uses for old psu parts

[Elitist]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Whilst we are on the topic of PSU mods., I recommend swapping the leads from old AT supplies into modern mission-critical ATX units because they are invariably of thicker gauge. It'll be necessary to double colour-code the 3.3V leads, however, as there weren't any orange leads on AT.

[Rainbow]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Some ATX PSUs (the better ones) have 16AWG wires, cheap ones have 20AWG.

[tiresias]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Some ATX PSUs (the better ones) have 16AWG wires, cheap ones have 20AWG.

Indeed. The Enermax units here have invariably 16AWG for all the high current-bearing lines. The Liteon-made SM one has 16AWG for almost every output cable. On the other hand, the cheaper ATX300-series Fortron uses 18AWG wire in the same places, while that atrocious "Codegen" device that destroyed of the parts in my cousin's computer used only 20AWG, and a measly 24AWG for the PSON, PG and such.

It is said that net (cable-free!) weight is often a gauge for a PSU's quality - I agree, and would add cable gauge as another.

[Chris1992]

Re: uses for old psu parts

A Bestec in my spare parts pile has 22AWG for the +12V P4 connector. 18AWG for the ATX 20-pin connector, and 18 for the molexes.

[Elitist]

Re: uses for old psu parts

I lost my WG measure decades ago and can't find the SWG to AWG conversion. Another confusing trick is to use fatter insulation, presumably to save copper, whereas, if the correct copper gauge is selected in the first place, iR drop and i2R heating should be so negligible that the insulation thickness becomes irrelevant.

[Rainbow]

Re: uses for old psu parts

My 200W DTK PTP-2007 (Macron Power OEM) has 16AWG everywhere.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Often the AWG is printed on the insulation, along with the brand name and safety agency info. One thing to be aware of is that, with the two most common (in the US anyway) wire types, UL 1007 and UL 1015, these use the same type of insulation, but the insulation wall is thinner with UL 1007. So you either have to read the printing on the insulation - got magnifier? - or look at the actual wire inside to see how heavy it is.

[Elitist]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Not sure where the EU is with cable labels. Seem to have mains cables (is this the third incarnation of colour coding changes?! black and red was just so intuitive till the bureaucrats started interfering!) and always have had coax labelled, but not regular multistrand.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: uses for old psu parts

If something isn't broken, government usually fixes it till it is.

[Elitist]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Took another look at some of my more recent PSUs. Some of them are clearly intended for world markets, have 240/110V switches, etc and a few have cabling marked in AWG (which tends not to be used outside the USA in other contexts). 20AWG seem common, but feels too thin to me! AT supplies were always much thicker, even on cheap clones.

[yanz]

Re: uses for old psu parts

Whilst we are on the topic of PSU mods., I recommend swapping the leads from old AT supplies into modern mission-critical ATX units because they are invariably of thicker gauge. It'll be necessary to double colour-code the 3.3V leads, however, as there weren't any orange leads on AT.

agree! i've done it many times before.. i found them usually 18 awg even 16 awg! my aibo's (LC) cable is of 20 awg. if you search for cable splitter (molex conector) in the shop you even get 22 awg!!

be careful with soldering them to the old holes, as sometimes it wouldn't fit and you'll need a drill. but be carefull!!

[Elitist]

Re: uses for old psu parts

You are correct. It's not just a question of drilling out the holes, but it's easy to overheat the solder, which can cause the tracks to lift from the pcb - especially on the cluster of earth (black) leads. A thermostatically controlled soldering iron would be ideal, if somewhat expensive!