Author Topic: Power supply... not enough plugs? (Read 310 times)

Krusty · « **on:** September 24, 2005, 01:46:17 PM »

Hi all. When I upgraded my PC I had to get a new PSU, so I got a 425W unit that is pretty good. The volts in my ASUS probe application are very steady and it gets the job done.

However, I've got a problem with it. It only comes with 1 4-pin square unit (What is that? +5v?) for the P4 processor, and if I upgrade to a better vid card later I will need another one of these for the vid card.

Also related to that, It has only 4 4-pin normal power units (these are what, +6? I don't know -- the type for hard drives) so by the time I have my CD burner, DVD ROM, and 2 HDs plugged in I have no more power plugs. My zip drive is just sitting there unpowered, and I still have 2 more bays left for future drives, and I might want more HDs later.

So the question is: How do you add plugs to an existing PSU. CAN you add them, safely? Is it just a matter of splicing onto existing cables? How does this affect a HD if you splice its power supply? How much can you siphon off before you don't have enough on the lines to run things?

All I know is that my PSU is running steady and seems capable of more, and that I don't have enough plugs coming out of the PSU to do what I want.

Delirium · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2005, 02:07:42 PM »

I added extensions onto mine, splitting the line...

I put my 2 HDs and the front 2 fans on one line and I put the CD-Rom, the external temp meter, the vid card and the rest of the lighted fans on the other in an attempt to share the load as much as possible.

I'm hardly the computer guru or anything, however...

Krusty · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2005, 04:05:11 PM »

Do they sell splicing kits or anything? Where do I get the "plugs" to splice into the lines?

38ruk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2005, 09:21:00 PM »

When i got my X800 it came with a 2 to 1 adapter the can be used to make one plug into two . Although they recommend the card to be on its own seperate chain (which mine is ) , so im not sure if it would be starved for power or not 38

OOZ662 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2005, 10:51:07 PM »

I've never heard of a card needing a 2x2 connecter, only 4x1s. I'm guessing you can buy splitters for any cable; look them up on Newegg.

Roscoroo · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2005, 11:38:24 PM »

Krusty email me ur addy and i'll send ya an extension plug .

i know i have 2 or 3 spares laying around .

ive only got the flat 4 pins 12/5 volt (hard drive/ cdrom type ) i dont have any 4 pin (p-4) square add ons though u shouldnt need one . and ive got a few sata drive add power plugs too.

<--- my name @hotmail.com