I've got a Geometric Future M5 Vent case and it runs the PSU at the front using a 90-degree 18awg 300V adapter cable that connects to a standard PSU cable at the back. I'm concerned about the safety of using this adapter since I'm running a Super Flower PSU rated for 1300W and a 5090 GPU, which will definitely draw a lot of power. Is 18awg sufficient for this setup, or should I find a 14awg cable instead? I have another case but I really prefer using this one, plus my fans are too big for the alternative case. Any thoughts on this?
2 Answers
I strongly advise against using a non-standard cable. Power cables are designed to match the PSU they come with, and using an adapter that didn't come with it can lead to potential disaster. You might end up damaging your motherboard or other components if the wiring isn't correct. I recommend looking up the PSU's model and checking compatibility before you decide on the cable to use. Also, there's a site called CableMod that lists compatible cables for different PSU models, which might be helpful.
It sounds like you might be confusing the specs a bit. The '300V' marking is common on power cables, but for your PSU, you definitely want to ensure you're getting enough wattage. An 18awg cable isn’t really going to handle a 1300W load safely, especially with a high-draw GPU like the 5090. In general, you should be looking at a 14 or even 16awg for 600W and above to avoid any overheating issues. Stick with cables that are specifically designed for your PSU to ensure safety.
I heard the same thing—using the wrong cable could lead to some serious problems, including overheating or even melting. Better to be safe than sorry!
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check out CableMod for compatible options.