Question about PSUs (ATX motherboard header)

[SaiZo]

Ok, so I have a small system from an HP 3000. The original PSU is functional, but can't deliver enough power for the new graphics card in the system (GT320 1GB, from an HP/Compaq system).

The problem is that the motherboard header is smaller, still it has 24 connectors, same colors and so on. Now, I have an extra PSU even that was from the HP/Compaq system and was able to give power to the new graphics card.

Both PSUs have been without power for 1 year (the HP/Compaq) and the other has been without power for about a month.

What I was thinking was to take the entire wire harness from the HP 3000 and solder it either to the cables from the HP/Compaq systems PSU or directly to the PSU.

My question is: Should I continue or would I put my life in danger messing with the two PSUs?


EDIT: I can take picture if you want to see the different connectors, maybe there is some type of adapter I can purchase?

 

[RCoon]

Ghetto modding PSU's is something I personally wouldnt do. It's the one PC component I would screw with.

 

[SaiZo]

Ghetto modding PSU's is something I personally wouldnt do. It's the one PC component I would screw with.

Ok. I think I have to take a picture of the original PSU, it needs to give out atleast 300w.
The one right now - not that powerful.. I'll look around and see if I can find a solution (buy another, adapter etc.).

Yeah, the thought of getting shocked is not something I want directly..

 

[ne6togadno]

if you are exchaning only cables it shouldnt be problem as soon as you are ok with soldering on pcb. i myself wondnt even try it.
why you want to repace whole cabling. why you dont replace only 24 connectors. i think color coding of wires is standart so it wouldnt be problem to track what goes where.
if wire colors doesnt match you can use conector codding (24pin conector can be added in socet in one way only) to trace matching wires.

 

[SaiZo]

if you are exchaning only cables it shouldnt be problem as soon as you are ok with soldering on pcb. i myself wondnt even try it.
why you want to repace whole cabling. why you dont replace only 24 connectors. i think color coding of wires is standart so it wouldnt be problem to track what goes where.
if wire colors doesnt match you can use conector codding (24pin conector can be added in socet in one way only) to trace matching wires.

Ok, I think that option is the best one. I won't need to open the psu at all in that case.
And yes, all the colors are the same, same amount. It's just the connector that is smaller.

I'm starting to remove them as I write.



EDIT: Problem solved, I soldered the old connection to the "new" psu. Works perfectly!
However, I had to solder one wire at a time so they didn't get mixed up, was taking up all my free time..

Thanks everyone for the input!

EDIT: Here is a picture of the wire(s) attached to the better PSU (Red/Blue rectangle) and the moterhboard connector (red rectangle)

 

[ne6togadno]

Ok, I think that option is the best one. I won't need to open the psu at all in that case.
And yes, all the colors are the same, same amount. It's just the connector that is smaller.

I'm starting to remove them as I write.

dont forget to turn off pc first

edit:
make separate insulaton on every wire soldering. best will be if you have termo hose and hot air gun.

 

[RCoon]

if you are exchaning only cables it shouldnt be problem as soon as you are ok with soldering on pcb. i myself wondnt even try it.
why you want to repace whole cabling. why you dont replace only 24 connectors. i think color coding of wires is standart so it wouldnt be problem to track what goes where.
if wire colors doesnt match you can use conector codding (24pin conector can be added in socet in one way only) to trace matching wires.

This is a good idea, as most people do it to put on sleeving, so the only issue is if you put the cables back in the wrong place. Best of luck.

 

[drdeathx]

The answer is don't do it. Don't be cheap, buy the right hardware

 

[Aquinus]

The answer is don't do it. Don't be cheap, buy the right hardware

This. It might work, but the real question is, "do you want to take that chance?"