PSU power lead too short. Help needed!

Deiwos · 2 Feb 2007 at 17:43

Arrrrgh, this build is a nightmare!

Right, so I'm using a Tagan 530W PSU (TG530-U22), in an Antec P180 case, with a BFG 680i mobo, with a tuniq tower cooler for an E6600.

Simply put, the 8pin ATX connector in the top left hand corner is a tiny (1-2 cm at most) bit too far for the power leads to reach, if I have the CPU cooler fitted. Now without the CPU fan, it will fit, but at a stretch, and obviously, no cooler = no go.

So, I come to you folks for any possible solutions. I'd really like to avoid buying a new PSU, but if anyone is using the same rig (P180, BFG 680i, Tuniq Tower), if they could post what PSU they have, that'd be a good start.

I was thinking maybe its possible to get a sort of extension, that I could connect to the power leads, and then connect to the connector on the mobo and have say, 1-2 cm of cable between each connector so that the cable could reach, but I have no idea if such a feat is possible.

Any other suggestions greatly welcomed.

Tom

Deiwos · 3 Feb 2007 at 01:59

So I did some online snooping, and i've found you can get 4 pin extension cables no problem, but 8 pins are a few and far between.

I'm going to call a local computer shop tomorrow morning, and see what they say. I'll update if and when I find a solution.

Also, any PSU recommendations would be great, as I will need to upgrade PSU in a month or two when I go SLI.

humax · 3 Feb 2007 at 04:45

in a word. Corsair HX 620W

SkeeterUK · 3 Feb 2007 at 08:58

Search in google "8 pin atx cable" and use images to view the findings. Then click on a few and you should be able to get one that way.

Deiwos · 3 Feb 2007 at 13:50

Well after a fair amount of searching and ringing round, I've had absolutely no luck finding an 8 pin extension cable. 4 pin I can find absolutely fine, but 8 pins just don't seem to exist any more.

Now the question I have is this: If I use a 4pin extension cable on this motherboard, so i only a 4 pin connection on it, will it have any negative affects on it? I've heard it can melt the plastic casing and that sort of thing, so obviously I want to avoid doing this if at all possible, but if it gets my computer up and running, that'd be lovely.

If not, I guess its a new PSU. Will the corsair DEFINATELY reach? My tagans power cable is about 45cm long, so any longer than that would be good.

artaxerxes · 3 Feb 2007 at 19:59

You could mod the cables yourself. Cheaper - but voids your warranty!

Or try to trade someone on the For Sale / Wanted boards.

SkeeterUK · 3 Feb 2007 at 20:33

Did you even try to google what i said to. Its dead easy to find a place to buy a 4pin to 8 pin adaptor that way.

Deiwos · 4 Feb 2007 at 09:23

SkeeterPSA said:
Did you even try to google what i said to. Its dead easy to find a place to buy a 4pin to 8 pin adaptor that way.

4 to 8 pin adapter, not a problem, 8 pin EXTENSION, however, not so easy.

I've found a US company based on ebay who do sell them though, so I'm waiting to see how long their turn-around is. If it's more than a few days, I'll just buy a new PSU.

SkeeterUK · 4 Feb 2007 at 09:30

Well as i said 4pin to 8 pin could extend some cables with a 8 pin on the end that might work is what i meant.

Hmm if you can find it i think this akasa one might do you.

http://www.akasa.co.uk/akasa_english/spec_page/cables/spec_ak_cb8_8_ext.htm

Sel · 4 Feb 2007 at 11:44

Is this any use.

http://www.cablecity.co.uk/product_...d=961&osCsid=8bf59f3d7d2e807bb2ba1bc4b810935a

Deiwos · 4 Feb 2007 at 12:42

Sel said:
Is this any use.

http://www.cablecity.co.uk/product_...d=961&osCsid=8bf59f3d7d2e807bb2ba1bc4b810935a

Thats spot on, pity I didn't find this yesterday before I ordered off the bay

Thanks for the replies everyone.

hashcake · 4 Feb 2007 at 12:54

An E6600 doesn't require an 8 pin connection.
Due to the lower wattage requirements the 4 pin is fine.
As you are probably aware, the 2nd 4 pin connector on the motherboard quite often has a blanking plate fitted to it.
8 pin is required for the P4 9xxx dual core cpu's.

Deiwos · 4 Feb 2007 at 13:21

hashcake said:
An E6600 doesn't require an 8 pin connection.
Due to the lower wattage requirements the 4 pin is fine.
As you are probably aware, the 2nd 4 pin connector on the motherboard quite often has a blanking plate fitted to it.
8 pin is required for the P4 9xxx dual core cpu's.

Wow, thats extremely good to know! If thats the case, I should worry about it then, should I?

The reason I've been seeking the 8pin extension is simply because the mobo manual strongly recommends you use the 8 pin connection. Is there reason for this, if it's not actually necessary for my CPU?

melbourne720 · 5 Feb 2007 at 12:56

Deiwos said:
Arrrrgh, this build is a nightmare!

Right, so I'm using a Tagan 530W PSU (TG530-U22), in an Antec P180 case, with a BFG 680i mobo, with a tuniq tower cooler for an E6600.

Simply put, the 8pin ATX connector in the top left hand corner is a tiny (1-2 cm at most) bit too far for the power leads to reach, if I have the CPU cooler fitted. Now without the CPU fan, it will fit, but at a stretch, and obviously, no cooler = no go.

So, I come to you folks for any possible solutions. I'd really like to avoid buying a new PSU, but if anyone is using the same rig (P180, BFG 680i, Tuniq Tower), if they could post what PSU they have, that'd be a good start.

I have exactly that setup, and a Seasonic PSU reaches (although it goes over my 8800 GTS rather than round).

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-SS