Hi, my computer recently stopped working, ie it keeps turning off when I turn it on.Just now, I noticed that if I unplug the square 2x2 pin connector from the motherboard, the fan will run, but I will see no picture on my monitor.However, as soon as I plug that 4 pin connector back in, the computer will shut itself down right after I turn it on (I'm looking at the fan)So my question is: What does that connector do? Does that mean my mobo is shutting it down because my CPU is overheating or something? But I already let my computer sit for a day or so, it simply shuts it self down immediately, without any variation in duration.Do you guys think this would be a problem with my mobo or with my power supply?Thank you
Yes, the 2x2 connector is power for the CPU itself My first guess would be the power supply- those are usually the cheapest components in computers, and go bad fairly frequently. The easiest way to check is simply connecting a different power supply, if you've got one available. No need to mount it, just connect the main power block and the 2x2 one Oh, your video card doesn't require a dedicated power connector does it? Almost all recent mid-range or better video cards do. Make sure that one is secure If overheating was the culprit, I'd expect you'd at least be able to get into the BIOS setup screen after letting the machine sit for a day. If the CPU fan is spinning at all, I doubt that's it.
The connector you are talking about is the 2x2 12 V processor core voltage connector. Here is what it says in one of my motherboard's manual: CAUTION Failure to use an ATX12V power supply, or not connecting the 12 V (2x2) processor core voltage power supply connector to the desktop board may result in damage to the desktop board and/or power supply.
that 4 pin connector is the processor's power supply as today's processor now need more power then what it can get from the traces on the motherboard.
