How to properly recognize and categorize PSU cables along with their corresponding power supplies.
How to properly recognize and categorize PSU cables along with their corresponding power supplies.
Hello there!
I have cables from three different brands of power supplies.
Cooler master, Antec/Seasonic and Corsair.
I know these cables aren't interchangeable, so I need to arrange them properly and match them with their compatible PSUs.
There are no labels on the cables.
How can I organize them safely?
Usually by employing a multimeter.
Link the cable to a power supply, verify all voltages on the output pins.
If the readings align with the connector's specifications, the cable should work with that PSU.
Reminder - one incorrect match will likely lead to damage to the hardware when the cable is used in a real computer.
You can begin with the clear form factor of the PSU end connector. If it doesn’t match, it’s likely not suitable. Next, verify the keying to ensure compatibility, though this isn’t a definitive proof as multiple vendors might use the same keying without matching pinouts. Once confirmed, proceed by powering up the supply, connecting the standby power pin to ground, and checking the voltages to the correct pins. As long as the other end isn’t linked to a PC hardware, there’s no risk involved.
First check if the PSU manufacturer as pinouts of their PSUs. As a freebie, here's
Corsair's
Then you have the fun task of checking which pin from the PSU side goes to which pin on the other side. You can use a continuity tester (either a standalone unit or as part of a multimeter's function) for this.
You can easily find pinouts for ATX 20/24-pin, EPS 12V, PCIe, 12VHPwr, SATA, and Molex 4-pin if you use it. As long as the voltage and ground go to the corresponding voltage and ground on the other side, it's fine. Though the 20/24-pin connector has a few pins that need to map to a specific pin, such as the PS_ON and sense pins.
I did this recently to check to make sure some custom cables I ordered were wired up correctly. I hope you have a weekend to do this because it's rather tedious.
EDIT:
An easier method if PSU manufacturers did this is check the physical connection on the PSU side. They may be keyed differently preventing one from being inserted into the "wrong" manufacturer's PSU.