Power connectors

[peanut]

It has always been my understanding that a power supply either has a P1 power connector or a P8 AND a P9 connector. I have just acquired a computer that has both a P1 and a P9 along with the 4 pin cpu plug no P8. They are all connected to the mobo. What exactly is going on here?

[ACtheTROLL]

It's just they are all in use ....

newer mobos (post p3) just have more fans and sensors so they require more power connectors.

Is everything working OK?
if it is ... go with the flow

the mo bo handbook will no doubt clarify what does what

[peanut]

The computer is an old Gateway. I was wrong, it does indeed have a P8 connector too. I have no manual for this computer. I just find it odd to have all of these connectors when I thought it was supposed to be one or the other.

[peanut]

Oh, and it has a 1.4 Pentium 4

[ACtheTROLL]

When processors started having fans (p3) they then started to generate enough heat to self distruct - and the sensor/fan count startes to increase.
then came the more powerful graphics cards .... CD/DVD drives ... and better soundcards ... they eat power.

My Quad has a 1Kw psu! - so does the heater in the hall!