PSU power cables.....

[phill]

Now I don't know if this might sound completely stupid to most of you or not, but I was just wondering as there's been a fair amount of PSU chatter, that with your new PSU, do any one of you ever look at the cable thickness of your power cord??

I know it sounds a little mental (should do, it's me talking!!) but I've seen quite a few grades of different cable and I wondered if anyone else picked out a slightly thicker cable for their PC/PSU power cable?? I've seen as small as 0.75 to 1.5mm cables...

Just more of a does anyone look at that sort of thing or not really

 

[bonehead123]

IIRC, most standard PSU/PC cords use a 12gauge, 3 wire (pos, neg & grnd) set-up which, under normal circumstances, should be quite adequate given the average current draw of an average everyday consumer/small business rig. But remember, this only works if the length of the cord is less than 12ft or so from where it is plugged into the wall, anything longer would require the next larger size of copper wire inside (10ga) in order to maintain the voltage consistency needed for anything electronic....

Of course if you're running some super duper, overclocked high-end cpu & gpu that is water or LN2-cooled, along with a whole lot of other top-tier components, then perhaps you might need/want something larger, but you would need to add up all the various requirements to determine that correctly (do the math to be sure)....

Even at work, we have over 400 high-end, top-tier 3D CAD/CAM workstations, and they've all been running just fine for several years now with a standard power cord neveranottaproblemo

 

[robot zombie]

I never really considered it. I expect that even a 14g cord as short as that (think medium lamp cord) could handle feeding several PSU's. Your average 14g 15' extension cord with 3 outlets on the end will usually boast 10 or even 15 amps. And those are wimpy compared to the bog-standard PSU cord, which is shorter and thicker. I suppose if I got a PSU with a dinky power cord, I'd probably just fish out one of the dozen or so standard C13 cables I've got laying around.


I've only ever thought of it from an aesthetic viewpoint. I dream of a day when all of the wires plugging into the back of my PC are sheathed/braided. This is mostly possible... until you get to that power cord. It's hard to find nice sheathed cords with a C13 connector on one end.

 

[phill]

Yeah that's pretty much what I was thinking to be honest guys.. The only reason I asked is on some of my more powerful rigs that drink the juice I tend to put them on the bigger cables rather than the smaller ones.. Monitors and things like that go on the smallest so 0.75mm cable, but as you say, the weight of the cable if an extension cable can do with smaller cables, then a PC cable should be able to do the same

 

[oobymach]

Maximum cable thickness when running a pc over 750watts. I've heard horror stories of cables melting under stress, powerful psu's tend to come with heavier cable, make sure your surge protector also has thick cable and 15 amp rating.

Cable thickness makes a big difference, it means it can draw more power at higher amperage which is what you want if your pc is crossfire for example where you have high power draw.

 

[R-T-B]

If you are talking about the AC cord, most have a rated amperage printed on them, usually on the end.

If you aren't exceeding it you are fine. Most PCs are fine on a simple 10 amp cable, even on a 120V system.

 

[eidairaman1]

Now I don't know if this might sound completely stupid to most of you or not, but I was just wondering as there's been a fair amount of PSU chatter, that with your new PSU, do any one of you ever look at the cable thickness of your power cord??

I know it sounds a little mental (should do, it's me talking!!) but I've seen quite a few grades of different cable and I wondered if anyone else picked out a slightly thicker cable for their PC/PSU power cable?? I've seen as small as 0.75 to 1.5mm cables...

Just more of a does anyone look at that sort of thing or not really

If you get a psu that is Seasonic or Superflower OEM you shouldn't worry.

It's about current which produces heat, more current=more heat.

2 ways to combat heat, shorter length or Lower Gauge Number

16 American Wire gauge is going to handle current better than 20 and 12 will hsndle it better than 16 and 20.

 

[phill]

I believe that the Superflower OEM does cover some EVGA PSUs if I'm correct in thinking? So yes a few of those.

I've just been wondering if anyone else bothers with thicker mains cables that was all I've not yet noticed my mains cables glowing or giving off that much heat so I'm guessing they are just fine

 

[eidairaman1]

I believe that the Superflower OEM does cover some EVGA PSUs if I'm correct in thinking? So yes a few of those.

I've just been wondering if anyone else bothers with thicker mains cables that was all I've not yet noticed my mains cables glowing or giving off that much heat so I'm guessing they are just fine

Oh my power outlet cable for the psu is heavier gauge than post power supplies

 

[phill]

I think if I remember correctly, the cable is 1.5mm but that is I think 18AWG? (I think that's the correct wording on the cable it says...) Maybe a bit of a waste of time if the PSU is only 1200w I guess but..

I only really use the thicker cables for the higher wattage hardware such as my EVGA SR-2 build and such like. I don't tend to worry about it on the servers.. Maybe I should... lol

 

[basco]

i have a C19/C20 coupler on my antec 1200 oc but i bought it when quad sli and 1000watts was normal for a bencher

 

[eidairaman1]

I think if I remember correctly, the cable is 1.5mm but that is I think 18AWG? (I think that's the correct wording on the cable it says...) Maybe a bit of a waste of time if the PSU is only 1200w I guess but..

I only really use the thicker cables for the higher wattage hardware such as my EVGA SR-2 build and such like. I don't tend to worry about it on the servers.. Maybe I should... lol

What psu do you have?

 

[phill]

Smallest ones are the 650w G+ models from EVGA, the biggest unit I have is the 1600w T2 EVGA PSU

 

[Bill_Bright]

I know it sounds a little mental (should do, it's me talking!!) but I've seen quite a few grades of different cable and I wondered if anyone else picked out a slightly thicker cable for their PC/PSU power cable?? I've seen as small as 0.75 to 1.5mm cables...

What do you mean by "grade"?

You can't go by the thickness of the whole cable because a large percentage of that thickness is the insulation of the individual wires inside, and the surrounding insulation. And thicker insulation does NOT automatically mean better. That depends on materials used in that insulation. Different materials have different insulating values.

The current capability of the power cable is determined by the actual wires within the cable. As eidairaman1, once again, correctly noted, the gauge of the wires is what it is all about. Perhaps counter-intuitively, the smaller the gauge number, the larger and higher capacity of the wire.

The type and choice of insulation used may be based on several factors. It could just be cost. But it might also depend on how flexible the cable needs to be. Or how durable it needs to be, weather/sun resistant, etc.

Bottom line: a smaller diameter power cable does automatically suggest a lower "grade" or less current carrying capability.

 

[EarthDog]

do any one of you ever look at the cable thickness of your power cord??

No. Zero reason for me to do so...

With any quality PSU, there isn't a need to worry about the gauge of the wire. Hell, I recall using a smaller one on a KW PSU and it didn't even get warm (running 2 GTX 580s hard modded at the time). I get the science behind less current capability, etc, but this isn't a worry out of the box for a quality PSU, period.

 

[phill]

What do you mean by "grade"?

You can't go by the thickness of the whole cable because a large percentage of that thickness is the insulation of the individual wires inside, and the surrounding insulation. And thicker insulation does NOT automatically mean better. That depends on materials used in that insulation. Different materials have different insulating values.

The current capability of the power cable is determined by the actual wires within the cable. As eidairaman1, once again, correctly noted, the gauge of the wires is what it is all about. Perhaps counter-intuitively, the smaller the gauge number, the larger and higher capacity of the wire.

The type and choice of insulation used may be based on several factors. It could just be cost. But it might also depend on how flexible the cable needs to be. Or how durable it needs to be, weather/sun resistant, etc.

Bottom line: a smaller diameter power cable does automatically suggest a lower "grade" or less current carrying capability.

Grade meaning the grade of the wire (not quality, just thickness of the cable used ) Apologies it's just my English and very bad English at explaining it As mentioned, I've seen and use cables with 0.75mm, 1mm and 1.5mm core thickness, this is what I'm trying to say (apologies.. words are never my strong point )

No. Zero reason for me to do so...

With any quality PSU, there isn't a need to worry about the gauge of the wire. Hell, I recall using a smaller one on a KW PSU and it didn't even get warm (running 2 GTX 580s hard modded at the time). I get the science behind less current capability, etc, but this isn't a worry out of the box for a quality PSU, period.

I figured not to be honest, I just wondered if anyone else had the same opinion or different experience It's what I like to call, a fact finding mission for me

 

[Bill_Bright]

Grade meaning the grade of the wire (not quality, just thickness of the cable used ) Apologies it's just my English and very bad English at explaining it As mentioned, I've seen and use cables with 0.75mm, 1mm and 1.5mm core thickness, this is what I'm trying to say (apologies.. words are never my strong point )

Even with wires themselves, thickness is not the only factor the determines the current carrying capability. But if everything else is equal, the larger the wire diameter, the more current it will carry.

That said, assuming the PSU is not a counterfeit, if sold in the US, Canada, UK, or the EU, it (including its power cable) must comply with all the safety regulations of those jurisdictions. And since it would be an expensive, logistics nightmare for PSU makers to have power cables made to handle the current requirements of all the sizes of supplies they make - they don't. In fact, it is highly unlikely PSU makers even make their own power cables - so they don't.

They outsource that and provide a one-size-fits-all power cable that is designed to support the largest PSU out there.

So I'm with EarthDog on this. IMO, there is no need to look at the size of those cables. I will, however, look at the connectors to make sure they are not damaged or the insulation is not cracked.

If I'm being honest, all those cables end up in the same storage bin here. So I might grab a cable that originally came with a monitor, or some other device - paying more attention to the length of the cable, rather than the gauge.

 

[R-T-B]

They outsource that and provide a one-size-fits-all power cable that is designed to support the largest PSU out there.

At least with Seasonic and EVGA, I have seen all kinds of issued cables depending on wattage. Most common issued types are 10 amp on low end, 13 amp for 700W+, and 15 amp for big crazy psus.

So no, it is not that simple for everyone.

 

[Grog6]

I recommend these:

https://www.iceageaudio.com/silver-silver.html

Using pure silver wire and connectors will assure you of the maximum effort for your overclock.

EDIT: as asked, This is a Joke, but since they sell these, I'm not sure who it's on.

 

[Deleted member 185158]

I recommend these:

https://www.iceageaudio.com/silver-silver.html

Using pure silver wire and connectors will assure you of the maximum effort for your overclock.

LOL!!

YES!!!!

comes to TPU sees awesome power cord. Installs on 550w bronze powering 3900X and 2080ti.... like it's going to make a difference.
edit: please say you where kidding so I'm not being a jerk......

 

[phill]

I recommend these:

https://www.iceageaudio.com/silver-silver.html

Using pure silver wire and connectors will assure you of the maximum effort for your overclock.

They look ok but they aren't going to fit my plugs here!! lol

Still it was more of a fact finding thread and I got my answer as no one seems to worry about it Was just interested in finding that out

 

[R-T-B]

I recommend these:

https://www.iceageaudio.com/silver-silver.html

Using pure silver wire and connectors will assure you of the maximum effort for your overclock.

Go away silverman. Platinum is where it's at! You can tell by the pricing!

 

[biffzinker]

Just checked my ac cord plugged into the EVGA 850 BQ. 16AWGX3C, and rated for 105°C

 

[R-T-B]

Just checked the ac cord supplied with the EVGA 850 BQ, 16AWGX3C rated for 105°C.

The more important point if not wanting to do length math is the amperage andor wattage, usually found on the end. Here is my 13Amp that came with my EVGA T2 850W, can't really see it but you get the idea:

Some put it on the other end.

 

[phill]

Thanks guys for your input