Modding (butchering) a PSU

PapaLazaru · 12 Sep 2011 at 15:07

I have a relatively decent PSU, a Corsair TX750. The problem is that it is not modular and anybody that has one out of this range knows the cable bomb in the bottom of the case it pretty massive. I have LOADS of unused cables sitting in the bottom. I am currently looking at cooling my case more (so help me overclock) and am doing this by removing a hard drive cage and getting new case fans. My CPU cooler and fan are already very good.

In addition to this, I was looking at improving airflow by buying a new, fully modular PSU. The problem is that the cost and the residual value of my trusty Corsair, just seem to much just to get rid of some cables.

So here is the question:

I want to cut off all the spare cables and put insulation tape on the ends. Is this a safe idea or am I dicing with death (well a shock anyay)? I know I may need them in the future but that is my loss.

Good idea or not?

Admiral Huddy · 12 Sep 2011 at 15:14

It certainly is possible no remove/customise the cables. However, I wouldn't use insulation tape.

I wouldn't touch the the ATX power cables but the peripheral cables it should be fine.

You can use male/female connectors and terminals etc

AtaRo · 12 Sep 2011 at 15:16

Use a shrinkable tube instead and add a little bit of super glue inside to help secure it in place, this ensures that pulling the shrink tube is not going to dislodge it one bit.

Tealc · 12 Sep 2011 at 15:16

Just chopping the leads off as they leave the PSU is totally safe provided the unit is switched off and you cut one wire at a time. Opening it up and unsoldering direct from the PSU PCB is however a different level of danger and you'll want to be careful. You could cut inside the PSU too leaving a little wire to solder onto if you decide to fit a lead back.

I'd go inside if I were doing the job but you might not feel comfortable doing that.

panyan · 12 Sep 2011 at 15:38

ill trade you for my tx650 which has less cables

PapaLazaru · 12 Sep 2011 at 17:23

Admiral Huddy said:
It certainly is possible no remove/customise the cables. However, I wouldn't use insulation tape.

I wouldn't touch the the ATX power cables but the peripheral cables it should be fine.

You can use male/female connectors and terminals etc

Cheers for the info.

AtaRo said:
Use a shrinkable tube instead and add a little bit of super glue inside to help secure it in place, this ensures that pulling the shrink tube is not going to dislodge it one bit.

Good idea!

Tealc said:
Just chopping the leads off as they leave the PSU is totally safe provided the unit is switched off and you cut one wire at a time. Opening it up and unsoldering direct from the PSU PCB is however a different level of danger and you'll want to be careful. You could cut inside the PSU too leaving a little wire to solder onto if you decide to fit a lead back.

I'd go inside if I were doing the job but you might not feel comfortable doing that.

I am not competent to take it apart, though that would be the ideal thing to do.

panyan said:
ill trade you for my tx650 which has less cables

No.

PapaLazaru · 30 Oct 2011 at 21:49

AtaRo said:
Use a shrinkable tube instead and add a little bit of super glue inside to help secure it in place, this ensures that pulling the shrink tube is not going to dislodge it one bit.

Going to press ahead with this idea and am looking at getting some Heat Shrink End Caps to put on the ends. Just got to get the right size as they are pretty cheap.

SheepBeast · 30 Oct 2011 at 22:54

if it has residual value why don't you just sell it? it definitely WON'T have any "residual value" after you cut half the cables off

PapaLazaru · 31 Oct 2011 at 07:28

SheepBeast said:
if it has residual value why don't you just sell it? it definitely WON'T have any "residual value" after you cut half the cables off

You have a point but the money I could get for it after postage will not be a lot. It is 3 years old now but is plenty for my needs. To sell it and upgrade will cost me another £50 at least, the caps will cost a fiver. Resudual value in two years when the warranty is up will be pretty much zero. As I have owned it from new I know it has been looked after.

It is time for me to butcher it though, as the spare cable are causing heat issues.