Power supply, not enough connections, able to make more?

[Stiler]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I never had this problem until now.

I currently have an Antec Trupower 550w psu.

However I'm having a problem with not having enough connections for all the things I need (2x hd, dvd drive, various case fans, gpu, etc).

It simply doesn't have enough lines and especially now that I'm about to build a new computer I know I'll need more. Is there a way to add more connections to the psu or anything? Again, this is probably a stupid question so sorry.

[Danny Bui]

Just want to make sure: Which Truepower 550W do you have?:
A) http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=22551
B) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371002

If it's A, don't bother reusing the PSU. The Truepower 2.0 are pretty well known for dying under heavy loads, heat, after time, poor cooling or a combination of those factors. They were a poorly designed PSU unfortunately. Frankly, I would not trust one with a new PC. Unless you're a risk-taker, don't use reuse it.

If it's B, I'm very surprised that you could run out of connectors for it. Anyway, you can use this molex to SATA (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812123119) connector to add more SATA drives and this molex splitter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201006) to add more fans.

[TravisCHEN]

Just want to make sure: Which Truepower 550W do you have?:
A) http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=22551
B) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371002

If it's A, don't bother reusing the PSU. The Truepower 2.0 are pretty well known for dying under heavy loads, heat, after time, poor cooling or a combination of those factors. They were a poorly designed PSU unfortunately. Frankly, I would not trust one with a new PC. Unless you're a risk-taker, don't use reuse it.

If it's B, I'm very surprised that you could run out of connectors for it. Anyway, you can use this molex to SATA (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812123119) connector to add more SATA drives and this molex splitter (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812201006) to add more fans.
They were not poorly designed. The real problem with TP2 is the short-lived Fuhjyyu caps.
Of course using that unit without a re-capping is risking your PC.

[Stiler]

It is the 2.0 one.

I bought the psu on these forums years ago and it was actually modded a bit (sleeved wires, etc).

I've used it for going on 3-4'ish years or so now with no problems on the heating or issues like that.

Never heard of it having this poor quality until now, when I got it it was a generally well reviewed and reliable psu which is why I got it compared to many others.

I was hoping I could adapt more connections to do for my upcoming build, however will 550w be enough for a Quad core/9900 setup?

As far as the fuhjyyu caps go, how would I go about checking them/recapping it?

[TravisCHEN]

It is the 2.0 one.

I bought the psu on these forums years ago and it was actually modded a bit (sleeved wires, etc).

I've used it for going on 3-4'ish years or so now with no problems on the heating or issues like that.

Never heard of it having this poor quality until now, when I got it it was a generally well reviewed and reliable psu which is why I got it compared to many others.

I was hoping I could adapt more connections to do for my upcoming build, however will 550w be enough for a Quad core/9900 setup?

As far as the fuhjyyu caps go, how would I go about checking them/recapping it?
Oh JonnyGuru's website, Oklahoma Wolf had a demostration on how to replace bad caps with good ones. Be careful, don't mistake the polarity of electrolytic caps or they will blow up.

[Danny Bui]

Unfortunately back then PSUs weren't properly reviewed and tested. Also wattage isn't the major factor these days when it comes to picking out a PSU. Some links to read:



JonnyGURU's Power Supply FAQ (http://www.jonnyguru.com//forums/showthread.php?t=1036)
Hardware Secrets - Why 99% of All Power Supply Reviews Are Wrong (http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/410)

If the second link is a bit too technical: If the power supply review does not mention the use of an Automated Test Equipment, or ATE, and a proper test methodology, then that review should not be taken into consideration. A good example of a test methodology is [H]ard|OCP's methodology (http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTI4OSwsLGhlbnRodXNpYXN0).

Anyway, to check the caps, open up the PSU and look for any bulging caps. However considering the age of the PSU and that it may not have enough amps on the +12V rail for a Quad-core and 9900 setup, I do not think it's worth the effort to recap the PSU.