Are modular PSU cables interchangeable between vendors?

marktwayne · Feb 4, 2018

Can I use a Molex modular power cable that I received with a Corsair unit? Hypothetically, if I used the wrong brand cable, what would happen?

Dark Lord of Tech · Feb 4, 2018

Not interchangeable can damage PSU and anything attached to it.\
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3635054/sata-power-psu-pcie-risers-burnout-issue.html

I answered it here ^

turkey3_scratch · Feb 4, 2018

No, modular cables are not interchangeable across units most of the times. Sometimes, for instance, different units of the same brand may have compatible modular cables, but most of the time it's a no. If you were to stick a modular connector in a PSU that's not compatible with it, the PSU should shut off from short circuit protection when it is turned on.

velocityg4 · Feb 4, 2018

The connectors on the PSU end have no set standard. While they may be physically identical. They may have a different pinout at the PSU. You'd have to use a multimeter to test the PCIe, Molex, EPS, &c cables. To make sure they are providing the correct voltage to the correct pin.

Once you figure out which pin provides which voltage. You should be able to rewire the connectors on the PSU side of the cable.

So, no you can't just use any brand of cable. Even the same brand may not work between lines or generations. If you know what you are doing. You can correct the wiring.

Dark Lord of Tech · Feb 4, 2018

MERGED QUESTION
Question from marktwayne : "SATA power from PSU to PCIE risers burnout issue."

marktwayne :

I have a mining rig with 6 RX 580's and a Thermaltake 1500 watt gold fully modular PSU. Three of the cards weren't starting, so while troubleshooting, I found that one of the SATA power cables between the PSU and the risers was burned and melted near the connection to the PSU. Obviously, something is causing too much power to be sent throught SATA power cables.

I figured that a bad riser might be the most likely cause, so I replace all my risers and the SATA power cable and boot up again. A few days later, the new SATA cable fries. This time the SATA cable is fused to the port in the PSU.

I'm not certain what port the SATA cable was inserted in the PSU before when it burned, so I could have put it in the same port--so it could be a bad port in the PSU. However, I did have a previous PSU fail on this system, so there could be another component that is causing these problems.

I have the miner running on 3 GPU's until I sort out this issue. I've considered switching to Molex between PSU and risers, and trying different PCIE 8-pin power cables. However, I'm finding that something burns and breaks anytime I try to troubleshooting so I want to be careful.

Edit ----- Sorry, don't answer this question here. I'll open another thread. I really don't want this thread focusing on a side question and not helping me with this main issue. -----
Side question: Are modular cables interchangeable between vendors? Can I use a Molex modular power cable that I received with a Corsair unit on my Thermaltake?
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3635070/modular-psu-cables-interchangeable-vendors.html

alexoiu · Feb 4, 2018

marktwayne :

Do you have a multimeter?

marktwayne · Feb 4, 2018

alexoiu :

No, I don't.

One of the reason I bring up this is because I purchased a PSU used and I have no way guarantee it was sent with the right modular cables.

alexoiu · Feb 4, 2018

Then try borrowing one, Connect the cable to the power supply, if similar connector, then check the voltages on the molex. The pinout should look like http://wiki.robotz.com/images/4/48/Four_Pin_Molex_Connector01.png
Some molex provide 12 V only, so you'd have to check if voltage ok and the polarity.

turkey3_scratch · Feb 4, 2018

If wires are color coded that makes it pretty simple.

alexoiu · Feb 4, 2018

Not necessarily. He'd have to check it.

USAFRet · Feb 4, 2018

If you do not already have a multimeter and know how to use it, working with modular cables from dissimilar PSU's is not where you want to start.

marktwayne · Feb 4, 2018

It is probably most likely that the proper cables were sent. I have no reason to be suspicious other than the PSU was purchased second hand. This is only a minor possibility. Sure, a multimeter might help. What else would cause the SATA power cables to burn out? I have Molex running to the last three cards now and they seem to be running fine for now.

devbiker · Feb 4, 2018

If in doubt, test the PSU and cables with the Dr Power II.
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Automated-Supply-Oversized-Supplies/dp/B005F778JO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517803542&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=thermaltake+psu+tester.
At $40, it isn't the cheapest but it does test for proper voltage on all rails and cable types. And it's cheaper than blowing stuff out.

marktwayne · Feb 4, 2018

I separated these two questions intentionally, but they were merged by a moderator. I think I'll have to ask the question once again and hopefully the moderator will have the wisdom this time not to muddy the issue because of an extremely unlikely scenario.

marktwayne · Feb 4, 2018

I don't want to hear anything about incompatibility between SATA cables unless you are reasonably sure that incompatible SATA power cables is hands-down the most likely reason that SATA power cables fry in systems built with second hand PSUs.

Please note. This was asked as a hypothetical question. I have no reason to think the wrong cables were sent. I am simply trying to figure out why SATA power cables are burning out on my PSU. These SATA power cables are powering four risers.

Also, I had a brand new PSU fail on this system a month or so ago. It is possible that the burned out cables and failed PSU could be related.

velocityg4 · Feb 5, 2018

marktwayne :

Wait are you trying to run 4 risers on one string of connectors? That is way too much load. Each riser can draw 5.5 amps. One of those lines is rated for a combined 11 amps. SATA connectors are designed for up to 4.5 amps.

Use risers which support 6 pin PCIe connectors or at least 4 pin molex. With no more than two risers per 4 pin molex string.

marktwayne · Feb 5, 2018

OK. That sounds sensible. I have two types of risers, one has Molex and the other has 6-pin. Both types came with SATA converters, so I was only using two strings of SATA to power all six card risers. I knew too much power was likely causing the SATA power to fry, but I had no idea SATA power connectors really don't have enough power to reliably power even one riser.

Now, I am running the first string of Molex to the first and second card risers, a second string of Molex to the third and fourth card risers, and one string of PCIE 6-pin to the fifth and sixth card risers. Thanks.

velocityg4 · Feb 5, 2018

marktwayne :

SATA power connectors have three 1.5A power pins for a combined 4.5A. Some cards won't go beyond that. Radeon cards like you use will max out the draw on the PCIe spec.

Also the adapters risers generally come with are very low quality. Every advice column on mining I've read say not to use them when mining because of melting/fire hazard. Those low quality adapters use a press fitting rather than a crimp fitting. It's thought the press fitting puts the wires too close together resulting in arcing between wires.

The crimp fitting are much better made. Instead of a mold injection. Each wire is clamped in. Ensuring proper division. Although less of a risk. You still can exceed the AMP rating of the SATA connector. When you use a PCIe riser. Your new setup with Molex 4-pin and PCIe 6 pin is much better. All PCIe would be ideal.

marktwayne · Feb 7, 2018

Thanks so much for your advice. The changes have made a huge difference. I can tell that my system is much more stable.

velocityg4 · Feb 7, 2018

Good to hear.

Are modular PSU cables interchangeable between vendors?

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