Can I cut PSU cables without destroying it?

T00thBru5h · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:29

I don't have enough money to buy a Seasonic modular PSU but do have enough to buy a Corsair Builder Series 600W Power Supply which is not modular in the slightest. It is also only 140mm in Depth, perfect for my SFF case.

Question is, can I cut off the connections I don't need (obviously ensuring they don't short circuit) OR could I even de-solder the connections. Anyone with experience of doing this? :confused:

I'm not bothered about voiding any warranties.

Makhaira · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:32

To desolder you'll need to open up the PSU itself, which isn't advisable unless you know what you're doing (and with the greatest of respect, if you're asking this question, you don't) since there are potentially lethal hazards in the unit.

You can cut the leads off if required, but I would suggest that some heavy handed cable tying would be preferable since you won't void the warranty. Make sure you insulate the ends of the cables too.

All said though, I'd save your pennies and get a unit that fits your requirements rather than forking out a load of cash to just instantly cannibalise it...

Rik1254 · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:33

Do you need 600w?
Theres a few 500-550w PSUs out there that are modular and similar price to the Corsair CX600....the Be Quiet 530w I think is within the price range.

T00thBru5h · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:40

Rik1254 said:
Do you need 600w?
Theres a few 500-550w PSUs out there that are modular and similar price to the Corsair CX600....the Be Quiet 530w I think is within the price range.

Same problem. I'm using a SFF case, so want as little clutter as possible. The ATX power cable will have 2 pci connectors that I won't be using, these I would like to cut off or de-solder.

95thrifles · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:43

Seeing as the CX600 is £60 here,

this 530W BeQuiet is same price, modular though it is 160mm, is that too much? Just it would save any hacking up of PSUs

Similarly this modular coolermaster is same price and 150mm

Socrates470BC · 27 Dec 2011 at 22:43

For an extra £8 and a lot less hassle
BeQuiet Pure Power L8 630W '80 Plus Bronze' Modular Power Supply - With 120mm Silent Wing Fan Built in.

PhillyDee · 27 Dec 2011 at 23:46

If you want to, you can snip the wires off. I would then loop the wire back on itself about 10mm, and apply some heatshrink over the end, making sure it overlaps by 3-5mm or so.

cammy5477 · 27 Dec 2011 at 23:50

Socrates470BC said:
For an extra £8 and a lot less hassle
BeQuiet Pure Power L8 630W '80 Plus Bronze' Modular Power Supply - With 120mm Silent Wing Fan Built in.

this is your answer mate

T00thBru5h · 28 Dec 2011 at 00:29

Roger all, thanks.

Have bought the BeQuiet PSU but will be cutting and possibly soldering off the connections I want not

Louis_Y · 28 Dec 2011 at 02:15

The BeQuiet is modular so not sure what you're going to be cutting off? Or did I miss something?