Are PSU cables Interchangeable? A Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the sole power source for a computer system’s hardware and devices. PSUs differ from one PC to another due to varying motherboards with distinct socket pin configurations, voltage polarities, and power requirements.
Moreover, the PSU’s socket locks are positioned according to the connector size. Continue reading this article to know more!
Are PSU Cables Interchangeable?
Power supply units (PSUs) are of three types: modular, non-modular, and semi-modular. The power wires of a non-modular power supply cannot be interchanged. On the other hand, other types of PSUs’ power cables are interchangeable because they are detachable. However, you must keep the voltage polarity in mind.
If you don’t know what power cable you need, interchanging a PSU power cable can be dangerous. The reason for this is the pinout design of the PSU power lines. If you accidentally connect the wrong cable, your motherboard will fry, and your power supply (PSU)will be destroyed.
The power supply power cable links the power supply to the motherboard of your computer. As a result, it is the primary power source for your motherboard and the devices connected to it via data cables, such as SSDs, HDDs, keyboards, mice, and so on. This power supply cable also provides electricity to the GPU, CPU, and RAMs.
Semi-modular power supplies contain one or two cables with conventional connections attached, while the remaining cords can be connected to other types of power cables. At the same time, all power cables in modular power supply are simply changed by disconnecting them.
As a result, these two power supply units are more adaptable because they can be customised.
What Type of Cable Does a Power Supply Use?
PSU makes use of different types of cables. It draws power from the power source using only one cable. On the other hand, the other types of cables are used to power your computer system’s hardware. Note that every PSU cable is a power cable with a specific connector for connecting to specific hardware.
However, this hardware includes the motherboard, SSDs, HDDs, RAMs, CPU, GPU, and other components installed in your computer. The power supply cable is typically a long black cable outside the PC case. The power supply is typically connected via three pins on this cable. The AC outlet is connected to the other end of this cable.
Also, other cables used by a PSU are located inside the case of the computer. The one with the most significant power connector is linked to the motherboard. As a result, it serves as the primary power source for the CPU, RAMs, and other data cables connected to SSDs or HDDs. You can even turn on your computer system using this PSU power cable.
The second and larger PSU power cable(s) provide power to your PC’s graphics card or GPU. It differs depending on the graphics card, such as 4-pin, 6-pin, 8-pin, 12-pin, two 8-pin, and so on. Until you connect these PSU power cables, your computer will not boot and will display an error message on a blank screen.
Finally, there are MOLEX and AMP PSU power cables. They were typically found in older computer power supplies with IDE devices.
Are Modular Power Supply Cables Universal?
Another name for modular power supply units is Fully Modular PSU. Modular PSU cables are not all the same. This is so that each business can produce these power supply units according to its own unique process.
Modular power supplies are of different types. Sometimes, they even come with power cables. Because of how the connector manufacturers wired their cables, these power cables have the proper polarity for particular computer hardware. You risk losing your hardware if the lines are not compatible.
Sometimes, PSU power cables are mixed and matched, which frequently causes their computers’ hardware to burn out and cause damage. Because power cables have different arrangements of voltage polarity on their pins or wires, we will never advise you to mix and match power cables.
Read: New Motherboard Ethernet not Working (How To Fix)
Can you connect cables to Different PSUs?
Because each power cord has a unique pin configuration and polarity, you cannot use the cable from a different PSU. You risk damaging the PSU and gear by connecting a PSU power cable to a different power source. Therefore, it is not advised you to carry out this experiment.
However, you can use the power line from that power supply unit provided you own a PSU that is the same model made by the same business. In this method, there is a good chance that both power cords will be identical, and your computer system and its hardware won’t be at risk.
You should first get the identical power cable for your gear. In order to confirm that the line you are switching or replacing with another cable is the same, you must do a continuity test before turning on your computer. If even a single pin or wire is mismatched, you shouldn’t use it.
Using cords from a different PSU damages your computer’s motherboard, SSD, HDD, and other computer hardware. Furthermore, due to their pin configuration and polarity match, PSU power cords can only be used from the same manufacturer. You can avoid ever harming the computer hardware by doing this.
Cables used in PSU
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20/24-Pin Motherboard Cable
This is one of the most important not cables, it is the main connector for the PC’s motherboard. Though it is not the only connector your PC needs, it is the primary one in charge of giving the necessary voltage to your motherboard and other parts of your PC, which includes RAM, storage devices, etc.
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4/8-Pin CPU Connector
The CPU is one of the few components of your PC that need additional electricity in addition to the power supplied by your motherboard. The CPU connector is usually located near the CPU socket on your computer.
This connector may differ slightly depending on the machine. Lower-end PCs include a 4-pin socket on the motherboard, which should provide enough power for these lower-end CPUs. Instead, an 8-pin connector can be found on mid-range and high-end CPUs, providing ample power to practically every chip.
Others:
- 6/8-Pin PCI Express Cable (GPU Cable)
- SATA Cable
- Molex
Do all PSUs use a standard connector type?
Not all PSUs have the same standard connector type. They are not always compatible; even models from the same company
The best thing you could do is grab a multimeter and check the voltages on each pin to make sure you have the same voltages as the ones on an original cable if you already have cables from another power source and the connectors appear to fit.
What are the types of PSU Connector?
- 24-pin ATX. All power supplies have a large and bulky 24-pin ATX connector.
- 4-pin ATX12V. The 4-pin EPS12V connector provides 12V to the CPU via the motherboard.
- 6-pin PCIe. The 6-pin PCIe connector provides 12V to mid-range graphics cards. …
- Molex.
Final Thought
It is not advised to use cables from different power supply units. Every power supply manufacturer has their own configuration of voltage polarity on their pins and wires. Connecting cables from two separate power supplies can cause serious damage to your computer.