Extension cables question.

[CDdude55]

Kind of a newb question guys, but will using extension cables for my PSU's power cables alter the current in anyway that would potentially damage or degrade components?

Im planning on cleaning up my cables and ive heard in the past that you shouldn't use extension cables for very long because it can prevent clean and uninterrupted power from getting to your components.

Naturally i doubt that's true, but im still curious.

 

[mlee49]

Any chance you could use a surge protector instead? I wouldn't trust a 800W power supply on a extension cable.

One question though, is it a wimpy cable or manly?

 

[sneekypeet]

the only real issue I see is resistance. The longer the power has to travel, the more resistance it will get from point A to B. If you were to use a heavy gauge (outdoor orange kind) extension cord you would have less issue, but still there would be resistance.

 

[Peter1986C]

I think that CDdude means the internal power cables. Is that correct?

 

[CDdude55]

I think that CDdude means the internal power cables. Is that correct?

Yep, im talking about the internal power cables.

 

[sneekypeet]

lulz, sorry I just assumed power to the unit...same rule applies, but with the short lengths of cabling the numbers are less noticeable. It goes off the same lore that modular PSUs are inferior to wired PSUs. I run a 24-pin adapter in my rig, and it didn't change my OC ability or make my PC crash more often. If my PC crashes, its cause I raised the bar

Make sure the gauge of the adapters is the same or larger than your PSU wires. Thinner wires in the adapters will in essence make it the weak link/fuse.

 

[jsfitz54]

See this PSU mod at Mushkin web site: http://www.mu5hk1n3nh4nc3d.com/index.php?limitstart=2

 

[streetfighter 2]

Aight, electronics 101 stuff here.

AC travels much greater distances without as much transmission loss (aka power lost to transmission) compared to DC. DC can, potentially, travel as far as AC but the cables would need to be very thick (perhaps impossibly thick) compared to their AC counterparts; this is due to impedance.

The electricity running to your PSU from the wall is AC (probably 110VAC) and out of the PSU it is DC (which I know you know but I'm reiterating anyway ). The impedance of a properly made PSU extension cable with properly made contacts should be sufficiently low that transmission loss would be negligible in most (if not all) cases. In extreme cases the transmission loss might be substantial enough for stability issues to arise, perhaps due to exceeding the amperage rating of the extension cable.

tl;dr IMO, the transmission loss from a quality PSU extension cable (making good contact) should not be substantial enough to cause stability/component degradation except in the most extreme circumstances.

 

[CDdude55]

So which 8 pin CPU extension cables would you guys recommend me getting?(some of those aren't 8 pin extensions though):

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1295393...eld-keywords=8pin eps extension&tag=tec06d-20

 

[joeyck]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M802RG/?tag=tec06d-20

this should do

 

[travva]

these, sleeved and awesome in my experience. NZXT 9.84" 8Pin Motherboard Power Extension Cable ...

 

[CDdude55]

these, sleeved and awesome in my experience. NZXT 9.84" 8Pin Motherboard Power Extension Cable ...

Looks good!, i'll probably go with that

 

[MohawkAngel]

Look on e-bay for god sake 1.99$ including shipping from Hong kong lol

 

[NdMk2o1o]

these, sleeved and awesome in my experience. NZXT 9.84" 8Pin Motherboard Power Extension Cable ...

Can vouch for these, I have 2x6pin pcie extensions from NZXT and they look great, nice quality too.

 

[westom]

but will using extension cables for my PSU's power cables alter the current in anyway that would potentially damage or degrade components?

Low voltages are harmful to electric motors. Which is why utilities keep voltages so tightly controlled.

Low voltage is perfectly ideal for electronics. Normal voltage for any electronic appliance also means incandescent bulbs dim to 50% intensity. Low voltage created by long power cords is either more than sufficient. Or the electronic appliance powers itself off.

Problem with long power cords - human safety. Which is why wall receptacles are located every 12 feet. If a power cord is for anything but permanent power, then the extension cord must be replaced by wires as defined by the National Electrical code. Which is written by an organization whose purpose is human safety.

Separation between electronics and its supply creates major problems. To do that requires something called Kelvin connections. Your supply is not designed for Kelvin connections. Other problems also exist which is why utility power is provided in AC; not in DC.

 

[[H]@RD5TUFF]

Can vouch for these, I have 2x6pin pcie extensions from NZXT and they look great, nice quality too.

http://img.techpowerup.org/110119/SAM_1468.jpg

I too can say they work just fine.