Hi, I've been lurking around here for a while, and hope to put up my own Project log soon, but I have a quick question for you (oh, and my alias is Zaphod, but in my haste, I typed Zapho , oh well). Anyway, my question... I just got a snazzy new computer with a snazzy new power supply. All I need to power is the MB (Athlon 64), 1 SATA HD, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, a couple of fans and an LCD display (only 4x20). All those extra cables and molexes from the PSU are unused and generally just getting in the way and restricting airflow (I noticed a 4C jump in temp just with a bad arrangement of the cables). Is there any reason why I can't just unsolder (desolder?) those extra cables and take them out of the PSU? I can't think of any reason in my mind why not. I'd just like some reassuring/warning of doing as such. Thanks!
Go for it! If you really want to. Another option would be to cut the unneeded wires and put shrink tubing over them. Just be careful not to screw anything else up in the psu. Although I'd just get some plastic wire ties and bundle them up and out of the way somewhere. Just in case you might need the extra power sometime in the future. p.s.WARNING... The capacitors in the psu hold a charge for quite some time... Give them ample opportunity to discharge BEFORE attempting to open the psu... BTW Welcome to the BT Forums!!! Hope you enjoy your stay!!
you could try cutting the cables you don't need short, then reattaching the pins for the molexes and leave them hanging out an inch or so, just in case you need another plug. then you just snap on an extension. it might look a bit messy though.
I suggest not cutting them or removing them. If you've been around the forums for a while, then maybe you would have noticed how much power is required to do many of the mods you see, especially when considering lighting, etc. Even though it's a fancy shmancy computer, that doesn't mean you should just settle for what you have, or even gloat over what you do. Goodluck with whatever you do. And don't die.
one trick thats worked for me in the past is to unbundle all the cables in the PSU by removing the plastic cable surround on the chassis - then carefully tease out the cables u dont wish to use, and replace the rest. The unwanted cables can then be neatly tucked away inside the PSU (cooling isnt really an issue here as most PSUs these days are cooled too well anyways) - just make sure theyre tucked neatly around the side of the case and secured with cable ties, well away from all the hot components. Like i said, worked well for me in the past, even with cheap PSUs and had no probs at all - it would be a shame to snip or desolder the cables, especially as u may need them someday.
yeh When i got my new PSU it had all the cables wrapped up with a strap just outside the casing so I just removed the ones i needed and left the unused ones still strapped up neatly. But if you want to remove them use a LED to see if there is still power in the capacitors and discharge it if there is and just unsolder them. The hope that three day's later you don'tneed more power plugs.
Depending on your brand PSU you could desolder the unneeded wires from the PCB, i know my Antec Trueblue is a difficult one to desolder. Best thing is to make them like the modular PSU nowadays, shorten all molex cables and use extensions whenever you need some power.
