Frustration of PSU's not having a standard location and orientation of plug well.

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

I ran into this exact problem while trying to install a Lian Li 850w power supply into my node 202 case yesterday. HOLY MOLY it was a terrible fit.

Node 202 Ion SFX Gold Compatibility : Fractal Design Support (fractal-design.com)

 

Because the plug well on the power supply on the lian li PSU is oriented and placed as illustrated, it's almost impossible to fit into the case. 
The angles at which a 850w cable is bent is also very sketchy imo. 

Plus the case has 4 screw towers that have to get by, exactly where the cable bends (left side of image) so I've nicked the cable insulation a bit already due to the extreme tight fit.

Apparently the two PSU's at 850W that are at affordable price (1200DKK ~ 172$USD) are oriented like this. If I have to look for other options the price increases. (1700DKK ~245$USD.)

I could've just turned the PSU upside down, however then the fan wouldn't be able to suck fresh air as the only grills in the node 202 are at the bottom  
 

Photo from link.

 

Thoughts about this experience?

In hindsight, I should've perhaps done more thorough research regarding orientation etc. but still really annoying.

Also the cables mini ITX PSU's come with should have more length variants included.
The cable spaghetti in this area in my build is unmanagable The cables are just waaaay too long, very unnecessary.

 

Photo as illustration.

 

[8tg]

Take apart the psu and flip the plug around.

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

4 minutes ago, 8tg said:

Take apart the psu and flip the plug around.

Isn't it soldered onto the PSU like that?? + You lose the warranty right?

- Good luck turning this around. Photo from Lian li SP 750W

[Spotty]

You can buy a different passthrough power cable for a few dollars. Search for "C13 to C14 cable 90 degree left angle". Get one with the cord coming out the other side.

 

Something like this maybe, but shop around for one that is the right length for what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Toptekits-90-Degree-Angled-mounting-Extension/dp/B0B24ZD8TM

Edited June 8, 2023 by Spotty

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

9 hours ago, Spotty said:

You can buy a different passthrough power cable for a few dollars. Search for "C13 to C14 cable 90 degree left angle". Get one with the cord coming out the other side.

 

Something like this maybe, but shop around for one that is the right length for what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Toptekits-90-Degree-Angled-mounting-Extension/dp/B0B24ZD8TM

Wow thanks!! I didn't know what they were called. Would you dare order one from Ali express ? I bet they are made in China anyway hah 

[dilpickle]

I've never seen a power supply cable that goes sideways like that. That's actually terrible design.

 

If it's a standard 3 prong connector you can plug any power cable into it. 

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

2 hours ago, dilpickle said:

I've never seen a power supply cable that goes sideways like that. That's actually terrible design.

 

If it's a standard 3 prong connector you can plug any power cable into it. 

Yeah it's because there isn't a lot of room for the long cable tail in an SFX build, so I can see why it's necessary.

[Edgar R. Zakarian]

Just an update, I ended up buying an extension cord from Aliexpress
Should arrive sometime next month Always super slow to EU.
i'll try to post a photo when it's done, If i manage to remember.