Hi Jason,

Are you talking about the 4 pin connector on the MoBo?

If so, then yes, you need to connect this. It will not work without it.

Most current systems need this extra 12V connector, it was originally part
of what was known as "P4" ready components (power supplies, motherboards, etc).

If a previous system smoked, it is likely because something was shorted,
perhaps the case is shorting to the MoBo, carefully check all the standoffs
in the case and make sure they all mate to a mounting hole on the MoBo. If
in doubt, take the MoBo out of the case and place it on a non-conductive
surface and hook everything up for the first power-on test.

At 06:59 AM 11/7/2005, you wrote:
>I'm trying to repair a system.  The old motherboard seems to have a
>problem in it.  The cmos has to be cleared all the time to get it to boot
>so I bought a new motherboard, processor and memory.  All claim to be
>compatible.
>
>What I have is a PcChips FSB333 K7 Model No. M825G.  It claims to support
>the AMD Sempron 2400+ Socket A processor I purchased.  I also bought new
>PC2700 memory (DDR333).
>
>I can't get this system to boot at all.  I've cleared the cmos, checked
>for shorts, tried a new power supply etc.  The only thing I haven't tried,
>for fear of frying the processor, is plugging in the 12v power supply
>connection on the mother board.  I tried that with the old processor and
>released the magic smoke!  Can't afford to do that again.  Does this
>processor require that connection?  I can't find any documentation that
>would tell me.
>
>By the way, I've already sent the mother board back for a replacement
>once.  I'm really lost at this point.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
>          PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
>                      visit our download web page at:
>                   http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml

Russ Poffenberger
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         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml