Modular Power Supplies

MielkeHBP

Member
Nov 26, 2005
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When I built my computer 5 years ago I wanted a modular psu but I asked this same question but I hope things have changed. Are their any good modular psus out there? I try not to base my research on the reviews on websites but all I have read is good reviews.
 

jonnyGURU

Moderator <BR> Power Supplies
Moderator
Oct 30, 1999
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Originally posted by: MielkeHBP
When I built my computer 5 years ago I wanted a modular psu but I asked this same question but I hope things have changed. Are their any good modular psus out there? I try not to base my research on the reviews on websites but all I have read is good reviews.

What things were you looking at changing from five years ago????
 

AmberClad

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
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My guess is that the OP saw something similar to what's on the PCP&C website:

3. DON'T LOSE POWER WITH MODULAR PLUGS
Due to their look, convenience, and cost savings for manufacturers, modular plugs have become a popular power supply feature. Unfortunately, there has been little or no discussion of the impact of this feature on overall performance and reliability. The fact is, modular plugs limit power by adding to electrical resistance. The voltage drop can be as much as would occur in 2 feet of standard wire. Worse yet, modular plugs utilize delicate pins that can easily loosen, corrode, and burn, creating the potential for a major system failure. That's why professional system builders specify uninterrupted wire!
 

AmberClad

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
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Heh, I chuckled when I saw your comment in the article:

Someone once said that a modular connector's pins have as much resistance as two feet of wire. I can't recall where that came from,

So, it would appear that PCP&C was either the source of that piece of FUD, or they were perpetuating it.
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
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I respect PC P&C's PSUs very much, but I have seen some BS statements quoted from their website several times on this forum.
 

QueBert

Lifer
Jan 6, 2002
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Originally posted by: MielkeHBP
When I built my computer 5 years ago I wanted a modular psu but I asked this same question but I hope things have changed. Are their any good modular psus out there? I try not to base my research on the reviews on websites but all I have read is good reviews.

Ultra X3's are sweeet, I just bought a Corsair HX, it has cables very similar to the Ultra ones. I see no reason to ever go back to a non modular PSU. I find most modular have very shoddy cables though, Ultra's being the one exception. You can find a good selection of modular units @ Fry's if you want to see them up close before you buy.
 

tomoyo

Senior member
Oct 5, 2005
418
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Originally posted by: AmberClad
My guess is that the OP saw something similar to what's on the PCP&C website:

3. DON'T LOSE POWER WITH MODULAR PLUGS
Due to their look, convenience, and cost savings for manufacturers, modular plugs have become a popular power supply feature. Unfortunately, there has been little or no discussion of the impact of this feature on overall performance and reliability. The fact is, modular plugs limit power by adding to electrical resistance. The voltage drop can be as much as would occur in 2 feet of standard wire. Worse yet, modular plugs utilize delicate pins that can easily loosen, corrode, and burn, creating the potential for a major system failure. That's why professional system builders specify uninterrupted wire!

Main thing to remember, all this pc power and cooling myth stuff is based on data from 5+ y ears ago. It's never been updated for current reality and is almost purely FUD now. The only general truths are the ones being said now. Modular psus are perfect fine and have extremely low resistence. Most high quality ones have very decent plugs that will not usually fail.
 

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
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LOL, as much resistance as 2 whole feet of wire.
How will I live with .001 ohms of resistance in my system !
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
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To honest there is nothing wrong with most modulars as far as being modular goes!

I am sure JohnnyGURU would be able top relate any thought he might have as to what sort of modular connectors are perhaps better than other modular connectors.
But even then if there is a loss worse case scenario is the loss is minimal almost not even an issue!

I agree PC Power & Cooling should update there MYTH`s page!

Peace!!