Two old PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1 Kilowatt PSUs: Re-harness and keep on using?

[CZroe]

I've owned[under-utilized] these PSUs for so long and paid so much for them that it'd be down-right criminal to replace them with so little use. I'm really kicking myself for not taking these to Carlsbad, CA to have them customized by PCP&C back when I still lived in San Diego (same county) and I'm wondering if, considering the weight, it's still worth doing by mail vs. using pin extractors and such to customize it myself. These are much larger/heavier than a typical PSU because they utilize the entire space allowed by the ATX spec (never seen another PSU that does).

To use these in a modern ethusiast system with multi-GPU, SSD, and a large RAID array would mean using adapters for nearly everything to the point that it could be truly ridiculous. I can only imagine the mess with all the old 4-pin drive connectors adapted to 8-pin PCIe and SATA connectors. I obviously don't need the abundant legacy connectors (4-pin drive connectors, 4-pin ATX12V) and I could use some 8-pin PCIe and a lot more SATA connectors. Ultimately I'd like something suitable for powering three GPUs (Dual SLi + PhysX) and a large RAID array.

Here's what I'm working with:
PSU 1 is older but looks brand new without even any dust build up (the drive array failed and I left it unused for several years hoping to recover some data). Despite a sticker saying "nVidia SLi Ready," it only has two 6-pin PCIe connectors and no 4-pin ATX12V connector. The label says +12V1, V2, V3 = 66A (70A pk), but I thought they were always one massive +12V rail on the T-C 1KW. I tried to get some clarification on their site but all I can find are links to the "Power Supply Myths" section that simply take me back to the front page. It has no dedicated ATX12V cable though I think the nicely-loomed adapter I was using came with it (adapts one of the two 8-pin EPS-spec connectors).

PSU 2 is newer but was a shelf model at Fry's (still has the $529.99 on it). No, I didn't get a discount. The label is barely readable due to people sliding it around on the display shelf and for some reason the wire loom on the motherboard power harness only covers the first few inches. It has a different "nVidia SLi Ready" sticker. It has four PCIe connectors but none are 8-pin. The label says +12V peak current = 78A, which makes it seem a bit better than the other. Despite being newer this one has a 4-pin ATX12v connector in addition to the two EPS-spec 8-pin connectors.

Both PSUs only have six SATA connectors and were used in systems with 9 to 14 P/SATA drives. For additional SATA connectors I customized one with my own in-line crimped-on IDC connectors but that is probably not safe even with staggered spin up (spec limits it to three connectors/6AMP per wire to avoid melting the insulation). If the label indicates that PSU 1 is a 3-rail PSU then I am wary of customizing it myself for fear of over-loading a rail.

What would you guys do with these old but awesome PSUs?

 

[yhelothar]

eBay has a lot of the harnesses. I'd just buy what I'd need off of there.

 

[CZroe]

eBay has a lot of the harnesses. I'd just buy what I'd need off of there.

Huh? Pre-made to simply solder in to these PSUs? I just tried searching but I don't see them.

 

[yhelothar]

Oh I was thinking your PSU is modular.
You could use 6-pin to 8pin PCI-E adapters.

 

[CZroe]

Oh I was thinking your PSU is modular.
You could use 6-pin to 8pin PCI-E adapters.

I'd be using so many adapters for three GPUs and other things that it would be a cable management problem. The decisions are between getting a pin extractor to convert them proper vs. getting the entire wiring harness customized as this manufacturer is known for doing. Thanks though.

 

[AMD64Blondie]

It would be worth it to get them re-wired and updated.

( I own a PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1200,and a Turbo-Cool 510 SLI.The 510 SLI is from June 2006,and is still working like new.The Turbo-Cool 1200 is from Jan.2013.)

 

[Meghan54]

I
Here's what I'm working with:
PSU 1 is older but looks brand new without even any dust build up (the drive array failed and I left it unused for several years hoping to recover some data). Despite a sticker saying "nVidia SLi Ready," it only has two 6-pin PCIe connectors and no 4-pin ATX12V connector. The label says +12V1, V2, V3 = 66A (70A pk), but I thought they were always one massive +12V rail on the T-C 1KW. I tried to get some clarification on their site but all I can find are links to the "Power Supply Myths" section that simply take me back to the front page. It has no dedicated ATX12V cable though I think the nicely-loomed adapter I was using came with it (adapts one of the two 8-pin EPS-spec connectors).

PSU 2 is newer but was a shelf model at Fry's (still has the $529.99 on it). No, I didn't get a discount. The label is barely readable due to people sliding it around on the display shelf and for some reason the wire loom on the motherboard power harness only covers the first few inches. It has a different "nVidia SLi Ready" sticker. It has four PCIe connectors but none are 8-pin. The label says +12V peak current = 78A, which makes it seem a bit better than the other. Despite being newer this one has a 4-pin ATX12v connector in addition to the two EPS-spec 8-pin connectors.

Just to let you know what you've got there......

First, PCP&C used Win-Tact as their OEM supplier of the TurboCool line. This is significant because Win-Tact builds server/industrial/etc. power supplies almost exclusively, no consumer level units.

The first listed above was PCP&C's abortive attempt at a very high power multi-rail power supply. At the time, PCP&C really had no clue for a proper rail layout/design and their proper amperage distribution for high end consumer power supplies. So, essentially the 1kw Turbocool was an off-the-shelf Win-Tact server ps relabeled for home use.

Unfortunately, the rails' power distribution was horrid.....the V3 rail was the rail that carried everything except the 24-pin ATX connector (V2) and the EPS connectors (V1). So V3 supported all the PCIe connectors as well as the Molex and SATA connectors. And this poor understanding of how to properly design a multi-rail ps and its proper distribution of amperage per rail lead to abysmal performance in use.

Specifically, the power supply would shut down when faced with the load from two high power gpu's in SLI. If I'm not mistaken, it was the 8800GT line that did this power supply in.


Consequently, PCP&C had two choices to fix the power supply get it re-engineered for home/gaming use and put in 4 rails, one dedicated for the gpu's (which takes engineers and money) or take the easier, almost no-cost route and just make one big, honking rail, which is the route PCP&C took and resulted in your #2 power supply, the one you bought at Fry's.

And this was the kernel that gave birth to the FUD of multi-rail ps's being "bad" for SLI/Crossfire/overclocking/etc. and the creation of PCP&C's ignorance-based myth about single rail power supplies.

 

[CZroe]

Just to let you know what you've got there......

First, PCP&C used Win-Tact as their OEM supplier of the TurboCool line. This is significant because Win-Tact builds server/industrial/etc. power supplies almost exclusively, no consumer level units.

The first listed above was PCP&C's abortive attempt at a very high power multi-rail power supply. At the time, PCP&C really had no clue for a proper rail layout/design and their proper amperage distribution for high end consumer power supplies. So, essentially the 1kw Turbocool was an off-the-shelf Win-Tact server ps relabeled for home use.

Unfortunately, the rails' power distribution was horrid.....the V3 rail was the rail that carried everything except the 24-pin ATX connector (V2) and the EPS connectors (V1). So V3 supported all the PCIe connectors as well as the Molex and SATA connectors. And this poor understanding of how to properly design a multi-rail ps and its proper distribution of amperage per rail lead to abysmal performance in use.

Specifically, the power supply would shut down when faced with the load from two high power gpu's in SLI. If I'm not mistaken, it was the 8800GT line that did this power supply in.


Consequently, PCP&C had two choices to fix the power supply get it re-engineered for home/gaming use and put in 4 rails, one dedicated for the gpu's (which takes engineers and money) or take the easier, almost no-cost route and just make one big, honking rail, which is the route PCP&C took and resulted in your #2 power supply, the one you bought at Fry's.

And this was the kernel that gave birth to the FUD of multi-rail ps's being "bad" for SLI/Crossfire/overclocking/etc. and the creation of PCP&C's ignorance-based myth about single rail power supplies.

Thank you. So, is there any reason why PCP&C couldn't re-harness it to give me four PCIe on one rail, EPS + 24-pin ATX on another, and everything else on yet another? If they can't then what issues might I run into if I attempt to do this myself? I'd probably prefer to work outside the PSU with pin extractors/crimp tools and new pins. I recall performance-pcs.com being the only vendor authorized by PCP&C to do pre-sale harness customization (maintains warranty) but it looks like they don't even offer their products anymore.

I obviously don't need two EPS connectors and splitters are available if I ever do so I should be able to convert one to a couple PCIe connectors and share that under-utilized rail. A whole rail dedicated to 24-pin ATX also seems horribly under-utilized so I guess I should grab some 12v lines from there too though I'm not sure how to do that cleanly without splitting at the connector and having a connector with more total length than it should have.

 

[lehtv]

Where do you get the idea that PCP&C even offers a service like that? And if they do, it's probably going to be stupidly expensive to do, rather just buy a new unit.

 

[CZroe]

Where do you get the idea that PCP&C even offers a service like that? And if they do, it's probably going to be stupidly expensive to do, rather just buy a new unit.

It's well-known. Anand himself has talked about it. I've never heqard price mentioned in reference to walk-ins but it's also well known that you can have them customized before even ordering. Their guy will go on and on about how you shouldn't change the length of the cables yourself due to necessary adjustments to ensure correct voltage and what-not.

As for the expense: That's why I'm kicking myself for not doing it as a walk-in client when I still lived in San Diego.

 

[lehtv]

I guess you learn something new every day.

 

[nitromullet]

It's well-known. Anand himself has talked about it. I've never heqard price mentioned in reference to walk-ins but it's also well known that you can have them customized before even ordering. Their guy will go on and on about how you shouldn't change the length of the cables yourself due to necessary adjustments to ensure correct voltage and what-not.

As for the expense: That's why I'm kicking myself for not doing it as a walk-in client when I still lived in San Diego.

If that's the case, find out how much PCP&C will charge for the cable swap.

Shipping for these two PSU's won't be that much... I shipped a 1000W PSU to Corsair a few weeks ago via USPS and it cost me $22. Granted, Seattle is a tad bit closer to CA than Atlanta, and the PCP&C PSU might be a bit heavier. All the major shipping providers allow you print a label online, so you can easily enter the package info and destination to determine the shipping cost.

 

[Meghan54]

If I were you, OP, I'd probably investigate getting it rewired by PCP&C. But, consider the cost/benefit ratio. A new Gold rated power supply of decent quality, like a Silverstone Strider 1kw unit, is going for $160. 83A on the +12V rail. Vastly more powerful than the 68A yours is rated for....and it'd be new and more efficient.

That 68A output from that 1kw ps of yours is more akin to a modern design rated at 800W.