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Question about Lenovo ThinkCentre M710t Power Supply Expansion

Question about Lenovo ThinkCentre M710t Power Supply Expansion

J
Jujute
Member
59
12-08-2023, 10:14 AM
#1
I own a Lenovo ThinkCentre M710t that I use for recording music using a Firewire audio interface. I need to connect my Firewire PCI-e card to the PSU via an LP4 cable, as the card supports this connection. The card is a Startech model (PEX1394B3). My problem is with the PSU in my machine—it's a very basic slimline unit without any extra ports for future upgrades. Can anyone tell me if the PSU I have (LITEON PA-2182-2) is a standard form and if I could find an upgrade for it? Also, is it possible to connect the Mobo power or CPU fan power to my FW card using a daisy chain, if such a cable exists? Thanks.
J
Jujute
12-08-2023, 10:14 AM #1

I own a Lenovo ThinkCentre M710t that I use for recording music using a Firewire audio interface. I need to connect my Firewire PCI-e card to the PSU via an LP4 cable, as the card supports this connection. The card is a Startech model (PEX1394B3). My problem is with the PSU in my machine—it's a very basic slimline unit without any extra ports for future upgrades. Can anyone tell me if the PSU I have (LITEON PA-2182-2) is a standard form and if I could find an upgrade for it? Also, is it possible to connect the Mobo power or CPU fan power to my FW card using a daisy chain, if such a cable exists? Thanks.

R
Royal_Sniper
Member
54
12-08-2023, 02:02 PM
#2
The PSU resembles a semi-modified TFX model, though it includes its own proprietary connectors and only the essentials needed for board connection—not an extra card with more power input. The motherboard features a breakaway design allowing storage/SATA drives to be powered from the rest of the unit. I wouldn't suggest attempting to reverse engineer the power output cables.

If you believe your whole system is replaceable, you can purchase this option:
https://www.moddiy.com/products/Ori...Pi...-40cm.html
then adapt the SATA end to fit a male Molex 1 (LP4, 4-pin, large drive power) connector and connect it to your PCIe card.
R
Royal_Sniper
12-08-2023, 02:02 PM #2

The PSU resembles a semi-modified TFX model, though it includes its own proprietary connectors and only the essentials needed for board connection—not an extra card with more power input. The motherboard features a breakaway design allowing storage/SATA drives to be powered from the rest of the unit. I wouldn't suggest attempting to reverse engineer the power output cables.

If you believe your whole system is replaceable, you can purchase this option:
https://www.moddiy.com/products/Ori...Pi...-40cm.html
then adapt the SATA end to fit a male Molex 1 (LP4, 4-pin, large drive power) connector and connect it to your PCIe card.

J
joonxs
Junior Member
9
12-09-2023, 02:50 AM
#3
For what it's worth, you're asking about the specific part you're considering replacing. It seems like you could replace it with a similar TFX unit, such as this one. The size and screw holes match closely to the existing one, and it even has a Molex connector, which is a plus. I'm wondering if you're correct in assuming an "LP4" connector is equivalent to a 4-pin Molex. The main concern is that the MB connector is 24 pins, while your board only accepts 10 pins, but there might be a converter cable that can handle it.
J
joonxs
12-09-2023, 02:50 AM #3

For what it's worth, you're asking about the specific part you're considering replacing. It seems like you could replace it with a similar TFX unit, such as this one. The size and screw holes match closely to the existing one, and it even has a Molex connector, which is a plus. I'm wondering if you're correct in assuming an "LP4" connector is equivalent to a 4-pin Molex. The main concern is that the MB connector is 24 pins, while your board only accepts 10 pins, but there might be a converter cable that can handle it.