Is the 620W power cable suitable for an 850W PSU?
Is the 620W power cable suitable for an 850W PSU?
My understanding of power supplies is still limited, so please accept this as a straightforward and possibly simple question. Can I safely connect my Seasonic M12II 620w bronze Evo edition PSU's power cable to your 1stplayer NGDP 850w gold PSU without any problems? I and my cousin swapped the power cables by mistake after he visited. By the time I noticed it was incorrect, it was too late since he had already arrived home and lives an hour away. I need to start using my computer immediately because I have urgent tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. If this helps, considering both cables share the same 3-pin connector and have identical wire thickness, and both are labeled "100-240 VAC" at the plug area, it might be acceptable.
Hey there,
The short answer is no. You must never connect cables from one PSU to another. It's a recipe for disaster.
Only use the cables that come with the PSU. That's the rule.
Edit: Did you mean the power cord or the internal wires? Either way, it's not safe. Just get the correct cable back. All you can do.
I meant power cord SORRY, please check the "power cable" in the first paragraph. It has an Imgur link of the power cord I'm referring to. And comparing the power cord on the Imgur image with my 850W power cord, they appear identical—same 3-pin hole and same cable thickness.
The Seasonic is an older PSU. Is the other one brand new or even just a few years old? If so, I wouldn't. The connections likely won't match up.
But I guess you'll probably give it a shot no matter how many times I tell you not to.
😉
Eh?
Across this side of the Atlantic, we'd refer to it as a power cable or an IEC mains connection, which is exactly what you described at first. Inspect your cousin's power cable or cord that he left behind. Look for tiny letters engraved on the flat part of the end that fits into the back of the ATX PSU (or possibly the opposite end that connects to the wall outlet). If it's a molded connector, the cable's own rating should be visible on the plug, not the PSU's specification.
On the IEC connector in front of you, it indicates 10A at 250V (your mains supply is 240V AC 50Hz). If you're in the United States, the label might show 10A at 120V, 16A at 120V, or 10A at 250V. Compare these values.
If it states 10A at 120V, the maximum power output is 1,200W (1.2kW). For a 16A 120V cable, the limit would be 1,920W (1.9kW). A 10A 250V cable allows up to 2,500W (2.5kW). Your PSU typically has a maximum output of 850W, but it will draw about 10% more if operating at full load. Adding 10% brings it to roughly 935W, which is well under the 1,200W capacity of a 10A 120V cable.
Your cousin's power supply also has a max rating of 620W, and it will draw slightly more if running flat. Adding 10% gives around 682W, still far below the 1,200W limit of a 10A 120V cable.
It’s worth noting whether mains power cords are truly interchangeable. If they are, you can safely exchange them. Just ask your cousin to note the rating of the other connector and compare. As long as both connectors meet a minimum current rating of 10A, you’re safe. The voltage difference between 120V and 250V doesn’t affect the cable’s performance as long as it operates within its limits.
I’m an electronics design engineer with a university degree in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, along with many years of practical experience. Simply connect your cousin’s mains cable into your computer’s PSU and you’re good to go.