Behold My Antec Surgery!!!

[Virgorising]

Hi.

While posting in another thread of mine, I became moved to put up images of a little Antec surgery I did AD HOC, a while back when I was upgrading the PSU in the desktop I just moved up from to the one I am on now.

Know that the system in question is still in perfect shape in every way (I got greedy for more speed).
Am moved to this too, because of an offering in my thread wherein I sought input on moving to SSD,s wherein someone suggested, in my deliberate journey to clarity in the SSD thing, I was NOT BEING BOLD. :sneaky:

Truth is, I am deliberate when that is right for me, and bold (and creative/inventive) when THAT is right for me. And I am the arbiter in all of it, and everyone should be that for themselves.

So, I found a lovely new Antec online for amazing price, largely, cause it was not modular. It arrived, with infinite leads, esp the tall SATA plugs. I could ever have used those anyway, because of the configuration of the bays in that system, I could not have closed the box.

But, I first installed it as it was. It worked perfectly. Then, even after trying to bundle the bazillion leads, I got, leaving the useless ones was stupid. I knew first time I installed it, the unit was clearly healthy, so voiding the little warranty with what I immediately decided to do was moot.

I then took a pic with the intact unit as I first installed it in the box, with all its useless leads. After I pulled it, I took a pic of it alone.

Then, I did the surgery (very fun!) and took a pic of what I had removed….doesn’t look like much but boy, what a difference it made.

I sealed the new nubs on the unit with liquid electrical tape and let that dry.

I then reinstalled the surgerized unit and took a pic of it in the box before doing the tiny little bundling I had to do with what remained.

Were friends horrified when I told them what I planned to do? U bet. One guy said, “Noooooo! You will elecrocute yrself!" I said, “I have decided to do this NOT standing in a bucket of water with the system plugged it, so RELAX.”()
Here we go…..

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

Or you could have just got a modular power supply, with plug in leads.

 

[Virgorising]

Or you could have just got a modular power supply, with plug in leads.

As SAID IN MY POST (Pls GO BACK AND READ)....I got the Antec for an amazing price cause it was not modular.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

As SAID IN MY POST....I got the Antec for an amzing price cause it was not modular.

Until you want to plug something else into your computer, or it breaks and needs more leads. Etc Etc.

I know you said "modular", but I am hinting that I think you bought a 2 door car, and used a welder to remove 2 door panels to make it into a 4 door car.

I am saying, just buy a 4 door car in the first place.

 

[Virgorising]

Until you want to plug something else into your computer, or it breaks and needs more leads. Etc Etc.

I know you said "modular", but I am hinting that I think you bought a 2 door car, and used a welder to remove 2 door panels to make it into a 4 door car.

I am saying, just buy a 4 door car in the first place.

I anticipated the obvious---all the contingencies you listed--- going in. I never regretted doing this. Not ever.

And, you may be a dogmatic by the book human, and that may work for you. I am not, and that works for me. I was my usual creative self, saved a ton, had uber fun.... and to this day, it's all good, still makes me smile.

I and my BF, and for the same reasons, are besotted by the cable show COUNTING CARS.

The most dynamic, brilliant, automotively creative guys ever; more than restoring classic vehicles to stock, they customize off the hook. They break every rule that ever was. And boy....the results are breathtaking. Not to mention the big bucks they get for their finished products.
My little ‘parade’ had batons and marching bands. That you can only try to rain on it (impossible), I think, is sad.

But also not unexpected. I have bets riding on this.()

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

I anticipated the obvious going in. I never regretting doing this.

And, you may be a by the book human. I am not. I was my usual creative self, saved a ton and to this day, it's all good, still makes me smile.

I and my BF, and for the same reasons, are besotted by the cable show COUNTING CARS.

The most dynamic, brilliant, automotively creative guys ever; more than restoring classic vehicles to stock, they customize off the hook. They break ever rule that ever was. And boy....the results are breathtaking. Not to mention the big bucks they get for their finished products.
My little ‘parade’ had batons and marching bands. That you can only try to rain on it (impossible), I think, is sad.

But also not unexpected. I have bets riding on this.()

An alternatively creative solution is to use tie-wraps (or similar) to make the 'fixed' leads into neat bundles, and tie them in a way which is relatively out of the way, and maximises cooling air-flows.
Then you have the option of cutting the cable ties later, if you need to upgrade/expand/change/repair/mess with the computer later.

But there are millions and billions of creative solutions to most/all problems, if not more.

 

[Virgorising]

An alternatively creative solution is to use tie-wraps (or similar) to make the 'fixed' leads into neat bundles, and tie them in a way which is relatively out of the way, and maximises cooling air-flows.
Then you have the option of cutting the cable ties later, if you need to upgrade/expand/change/repair/mess with the computer later.

OF COURSE I BUNDLED after first installation! The need to bundle is a given, yes? I just did not take a pic of after I bundled, is all.

And another given, maintaining the best thermal flow possible is always a goal.

Edit: I happily agree: solutions to all things for anyone creative.....are infinite, and so FABULOUS. Centers on not being a salve to anything doctrinaire or orthodox. Proust said it best (tho this is not verbatim): The object of the journey is not to visit new horizons, but rather to see the existing ones with NEW EYES.

 

[crashtech]

The surgeries I perform to PSUs invariably involve a soldering iron, so these minor amputations do not cause me to bat an eye.

 

[Virgorising]

The surgeries I perform to PSUs invariably involve a soldering iron, so these minor amputations do not cause me to bat an eye.

Impressive. But I felt YOU were above making something like this into contest.

I will also add, within my milieu, it generated eye batting of all species. It was interesting.

Edit: I apologize. I am tired, I should have know better.....you were really saying, I now think...this ain't big deal in some bad way.....some terrible stupid abrogation of anything that matters. As others here, moved to happy parade raining on....did.

SORRY. And, I am leaving my misunderstanding/unwitting insult up rather than deleting it. Cause it's honest to do so. I was tired, I did very undeserved to you wrong, and then I said heartfelt sorry.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

I should also point out that big switched mode power supplies (with HUGE output current potential) 'can' be a fire risk. So by cutting the leads off, and 'possibly' successfully insulating the leads (or creating a future shorting hazard, maybe), with liquid insulator. Could be risking your premises catching fire, depending on the success of any over voltage/current/temperature protection, in your power supply, and the nature of the remaining severed output leads.
Liquid insulator can be a major fire risk, but that may only apply 'before' it has dried, I am NOT sure.
But maybe you can find a creative way of escaping the fire ?

 

[crashtech]

I plead nolo contendere, wishing only to make a semi-whimsical commentary on your laudable efforts.

When truncating or splicing wires in the tradition in which I was schooled, it is customary to stagger each cut about 13mm or so (more when splicing), insulating each end or splice separately, and then in a bundle, such that would be extremely unlikely they would ever contact themselves or anything else, even if one layer of insulation was to fail.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

When truncating or splicing wires in the tradition in which I was schooled, it is customary to stagger each cut about 13mm or so (more when splicing), insulating each end or splice separately, and then in a bundle, such that would be extremely unlikely they would ever contact themselves or anything else, even if one layer of insulation was to fail.

That's almost exactly what I do (more like a staggering separation of 20mm+ with me, and I like to use heat shrink where easily possible, for strength/reliability and hopefully safety).

Putting some liquid insulation, over some almost shorting out wires, from a VERY high current source (computer switched mode power supply), sounds worrying to me.

 

[Deders]

Were friends horrified when I told them what I planned to do? U bet. One guy said, “Noooooo! You will elecrocute yrself!" I said, “I have decided to do this NOT standing in a bucket of water with the system plugged it, so RELAX.”()

Well done on the customisation, I know how proud this can make people feel.

Your friends were right to caution you as PSU's, like old TV's, have components that store electricity for months with enough of a charge to kill if you touch them.

 

[Virgorising]

I should also point out that big switched mode power supplies (with HUGE output current potential) 'can' be a fire risk. So by cutting the leads off, and 'possibly' successfully insulating the leads (or creating a future shorting hazard, maybe), with liquid insulator. Could be risking your premises catching fire, depending on the success of any over voltage/current/temperature protection, in your power supply, and the nature of the remaining severed output leads.
Liquid insulator can be a major fire risk, but that may only apply 'before' it has dried, I am NOT sure.
But maybe you can find a creative way of escaping the fire ?

Hi.

I appreciate your offering of cautionary data.

The unit is only 430W, far more than the integrated video system needs; had I known more at the time, I would not have been moved to this upgrade to begin with.

The system powered by this Antec has been functioning perfectly in the total silence, Optis are famous for, for over 4 years (It was not new when I bought it) and, I am convinced, in the rare times I will use it, having now moved up, it will continue to.

I pay attention in all endeavors. Not having much experience in this or that does not mean I am a dilettante. I have Virgo Rising. So, trust me, I applied the liquid electrical tape meticulously.

Next, someone will post, the unit is in subjective if inaudible pain and resurrect the imagined anguish in Silence of the Lambs.:sneaky:

Being inventive and creatively adventurous need not mean someone is reckless or a loose canon.

 

[Virgorising]

Well done on the customisation, I know how proud this can make people feel.

Your friends were right to caution you as PSU's, like old TV's, have components that store electricity for months with enough of a charge to kill if you touch them.

Thanks so much! Esp in light of some of the shameful, sad responses here and what those are always emblematic of.

I do the same in all of life. When, serendipitously, I started growing orchids in my apartment, I read the basics, and then just started inventing things.

I had no clue what I was trying to accomplish was considered impossible. Until, that is, two AOS (American Orchid Society) judges I met at the NY Show, came by and were stunned. Then, I started writing for their now 100 year old international periodical of record.

Re my friends...I know. I got a kick out of it, because here I am, little me (only outside), with a closet filled with hand and power tools (I've designed and built all the custom cabinetry in my kitchen and a 9 foot wall system in the livingroom and also did all the veneering on every door, bookmatched. I let my adorable friends on our Staff deal with plumbing. I despise plumbing. THEY, get the biggest kick of all our of the stuff I do......also lend me any tools I need and not not have.

The friend who was convinced I would end up a small pile of cinders, can not rewire a lamp, forget a wall switch. :sneaky: And, guess who he texts to run over the second I can when his computer gets sick? pls know, when I cut the leads after I removed the unit I had just installed, to do the surgery, I used spring loaded, razor sharp snips with insulated handles.

It's all a great adventure!!!!

Clearly, here within this community, there are humans with far more experience than I in the more complex and esoteric aspects of THIS technology, and far more knowledge. I love that!!!!! All excellence thrills me.

 

[Virgorising]

That's almost exactly what I do (more like a staggering separation of 20mm+ with me, and I like to use heat shrink where easily possible, for strength/reliability and hopefully safety).

Putting some liquid insulation, over some almost shorting out wires, from a VERY high current source (computer switched mode power supply), sounds worrying to me.

Wow. Well I covered the ends of the nubs individually. And that, I think was 4 years ago, and everything is as it was. Their normal insulation is intact.

I am not clear why you say "almost shorting out"???? But I want to know. by the way, I cut the leads very close to the unit. It's not as if they could ever meander around, and even if the center copper was exposed (it isn't)...make contact with something and short anything out.

You do get, after first installing it with all the leads, I then pulled it and did the surgery, right? Please tell me what Heat shrink is. Is it some pliable stuff one uses like wire nuts which shrinks to form a secure seal??? I never heard of heat shrink!!!!!!

 

[Virgorising]

I plead nolo contendere, wishing only to make a semi-whimsical commentary on your laudable efforts.

When truncating or splicing wires in the tradition in which I was schooled, it is customary to stagger each cut about 13mm or so (more when splicing), insulating each end or splice separately, and then in a bundle, such that would be extremely unlikely they would ever contact themselves or anything else, even if one layer of insulation was to fail.

Only just caught this. YOU are such an intact, acute, nuanced class act in every way, I am still not over my having done, however briefly, what someone of your CALIBER should never, ever have to sustain.

I was tired and also in assault anticipation mode. I still hate myself for that.

Now, re the above.....before I caught it, I just actually addressed the issue YOU raise, in a post below (or above, I am sooo tired) which was a response to yours.

Again, I cut the nubs too close to the unit to bundle them. The leads in question, after all, are not like zip cord where in you strip the insulation to splice or wire a plug or a socket, etc.

But not only do I get what you delineated, I have watched electricians who work in my building installing new J boxes, bringing uber amperage into a unit, and all related things, employ the clearly pragmatic and intelligent strategy you share....forget, at warpspeed.

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

I am not clear why you say "almost shorting out"????

If (assuming a worst case situation) you had clumsily cut the (original) wires with a terrible, blunt set of cutters, leaving a mushy mish mash of crushed plastic, split/crushed copper wire strands, all in a kind of fuzzy electrical fuzz buzz ball. Then the likely hood of it shorting out, would be ...
"almost shorting out"

Fortunately, what you described that you did, should improve the quality of the insulation etc, so I have a degree of confidence that it is not too bad.

Please tell me what Heat shrink is.

It basically is a sort of (usually Black, but can come in many colours) plastic/rubber like, flexible tubing (before assembly).
It comes in many different diameters.
It is similar, to what you get after you strip a single core copper wire (the plastic insulation bit).

The magic trick part (interesting/useful bit) is that you fit it over the electrical wires/connections/joint etc that you want to insulate. Then heat it with a hot air gun, and in a matter of seconds, it shrinks to something like 50% of its original size, and becomes very rigid (like a rather solid rubber like material).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat-shrink_tubing

 

[Virgorising]

If (assuming a worst case situation) you had clumsily cut the (original) wires with a terrible, blunt set of cutters, leaving a mushy mish mash of crushed plastic, split/crushed copper wire strands, all in a kind of fuzzy electrical fuzz buzz ball. Then the likely hood of it shorting out, would be ...
"almost shorting out"

Fortunately, what you described that you did, should improve the quality of the insulation etc, so I have a degree of confidence that it is not too bad.



It basically is a sort of (usually Black, but can come in many colours) plastic/rubber like, flexible tubing (before assembly).
It comes in many different diameters.
It is similar, to what you get after you strip a single core copper wire (the plastic insulation bit).

The magic trick part (interesting/useful bit) is that you fit it over the electrical wires/connections/joint etc that you want to insulate. Then heat it with a hot air gun, and in a matter of seconds, it shrinks to something like 50% of its original size, and becomes very rigid (like a rather solid rubber like material).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat-shrink_tubing

Ahah!!!!! Yes, I used razor sharp, spring loaded snips with insulated handles. And. I did two coats of the liquid electrical tape. I remember resenting the drying time.

And the gif you were amazing enough to upload.....is AWESOME. Oddly, this wondrous this stuff is almost as I pictured it, tho I pictured sheets, and for some reason, black, AND YOU Said IT IS MOSTLY BLACK!!!!! I assume a hair blower set on hi would serve, right? I have plenty of those, boy.

Wow! I had no clue re this stuff! I LIKE THIS STUFF. This is a real progression from the sort of electrical tape I use (have in in three colors)....wherein you stretch it, so in its old school way, it shrinks BACK when you wrap it.

But the DIAMETER of PSU lead wires is so tiny.....I felt the only way to go would be the liquid electrical tape, and I had a can.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

OK,
Don't through out your shoulder patting your self on the back. Now go over clocking it like you stool it!!!!

 

[Virgorising]

OK,
Don't through out your shoulder patting your self on the back. Now go over clocking it like you stool it!!!!

Seeing this, I naturally began searching for the therapy forum in this community. It appears it went missing. Like my cores. Tho that, was thankfully brief.

Not sure who robbed you early on of the simple, normal joy of spontaneous celebration to generate such resentment in you, but for sure, someone did.

When you own that normal, the biggest payoff, is you are moved to do it for all others who's joy, when unleashed, BECOMES YOURS (it rocks!)

Your enemy, my friend......is WITHIN.

No short cuts to restoring/earning back normal within, not with the fastest system in the world......but it can be done over time. Takes gonads. Also important to do so that you are not in danger of doing that to YOUR kids. Cause if you do that, means you got....ugatz.

I "stool' something? Like from some tummy virus?:sneaky:

Ponder.

PS, upstate NY is one of America's best kept secrets. :thumbsup:

 

[Sheep221]

Disassembling the PSU and desoldering the wires from the PCB would actually be much better in terms of look and safety.

 

[CM Phaedrus]

Disassembling the PSU and desoldering the wires from the PCB would actually be much better in terms of look and safety.

But difficult without a high-quality soldering iron with a large heat output (not just a high max temperature...)

 

[Virgorising]

Disassembling the PSU and desoldering the wires from the PCB would actually be much better in terms of look and safety.

We have duly noted yr chops in opening and fiddling with the innards of electrical devices and wielding da little iron and da flux and da solder.

But I am getting kinda tired of the never really secure Lebron crashing the boards when there’s nobody else playing stuff here. Is it not a weeee bit embarrassing?

My dad taught me to solder when I was little. Was easy, and very fun. Silver solder, not lead. Course, he would not let me near his welder.

What each individual is moved to learn and do.....is unique. Weeeee, r not (here it comes) SHEEP.:sneaky:

I have minus 27 (just made that metric up) interest in doing what you seem to enjoy, and I LIKE U ENJOY IT.:thumbsup:
Be it re an electrical device or some ICB ( be they mobos, or, say, the obscenely priced modules in our huge Industrial Speed Queens in our laundry room) All things, for as long as I can remember, are built to be disposable.....unlike magnificently made items from back in the day people are lovingly moved to restoring/repairing, cause they are worth that.

People who do the latter, I luv, cause all of them have smarts and souls and they know and cherish quality.
I've replaced three boards so far, two for friends. I still dip my hands in alcohol before I unseat the chip, which I get, is insane. I just find a tested pull on eBay.
What I paid for the not modular Antec, was so little, (time is money, remember), common. Bottom line: what I was suddenly moved to do and did.....worked. And, with no downside.

There's more than one way to skin an Antec.

 

[Virgorising]

But difficult without a high-quality soldering iron with a large heat output (not just a high max temperature...)

I have a feeling you know all about rails, own all manner of sophisticated testing devices, each meticulously calibrated, and it's right for you to debate the minutae of this iron vs that, this flux vs that, etc.

I get you know and only get the very best PSUs which may well be worth fiddling with internally.

I like it; I respect it.:thumbsup:

But it's not me.