PSU internal wiring

[shadowdude777]

Hello everyone, this question might be a little different than what you're used to. It deals with computer components, but it doesn't really concern computers in any way.

I've been looking to modify a standard ATX power supply for bench usage as shown in this (and many other) guides online. I have tried to do this to two PSUs unsuccessfully because in both cases, the power supplies, which were salvaged from very cheap computers from before the turn of the century, used aluminium wiring. In a mod that involves a decent amount of soldering, aluminium wires are just unfeasible, and removing EVERY SINGLE WIRE at the circuit board and soldering on my own copper wires isn't much more efficient either.

So I figured I'd ask the community for some advice. I'd be willing to buy a modern power supply for this mod if they come with copper wiring. Would the standard el cheapo power supplies that I could get off Newegg have copper wiring, or would I have to go into the more expensive "gaming" power supplies?

Thanks in advance if anyone can help me with this rather odd question!

 

[mpilchfamily]

All PC PSUs have copper wire.

 

[shadowdude777]

Really? Was it always like this? Because I've had two PSUs so far where I snipped off the head of a Molex connector and silver-colored wires poked out at me. Those PSUs came from budget Dell computers of the Windows 98 era if it makes a difference.

 

[Modelworks]

Some power supplies use stranded steel wire. It is cheaper than copper but it is difficult to solder unless you have the proper flux and use a higher temperature.

 

[shadowdude777]

Oh, that was STEEL wire. Okay, I thought it was aluminium, thanks.

So I guess I should buy a "gaming"- class power supply just to make sure it uses the more expensive copper wiring, right? Because using a $5 soldering iron and standard rosin flux didn't really work on the steel wire in those cheap supplies.

 

[mpilchfamily]

No any cheap $20 or less PSU on Newegg will have what you need. A bench top PSU doesn't have to have allot of wattage so most anything will do. Here is a good PSU to go with. It should have everything you need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817165023

 

[shadowdude777]

Alright, thanks a lot! Yeah, that PSU looks perfect, 5V 34A is WAY MORE than enough.

But on second thought, I think I'll wait a week and see what deals are offered on Black Friday. I mean I don't NEED a more powerful PSU, but if I can get it for the same amount of money (quite possibly with free shipping), then why not?

 

[bryanl]

I would be very surprised to find aluminum wiring in a PS since it would require special treatment to attach it to the PC board, such as by crimping it to a solderable connector. And while I'm constantly amazed at the cost cutting (skimping) done by manufacturers in the Far East, I've yet to see stranded wires made of steel, although I don't have vast knowledge of industry practices. More likely you have copper wire made with tin-plated strands.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Dude i doubt you'll find much for less then $12.99. That isn't allot and your already saving $3. Only thing they haven't done is throw in free shipping.

 

[shadowdude777]

I would be very surprised to find aluminum wiring in a PS since it would require special treatment to attach it to the PC board, such as by crimping it to a solderable connector. And while I'm constantly amazed at the cost cutting (skimping) done by manufacturers in the Far East, I've yet to see stranded wires made of steel, although I don't have vast knowledge of industry practices. More likely you have copper wire made with tin-plated strands.

I doubt it. The cross-section of each wire looked completely silver-colored. I would probably see at least a hint of copper if I cut the wire and looked at the cross-section. And if it was copper, I'd be able to solder it really easily. I tried soldering one wire for a solid 30 minutes with a few kinds of generic flux-cored lead+tin solder and I didn't even come close. And the tin probably would have melted off the wire, which didn't even begin to happen.

Manufacturing processes have changed a lot in the past 10+ years. Who knows why they decided to use stranded steel? :hmm:

 

[shadowdude777]

Dude i doubt you'll find much for less then $12.99. That isn't allot and your already saving $3. Only thing they haven't done is throw in free shipping.

I guess not, but I'll be buying a lot of stuff from Newegg come this Friday anyway! I might as well get it all in one shipping.