DIY 6x6-pin PCI-E cable using 14AWG wires for 006C extenders and a server PSU

[nitrobg]

What do you guys think about a self-made PCI-E cable that powers all 6 006C extenders in a rig? Daisy chain all 6 connectors with 3xGND + 3x12V 12-14AWG wires which should be able to handle a power draw of 10A per wire or 40-50W per card (less than 300W actual power draw). I'm using a modded 2400W server PSU, so the power is not a problem.

[sidehack]

Can you fit 12-14AWG wire in a crimp pin? If you're daisychaining, can you fit 2 12-14AWG wires in a crimp pin? Since you're building a GPU rig, does this question belong in a different section?

[polymer_city]

I've made 100's

Solder the pins on, don't crimp.

Get a system going, cut and strip cables one day (get the Mrs to do that)

Then tin 100's of pins and all the cable ends

Then solder cables, break pins off and push into plugs

It's tedious but more than doable

I use 0.75mm2 flex (2/3 sets of plugs) into 2.5mm2 with solder join -> PSU

Otherwise you have too many cables.
I use 6/8 2.5 cables to Power all the plugs

[gt_addict]

Think its a great idea. Would free up space on the breakout board and tidy up the cables cpnsiderably.

[nitrobg]

Can you fit 12-14AWG wire in a crimp pin? If you're daisychaining, can you fit 2 12-14AWG wires in a crimp pin? Since you're building a GPU rig, does this question belong in a different section?

That's a good point that I haven't though of. Thanks for bringing it up.

I've made 100's

Solder the pins on, don't crimp.

Get a system going, cut and strip cables one day (get the Mrs to do that)

Then tin 100's of pins and all the cable ends

Then solder cables, break pins off and push into plugs

It's tedious but more than doable

I use 0.75mm2 flex (2/3 sets of plugs) into 2.5mm2 with solder join -> PSU

Otherwise you have too many cables.
I use 6/8 2.5 cables to Power all the plugs

This sounds excellent. Would you mind sharing pictures so I can get a visual representation of your solution? Would this work - solder join each small 18-20 AWG wire to a big 12AWG wire?

[polymer_city]

I dont know US cable size standards..

But Yes solder 4 x 2.5mm cables to each live and neutral

Then solder all the 0.75mm cables into a neat solder join, add heat shrink, then join to the 2.5mm cables

I sometimes use electrical blocks rather than solder, but that gets messy.

I add a fly lead for power for fans etc (which is the 4th cable from the PSU)

You can even solder like a 2 x 6mm2 cable to the PSU then add a distribution block.