Old server PSUs - Uses

[tmcw]

I got an old (2001) server PSU the other day, a Dell branded NPS-330CB-B. Looks to be well-built, Rubycon and Nichicon caps inside (no signs of bulging), nice big heatsinks, just feels like a well built unit. Has "Newton Power Ltd" printed on one of the boards inside.

In addition to a load of molex connectors, it also has a 16-pin and 24-pin what I presume are motherboard connectors, but it doesn't have the usual green wire I would expect for power on. Is there a way to force the power to switch on to see if the output voltages are ok? Also, are the connectors likely to be propriety, and maybe not work (or damage) a regular motherboard without modification?

Finally, I don't run servers, and unlikely to; am I likely to find a good use for the PSU if it does work fully, or will it only be good for parts perhaps? Doing a bit of googling I can see some radio control groups seem to use these as battery chargers, but are there any other uses for them?

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Old server PSUs - Uses

That is made by Newton Power, which is a division of Delta Products. You may be able to get some info on it if you try their tech support by e-mail.

[momaka]

Re: Old server PSUs - Uses

Also, are the connectors likely to be propriety, and maybe not work (or damage) a regular motherboard without modification?

I don't have experience with this PSU, so I can't say for sure. Best way would be to open it and trace the wires to the PSU board to see which rail is on which wire, then compare the wires on the motherboard connector of this PSU and a standard ATX PSU.

am I likely to find a good use for the PSU if it does work fully, or will it only be good for parts perhaps?

If all of the required/standard ATX voltages are there, then you could probably just rewire it and use it as a standard ATX PSU.

Pictures may help.

[c_hegge]

Re: Old server PSUs - Uses

^
I did that to an NMB 460W PSU I have. It is an excellent PSU, with entirely NCC caps, and it weighs a ton, but the ATX connector pinout wasn't standard. After a bit of re-arranging the pins (and splicing a couple of wires), it's an excellent standard PSU (albeit a bit loud)