No,you cannot mix PSU cables. Although the connector that goes on the component side has standardized pinouts, there isno standardfor connectors on the PSU side.
Let’s discuss in detail the possible consequences of mixing the PSU cables.
Why Isn’t It Safe to Mix PSU Cables?
In most cases, you won’t even be able tofit a cablefrom one PSU into another. Here’s an example.
Still, if you managed it somehow, that’s not going to work. Let me quickly demonstrate why.
Here are two Molex cables—one from theEVGA SuperNova 650 G3and another from theCorsair RM850x.
The Molex connector on the component side has one +5V DC pin, two GND pins, and another +12V DC pin. This is a standardpinout specified by ATXand is the same across all the PSUs.
But if we look at the PSU side, thepin configuration is completely different.
The difference in the wiring standards strictly prevents you from mixing up the cables. But how?
To know the reason, let’s connect both the Molex cables to the Corsair PSU and find the voltage readings.
Upon testing, the Molex cable from Corsair gave the standard results. No wonder! The PSU cable from Corsair will obviously work fine with the Corsair PSU. I was getting 5.09V in +5V DC pin.
However, the voltage reading on the EVGA’s Molex connector was completely different. I instead got 3.32V. That is not the desired voltage for a +5V DC pin.
While this is just one example, there might be multiple such scenarios.
For instance, you may get +5V in the pin that issupposed to be groundedor +12V in a +5V pin. Anything is possible depending upon the wiring standard of a PSU.
If theGND pin gets voltage, you will end upblowing your component. In fact, it can also take your PSU along.
On the other hand, if avoltage pin gets grounded, your componentmay not even turn on.
It does not matter if your PSU has OCP/OVP/OPP or SCP. These safety mechanisms won’tprotect your PSU from failuresdue to the mixing of cables.
This not only holds true for your Molex connector, but for the CPU connector,PCIe connector, and rest of thepower supply connectorstoo.
Now what if the voltage readings come according to the ATX power supply pinout?
The answer is still NO. You never know if thepin arrangementof the cable you are planning to use matches with the pinout of the original cable.
So mixing PSU cables is always a big no-no.
When Is It Safe to Mix PSU Cables?
The only time you may mix PSU cables is if it is from thesame model/manufacturer.
Similarly, there won’t be issues mixing cables from another manufacturer if you are just lookingfor an extension.
The extension cables attach to the component side connector which is always standardized.
Somereputed companieslikeCorsairandEVGAalso provide a list of PSU cable compatibility. you may access the list and verify if the cable will work with your PSU.
