Can a 20+4 pin power supply be used to power an older 20-pin motherboard?

[Mizugori]

if i have a newer psu with a 24pin power connector, can i use it with an older, 20-pin motherboard?

 

[NoxTek]

Yes in most cases. The connector is keyed in such a way so that the 24-pin connector from the PSU will fit the 20-pin connector on the motherboard. In fact most current gen PSUs have a 'breakaway' 24-pin connector where the extra 4-pin portion will unclip from the connector.

And even if the PSU connector isn't the breakaway type it will usually fit on the 20-pin mobo atx power connector with the extra 4 pins just hanging off to the side.

 

[E4g1e]

if i have a newer psu with a 24pin power connector, can i use it with an older, 20-pin motherboard?

Sure, if it's really a 20+4 pin connector. The 20+4 pin connector is in reality a "breakaway" 24-pin connector of which the extra 4-pin portion unclips from the main 20-pin portion.