Are PSU cables interchangeable?

[nothereanymore]

You may have seen my other posts on my Maximus VIII Hero making loud clicking noises, which are apparently analog relay switches doing their thing. Recently though, its been brought to my attention that my PSU may be at fault.

 

Its an EVGA 850 P2, Tier 1 on the list no? Thing is, the power cable never fit in snuggly, it wiggles around in the PSU, but that doesn't cause any power loss. Should it be wiggling? Should I keep on trying those three source plugs until one fits snuggly?

[Naeaes]

If it's the plastic collar wiggling and not the metal contacts, then it's definitely fine. Even if the actual contacts move a bit it's only a minor issue. It's not like you're going to be in there wiggling stuff around all the time. 

 

To some extent the cables are interchangeable. The end that goes into the PSU isn't standard so there's a lot of variance between manufacturers. Less between models. Don't make assumptions if you decide to buy a replacement cable set. Even if the connectors look similar, the insides can be beveled differently.

[maybethisnamewillwork]

Might also take a look at this article:
http://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/2702-psa-on-mixing-modular-psu-cables-dont-do-it

[nothereanymore]

3 minutes ago, Naeaes said:

If it's the plastic collar wiggling and not the metal contacts, then it's definitely fine. Even if the actual contacts move a bit it's only a minor issue. It's not like you're going to be in there wiggling stuff around all the time. 

 

To some extent the cables are interchangeable. The end that goes into the PSU isn't standard so there's a lot of variance between manufacturers. Less between models. Don't make assumptions if you decide to buy a replacement cable set. Even if the connectors look similar, the insides can be beveled differently.

I have no idea whether its the contacts or the plastic wiggling. Thing is, this clicking is getting really annoying, and has only started recently, after all my components were more than a month old, aside from the PSU, which is almost a year, and has not had this issue with other boards. Think I may wait until Z270 comes out, see if the IX Hero has the same issue, if so, I'll just grab an MSI board. They've never really let me down.

[nothereanymore]

3 minutes ago, maybethisnamewillwork said:

Might also take a look at this article:
http://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/2702-psa-on-mixing-modular-psu-cables-dont-do-it

That seems to be for the internals. I'm talking about the DC power cable.

[maybethisnamewillwork]

4 minutes ago, Noirgheos said:

That seems to be for the internals. I'm talking about the DC power cable.

Ah nevermind then, thought it was about internals.

[lettuce head]

isn't this exactly what killed SalazarStudio's two editing pc's?

[AshleyAshes]

16 hours ago, Noirgheos said:

That seems to be for the internals. I'm talking about the DC power cable.

I think you mean the AC cable... The one that supplies AC power from the wall to the PSU to then be converted to DC.

 

And yes, those cables are entirely interchangeable.  They're just standard C13 connections on (most) PSUs, monitors, and other electronics.  They are 100% interchangeable.

[DeScruff]

The cables are not 100% interchangeable.
Generally they are with the same brand, so if you have a 550W Super Nova G2, and you upgraded to a 850W Super Nova G2, you'll be fine. (double check though).
But you cannot mix EVGA and Corsair cables for example, you might fry your PSU or your components since not all modular cables are wired the same. - You might send 12V to something that expected 5V. exc.

[nothereanymore]

12 hours ago, AshleyAshes said:

I think you mean the AC cable... The one that supplies AC power from the wall to the PSU to then be converted to DC.

 

And yes, those cables are entirely interchangeable.  They're just standard C13 connections on (most) PSUs, monitors, and other electronics.  They are 100% interchangeable.

Yes, I meant AC. Typing on a phone is not such a great idea... Anyway, I just realized that ECO mode was off on my PSU. I turned it on, and my PC barely makes a whisper now. Haven't heard any clicking either.