Shortening PSU Cables

[justaguy168]

I have a Thermaltake Element Q Case with a mITX mobo, a i3-2120T LGA1155 35W CPU, a 3.5" HDD and a 5.25" ODD. It comes with a non-modular 220W PSU. As with many ITX builds, the airflow is reduced because of excess wires.

I would like to shorten (and sleeve while I'm at it) the 24-pin motherboard power cable. There are many tutorials on the web about how to sleeve cables but few on how to shorten them. Can the forum point me towards some internet resources on where to get new pins and how to crimp them on to the shortened wire? Will having shorter cables actually harm my PSU?

Obviously I would be voiding the warranty on my PSU and would need to be scrupulous about noting cables taken out and cables inserted. If I could get another 24 pin connector, I could take one out, clip it, and replace it in the same position on the new connector.

 

[WoodButcher]

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...60_923&zenid=92e93b47fa1a360a1827f74287ab67c9


They have everything you'll need, including tools. Give them a call if you need assistance or can't find what your after on the site.

Another good store is Frozen CPU.

 

[justaguy168]

Thank you WoodButcher for your referral. I'm especially interested in a person to talk to. Since my original posting I have found this YouTube video here on crimping.

My question remains, will shortening the wire length reduce resistance or alter the electronics of the PSU and damage it or my components? Assuming I don't get my wires crossed.

 

[WoodButcher]

No, you'll be fine. I've done it a few times and made them semi- modular, eliminating wires I didn't need. Just be sure to discharge the caps before working on the PSU.

 

[justaguy168]

For discharging a PSU, I saw two old forum threads here and here. Do I have to wait a couple of days or can I just try the "press the power button a couple of times" trick?

 

[WoodButcher]

Power botton w/ a load. On the bench I'll jump the 24 pin w/ a paperclip, green wire to any black and have a fan connected to a 12v molex and give it a few seconds. Always connect a load to drain, I've seen psu with a thermo on the internal fan that actually stop so I don't trust the caps to be dead. Always treat them like a hot potato and you won't get burned!