Awg for 24 pin ATX connector?

[zerodefekz]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about buying an Antec 900 case here within a week or so, and right now I have an Ultra Xconnect 550 watt psu, w/ modular cabling.

Chances are I'm going to need to extend the wiring for all the devices + ATX connector. (The power supply sits at the bottom of the case)

The problem is, I don't know which gauge wire to use. I've seen conflicting reports that the wiring is 18 gauge, but for anything over 300 watts, to use 16 gauge.

I plan on running the wires on the backside of the mobo tray, after drilling 2 holes, to snake the wires along the backside.. I can extend it using bullet crimp connectors, then re-attach the ATX connector, but I'm stuck on which gauge wire to purchase.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[jonnyGURU]

18g is the norm... even for PSU's over 300W.

The PSU's total capacity wouldn't dictate the gauge of the wire. Think about it: You're not necessarily delivering more power to each connector. You would just deliver more power to more connectors. And since there's generally only three to four connectors per wire lead, there's no reason to use more than 18g.

That said, there's no such thing as overkill when it comes to power supplies and that applies to wire gage too. If you're going to re-wire a PSU or extend the wires, might as well use 16g if it's available.