PM

lynchmob:

What you speculate / assert makes sense. I should think plugging in one - and not both (alternate?) power sources - will achieve the desired result.

Brangwen

**thekingofpain** · July 5th, 2002, 02:35 PM

When I built a P4T 533c I used a 12v molex to the boards connector along with the p/s's standard connector---no probs---it just keeps you from having to buy a P4 p/s and allows you to use your "old" one---it wont double up the power to the board if your p/s is P4 ready but its neccessary if it isnt...

**thekingofpain** · July 5th, 2002, 02:47 PM

ASUS EZ Plug lets you use your existing power supply rather than buying a new ATX 12V power supply. The ASUS EZ Plug™is a 4-pin auxiliary +12V connector mounted on the motherboard that connects a regular 4-pin device power connector from the power supply. This connector is necessary to provide the additional power required by the P4 CPU.

Here is a pic of the EZ Plug---although on your board its under the p/s connector slightly to the left---the aux 12v IS the EZ Plug there isnt a 3rd power plug...

**Vanguarde** · July 5th, 2002, 03:20 PM

Hi all! I promised I would update this thread, and here I am.

I recieved a reply from Asus, and I will cut and paste the entire email here:

"Dear valued Customer,
Thanks for Contacting ASUSTeK.
Sir you can connect the ATX + AUX 4 or ATX + EZ plug .you can choose one .
Best Regards,
ASUS Customer Service Center Shanghai
* Please include all previous messages (in text format) for continuation of support and also ensure your return e-mail address is correct.
Undeliverable messages are deleted.
* If you have any complain or suggestion about our tech support service,
please mail to Tsd@asus.com.tw with your previous mail as well as our TSD reply content using the subject "<feedback>+ Your previous
mail subject". If only for further tech query, please just do a simple reply. Thanks a lot!

ASUS Web Site : <http://www.asus.com.tw>
ASUS Download Site:<http://download.asus.com.tw>
ASUS Ftp site : <ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw>
ASUS Knowledge Base : <http://knowledge.asus.com.tw>
For online forum ->http://www.asusnetq.com.tw
For marketing ->info@asus.com.tw
For web ->webmaster@asus.com.tw
For technical info ->http://www.asus.com.tw/inside/TechnicalReference.htm
---

---------- Original Message ----------
From : mikewebb@si.rr.com
Sent : 2002-7-3 9:44:15
To : "tsd@asus.com.tw"
Subject : HELP! Quick question about P4T533-C power connections!

Hello, first of all thank you for taking the time to read this cry for
help!
Second, so it is clear to you , I am using this motherboard, and is the
subject of this cry for help :
<http://usa.asus.com/mb/socket478/p4t533-c/overview.htm>
http://usa.asus.com/mb/socket478/p4t533-c/overview.htm
the Asus P4T533-C.

Now here is the problem. I know I need to connect the main power cable,
and
the Aux 4 pin power cable, but this board also has a 'EZ plug' power
connector - but I cannot see in the instruction book if I should connect
all
three power cables on the motherboard, or just the Main power and the
Aux
12v, or all three, Main Power, aux 12v, AND the 'EZ plug'
This is stopping me from powering up, I really do not want to fry or
otherwise hard my new system lol
Also, I am using this power supply :
http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/pro...ighperformance
/turbocools/index_hp_atx.htm
<http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/pro...highperformanc
e/turbocools/index_hp_atx.htm>
Please help me

- Michael Webb
"

END CUT AND PASTE

Ok, everyone was correct. Ez plug is only needed if you have old power supply. I did some checking myself, and along with all of your comments I was sure it was only 2 plugs, but I just had to wait for comments from Asus, just in case something bad happened, I could have the email proof of what they suggested you know?

I want to thank everyone who helped and gave me advice

I hope this helps other people too, because frankly, the Asus instructions are poor for beginners like myself. =/
Now that I can plug the damned thing in, let's see if I can get it to boot/post ROFL :0

I might be back soon to the forums if I cannot figure it out :P

- Mike

**Brangwen** · July 5th, 2002, 04:13 PM

Vanguarde:

"Holy Moley!"

Now if it runs ...!

Good luck ...

Brangwen

**thekingofpain** · July 5th, 2002, 04:51 PM

Would someone PLEASE push the powerbutton for Van?
:-)

**c:::HNsaw** · July 5th, 2002, 05:27 PM

lmao,

edit~ (I should be able to get away with laughing, I've made plenty of mistakes ... it's better to ask when in doubt)

I almost forgot how tough those first builds are.

"Sir you can connect the ([choice#1~]ATX + AUX 4) *** or *** ([choice#2~]ATX + EZ plug), you can choose one (or choose the other)"

I don't think you want (or need) to connect three plugs ...

zzzzttt ... Poof! ...

just kidding

it's good to be cautious ... but like they told me in the Army ... "sometimes ya just gotta make a command decision"

Best of luck in your first of many builds.
c:::HNsaw