Flashy but not practical? Exploring the impact of extension cords on power performance

　　"Back wiring" has become popular in recent years. When it comes to back wiring, it involves the chassis and power supply. With the rise of side-transparent chassis, players are gradually improving their attention to the aesthetics of the interior of the chassis. Therefore, many players will choose power extension cords or customized cords. Such cords are not only soft in material, but also have multiple colors to choose from, which is very personalized. So do these cords affect the performance of the power supply?

　　We all know that power supplies can be divided into modular interfaces and non-modular interfaces. High-end players will choose fully modular power supplies and purchase all customized cables, while non-modular power supplies generally choose extension cables, which have an extra section on the original interface. This makes it look more unified and easier to route. Today we will use the power extension cable as an example to see if it will affect the performance of the power supply through actual measured data.

　　2. Power supply original state performance test

　　First, we randomly selected a power supply and tested its conversion efficiency and voltage deviation without using an extension cord. Then we connected the extension cord and compared the test data at the same time.

The highest conversion efficiency is 86.26% and the lowest is 81.71%

+12V voltage deviation

+5V voltage deviation

+3.3V voltage deviation

　　This is the overall performance of an entry-level power supply. The performance is at the general brand level, and the power supply voltage deviation is also at a relatively good level. Now we connect an extension cord to test it.

　　3. Does adding an extension cord affect performance?

　　This test added the power extension cords of the motherboard and graphics card, but not the processor extension cord. First of all, the conversion efficiency is still the same. It can be seen that after adding the extension cord, the overall conversion efficiency of the power supply has dropped slightly. However, it only consumes more electricity and will not affect other components.

Power conversion efficiency comparison

　　Voltage deviation can reflect the size of the static current in the circuit. That is, the larger the deviation, the larger the static current, and the smaller the deviation, the more the static current maintains its original value, indicating that the circuit is more stable.

　　Then look at the power supply voltage deviation comparison, we can find that after adding the extension cord, the power supply voltage is also affected to a certain extent. Among them, +12V has a greater impact, while +5V and +3.3V have a smaller impact.

+12V voltage deviation comparison

+5V voltage deviation comparison

+3.3V voltage deviation comparison

　　There are many reasons for the above situation, but the most critical factor should be the extension cord. The material, materials and length are all factors that cannot be ignored. The addition of the extension cord increases the contact points of the power cable interface and increases the length of the cable, which will increase the resistance and thus affect the performance.

　　4. Purchase and installation of wire extension cords

　　General power extension cables can be purchased online. Players can see them by searching for 24-pin extension cables, 8-pin extension cables, custom power cables, etc.

E-commerce can buy extension cords (Picture from Taobao)

　　The extension cables in our review room include those for the motherboard and graphics card. Players must pay attention to the interfaces when installing, especially the processor and graphics card, both of which are 8pin, but be sure not to plug them in incorrectly.

Power extension cord

Pay attention to the direction when plugging in the wires

Good effect

　　Summarize

　　SeaSonic previously had a power supply that was identical except for the cables, and the performance of the two was slightly different due to the difference between modular and non-modular. The addition of an extension cable will undoubtedly exacerbate the above situation.

　　As the saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it too. While you gain a more beautiful appearance, you will also lose some performance. Below, the author will give players a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages. After reading it, players will have their own answers in their hearts.

　　Advantages: The wires are beautiful and uniform; soft materials are also very convenient for wiring.

　　Disadvantages: some performance is lost, more power is consumed; the power supply voltage deviation is larger, and the circuit stability is slightly insufficient.