Week 4

Hello again everyone!

Chapter 7 of the assigned reading this week talked about computer Power Supplies, and how to diagnose dead units, remove old ones, and install new ones. One of the statements in the reading that I wanted to comment on was the following: 

“Modular cables are cool! You add only the lines you need for your system. On the other hand, some techs claim that modular cables hurt efficiency because the modular connectors add resistance to the lines. You make the choice: Is a slight reduction in efficiency worth a clean look?” (Meyers, 2022, p. 269)

I think the one thing they didn’t mention that leads me to side with Modular power supplies is the ease of replacement when it does come down to it. (So long as you use a modular PSU from the same brand using the same types of cables as the one you’re replacing). With those types of modular PSUs, it’s very close to a drop-in replacement, since you don’t have to undo any cables connected to the motherboard or any components, and you can keep your existing cable management in place.
For instance, this weekend I replaced my ageing PSU with a new one from Corsair which both used their type 4 cables, so I was able to undo all the connections on the front/back of the PSU, undo the screws, drop the new one in, and plug all the cables into the new PSU.

A close up of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Out with the old, and in with the new.

 (Please ignore the tape holding the two radiators together, I couldn't find a better way to attach two radiators together without screwing straight through the fins. Neither picture does the case justice, but it is a rack mount case and the only air intake is on the front with no other location to mount a second radiator. I do have little pieces of 12 awg romex in all the screw holes of both radiators providing horizontal 'shearing' support, so the tape is more there to prevent the two radiators from coming apart and to ensure proper airflow channeling between the two. If anyone is able to suggest a solution that works better, I am all ears. I had considerred moving to air cooling, but the NH-D15 that I have doesn't fit in this case (it's too tall) and this method seems to be providing great cooling so I'm not too concerned.)

 

Works Cited:

Meyers, M. (2022). CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eleventh Edition (Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102). McGraw Hill Professional.

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