Solved Power Supply Question

[Layback Bear]

Once you go modular you won't go back to a normal power supply.

Modular power supplies are addictive like SSD's.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I'm starting to use modular for the first time. In my present rig, I used a semi-modular Corsair PSU (HX750W). Only the 24 pin and the CPU power cables were hardwired in. The only advantages a fully modular PSU would have over a semi-modular PSU is you won't have to unsnake the 24 pin and CPU power cables should you ever have to replace the PSU under warranty and, if you want to custom sleeve all the cables (or, if insane like I am, custom make them), it's a lot easier. Also, according to Corsair, you will void the warranty if you don't use stock cables unmodified (legally, they have to prove the modifications are what caused the PSU to fail) but, in real life, you only return the PSU, not the cables, for warranty purposes so a fully modular PSU has more options for modification. Corsair also sells custom sleeved cables for some of its PSUs.

I just did some checking and the CX600 is non-modular. All the cables are hardwired to the PSU which can be a nightmare for installation, let alone cable management. The CX600M is semi-modular, is a bit cheaper (at NewEgg, anyway), will be much easier to install, and gets the same user review rating as the CX600, which is four out of five eggs. I would definitely choose the CX600M over the CX600 since it has far more flexibility than the CX600. Methinks you would be much happier with it.

 

[andrew129260]

I'm starting to use modular for the first time. In my present rig, I used a semi-modular Corsair PSU (HX750W). Only the 24 pin and the CPU power cables were hardwired in. The only advantages a fully modular PSU would have over a semi-modular PSU is you won't have to unsnake the 24 pin and CPU power cables should you ever have to replace the PSU under warranty and, if you want to custom sleeve all the cables (or, if insane like I am, custom make them), it's a lot easier. Also, according to Corsair, you will void the warranty if you don't use stock cables unmodified (legally, they have to prove the modifications are what caused the PSU to fail) but, in real life, you only return the PSU, not the cables, for warranty purposes so a fully modular PSU has more options for modification. Corsair also sells custom sleeved cables for some of its PSUs.

I just did some checking and the CX600 is non-modular. All the cables are hardwired to the PSU which can be a nightmare for installation, let alone cable management. The CX600M is semi-modular, is a bit cheaper (at NewEgg, anyway), will be much easier to install, and gets the same user review rating as the CX600, which is four out of five eggs. I would definitely choose the CX600M over the CX600 since it has far more flexibility than the CX600. Methinks you would be much happier with it.

Could not have said it better myself.

 

[bigmck]

Yes, I was referring to the CX600M. I was looking in my case and it looks like only the 24 pin and 4 pin cables are all that attach to the Motherboard. Then you have the power cords for the drives. That seems easy enough. I think I will try the install myself. There are a lot of wires, but most are not used. I will give it a try it this weekend. I will probably be offline for a couple of months. No, I will get the baby going. I really do appreciate all of your help.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I'm starting to use modular for the first time. In my present rig, I used a semi-modular Corsair PSU (HX750W). Only the 24 pin and the CPU power cables were hardwired in. The only advantages a fully modular PSU would have over a semi-modular PSU is you won't have to unsnake the 24 pin and CPU power cables should you ever have to replace the PSU under warranty and, if you want to custom sleeve all the cables (or, if insane like I am, custom make them), it's a lot easier. Also, according to Corsair, you will void the warranty if you don't use stock cables unmodified (legally, they have to prove the modifications are what caused the PSU to fail) but, in real life, you only return the PSU, not the cables, for warranty purposes so a fully modular PSU has more options for modification. Corsair also sells custom sleeved cables for some of its PSUs.

I just did some checking and the CX600 is non-modular. All the cables are hardwired to the PSU which can be a nightmare for installation, let alone cable management. The CX600M is semi-modular, is a bit cheaper (at NewEgg, anyway), will be much easier to install, and gets the same user review rating as the CX600, which is four out of five eggs. I would definitely choose the CX600M over the CX600 since it has far more flexibility than the CX600. Methinks you would be much happier with it.

Could not have said it better myself.

So you're agreeing I'm insane?

 

[andrew129260]

We both are!

:roflmao:

 

[Britton30]

Didja get a new PSU Jim?

 

[bigmck]

Didja get a new PSU Jim?

Yes, I just ordered the Corsair CX600M from Newegg. I have checked the dimensions and they fit, so I will have to wait 4 to 7 days for it to arrive. I am going to try the install myself. I feel like an adventure.

 

[Britton30]

Good choice. It may seen daunting especially if you have one that's not modular. Each connecter will fit in one place and are probably labeled. You should do well.

Hook it all up first to make sure it all works, then go back for cable management.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

It will be easier than you think. Just take pictures inside your case of all the connections and where they go before you pull the old PSU. When ready to pull the PSU and cables, put your computer where it is easy to ground it (I use an antistatic mat on top of my washing machine and ground it to a water pipe but you don't have to have an antistatic mat; just run a wire from the frame of the case to a ground of some kind). Before touching anything inside the case, touch the case itself to make sure you aren't harboring a fugitive electrostatic charge. Disconnect the old cables and remove the PSU. Put in the new one and connect the new cables. Don't feel you have to use every cable that comes with the PSU but don't be afraid to if you need to. Triple check all your connections against the photos you took. The cables on your new PSU will most likely look a bit different from the ones on the old one but don't let that bother you; it's the connectors on the cables that matter.

 

[bigmck]

I was hoping it would be in for this weekend, but I took the free shipping so it is probably coming by City Bus.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I was hoping it would be in for this weekend, but I took the free shipping so it is probably coming by City Bus.

City bus????? hope it is the front side one LOL!! good choice Jim (now I know your name) and yes I did tell you about the lack of disassembling of the machine to get it out before eh? as essenbe said to me just a while ago.

My HX 650 was semi but I didn't worry about taking the whole lot out or the one I have now (HX 1050) cos Corsair are just great little units mate.

John

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Meant to say this is your first hit get ready for the withdrawals when you have finished building this one the next will be inside your head already LOL!!

 

[Britton30]

Very true, my first PC project was replacing a PSU in a Compaq machine. Compaq first told me it wasn't user-replaceable, I got a different guy on the phone and was sent a new PSU and I didn't have to return the old one..

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

One caution about modular and semi-modular PSUs. The only standard for PSU cables is at the end where the cable connects to the destination (MOBO, HDD, ODD, etc.). The end that connects to the PSU varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. This can happen even within brands since most companies that sell PSUs have them made by other companies and slap their own labels on them. Corsair uses several manufacturers so cables that are compatible with one line of PSUs will not work with another. Reusing cables already installed in a computer will work only if replacing the PSU with one from the same line. For example, cables from an AX760 will work only with another AX760 or an AX860. You can't replace either the AX760 or AX860 with an AX760i or an AX860i since the latter two are made by a different manufacturer even though all four are sold by Corsair with the Corsair label on them. The cables may physically fit but they are connected differently.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

One caution about modular and semi-modular PSUs. The only standard for PSU cables is at the end where the cable connects to the destination (MOBO, HDD, ODD, etc.). The end that connects to the PSU varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. This can happen even within brands since most companies that sell PSUs have them made by other companies and slap their own labels on them. Corsair uses several manufacturers so cables that are compatible with one line of PSUs will not work with another. Reusing cables already installed in a computer will work only if replacing the PSU with one from the same line. For example, cables from an AX760 will work only with another AX760 or an AX860. You can't replace either the AX760 or AX860 with an AX760i or an AX860i since the latter two or made by a different manufacturer even though all four are sold by Corsair with the corsair label on them. The cables may physically fit but they are connected differently.

Good point Lady F

 

[bigmck]

I just looked on Newegg at my PSU and the price is $15 higher than when I purchased. I always knew that impulse buying was good.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Modular tends to be better to reduce clutter within the case, but the more important point for cable management is how easily you can hide the cables you do have to use. Some cases have a lot of free space behind the motherboard for that purpose and others don't. There is also something called "semi-modular" that you have to watch out for. And some PSUs have cables that are very stiff and hard to manipulate, so their modularity isn't a big help.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I just looked on Newegg at my PSU and the price is $15 higher than when I purchased. I always knew that impulse buying was good.

That certainly beats looking and finding it $15 lower than what you paid. And I wouldn't call it impulse buying; you certainly did your homework. Good on you!

 

[Britton30]

I just looked on Newegg at my PSU and the price is $15 higher than when I purchased. I always knew that impulse buying was good.

Now that's just wrong, I generally see lower prices after I buy.