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So I eventually decided to use Thermaltake TR2 700 watt for my Silverstone SG08 Lite chassis. Due to the way SG08 places its PSU, and due to the PSU's IEC socket placement, the SG08's extended power cable will get bent too much, because the connector’s cable side becomes too close to the front panel.

The following picture illustrates my problem. The picture actually uses Zalman ZM600 LV as example, but with Thermaltake TR2 700, the problem becomes more severe.



I was thinking of rotating the Thermaltake TR2's IEC socket 180 degree, to flip the cable side around so it won't be very close to the front panel. So I unscrewed the PSU's IEC socket, pulled them out, and started rotating it. It was not easy, and even after I managed to rotate it, it was not easy to put the socket back either. And to be frank, I'm not sure how many inside cables I've twisted around in the process.

But then I suddenly realized I could made my custom extended power cable, by modding a cheap female IEC socket like this or this to reduce its depth, connecting it with a male IEC socket, then put the "custom" extended power cable between the PSU's IEC socket and the Silverstone SG08's extended power cable. That way, I won't need to bend the SG08's extended power cable too much, and I don't need to mess around with my PSU's IEC socket either.

So I, uh, turned the PSU's IEC socket back to its original position, and screwed it back to the PSU. Of course, it was after I twisted so many cables inside by turning the IEC socket 180 degree.

Then I tested the PSU using paper clip (the mobo is still on the way from ebay), and it appears to run normal. I have tested the PSU with the same method before I did the stupid thing, and I couldn't tell the difference.

But is there any chance that I've ruined something inside the PSU?

Hi, I'm not a power supply expert, but I don't think you would have ruined anything.

From hardwaresecret's teardown of that PSU:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermaltake-TR2-700-W-Power-Supply-Review/1422/3

The cables look pretty well fixed (soldered) onto the connections and if the unit ran when you test-started it, I don't see that you could have done too much damage.

Wren

Wren wrote:

Hi, I'm not a power supply expert, but I don't think you would have ruined anything.

From hardwaresecret's teardown of that PSU:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermaltake-TR2-700-W-Power-Supply-Review/1422/3

The cables look pretty well fixed (soldered) onto the connections and if the unit ran when you test-started it, I don't see that you could have done too much damage.

Wren

I see, thanks.

What kind of damage I could have possible done?

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/fullimag ... mage=40350

To be honest, my main concern would be if the caps on the soldered connections were loosened, but that's not likely as they are fixed. You might have weakened the solder on the wiring, which could lead to trouble (maybe shorting internally) but I don't think that will be a major concern if the unit functioned when you tested it, since bad connections there would flat-out prevent the unit from starting, and you would probably know if it shorted internally.

This is just what I think.. Would be good for someone who knows a bit more about power supplies to offer some advice though, I know a little, but more opinions are always good.

Wren wrote:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/fullimage.php?image=40350

To be honest, my main concern would be if the caps on the soldered connections were loosened, but that's not likely as they are fixed. You might have weakened the solder on the wiring, which could lead to trouble (maybe shorting internally) but I don't think that will be a major concern if the unit functioned when you tested it, since bad connections there would flat-out prevent the unit from starting, and you would probably know if it shorted internally.

This is just what I think.. Would be good for someone who knows a bit more about power supplies to offer some advice though, I know a little, but more opinions are always good.

Well I hope so, thanks again. There is a slight delay from turning on the PSU to the fan spinning, but the delay was already there before I did the stupid thing, so I don't think it's a problem.

No worries, I actually had a similar problem on a Seasonic G-series that I tried to fit into Bitfenix Prodigy with drive cage, well not really the same, but I had to bend and twist the native cables at some pretty cringey angles to make it fit (to the point when they were pulling on the internal connections as far as I could see). The unit works perfectly to this day

Anyway it should be fine provided you don't twist it again (which could weaken the solder more). Best of luck

Wren

Well... it is certainly possible that you've damaged/weakened some of the internal wires, but if the PSU still seems to work it is *probably* OK. Did you feel much physical resistance when you twisted the receptacle around?

I would at least verify that the earth connection (between the third prong of the power cord and the metal case) is still good (should be close to zero resistance). This is a safety issue!

Wren wrote:

No worries, I actually had a similar problem on a Seasonic G-series that I tried to fit into Bitfenix Prodigy with drive cage, well not really the same, but I had to bend and twist the native cables at some pretty cringey angles to make it fit (to the point when they were pulling on the internal connections as far as I could see). The unit works perfectly to this day

Anyway it should be fine provided you don't twist it again (which could weaken the solder more). Best of luck

Wren

Whoa.

just brew it! wrote:

Well... it is certainly possible that you've damaged/weakened some of the internal wires, but if the PSU still seems to work it is *probably* OK. Did you feel much physical resistance when you twisted the receptacle around?

I would at least verify that the earth connection (between the third prong of the power cord and the metal case) is still good (should be close to zero resistance). This is a safety issue!

Yes, quite strong physical resistance, but it feels like more of resistance due to the cables being bundled together. I didn't remember feeling any "snapping" sensation when turning the socket 180 degree.

In order to verify the earth connection,I have to open up the PSU, do I not? Which means voiding the warranty.

I was thinking more along the lines of checking it with an ohmmeter between the third prong of the plug and an exposed metal spot (like say the threads in one of the mounting screw holes).

You may have voided the warranty already, depending on whether anything got obviously bent out of shape during your little misadventure.

just brew it! wrote:

I was thinking more along the lines of checking it with an ohmmeter between the third prong of the plug and an exposed metal spot (like say the threads in one of the mounting screw holes).

I see, thanks!

just brew it! wrote:

You may have voided the warranty already, depending on whether anything got obviously bent out of shape during your little misadventure.