Can Cable Extensions make my component hotter?

[Dukeofthedurty]

So, I think this is a goofy questions, but is legitimate concern.

A long time ago my AGP graphics card's 4 pin connector melted. This did not have a cable extension in it, and was melted due to crazy temps.

However, In my current build I am using a CX750M semi modular to connect a EVGA GTX 970 FTW. My current hook up looks aweful. Its ugly and just hanging out there. I would like to buy a blue cable extension (male/female) and use it for better cable managment. I have lots of cable management space behind my mobo (Phanteks Enthoos Pro Case).

MY QUESTION IS: will using this power extension technically mean my card or cord will run hotter? I have read in physics class that the longer the wire/more extensions, the hotter the wire...

 

[synphul]

No an extension cable will be fine. Technically I think you'd need a very high end scientific thermometer to even register a difference in thermals adding a small extension to that wire. When heat over wires starts becoming an issue is either when they're very tiny (metal traces on pcb boards) or multiple feet of housing wire. Even when it comes to extension cords, you don't have to start going up in wire gauge until you hit 10-12a over 25ft long. The longer the wire and thinner the wire coupled with higher amp draw causes voltage droop which in turn strains the wire and causes heat. The wire to your graphics card is very short in the big picture of things.

Either your old power supply was cheaply made and/or faulty or the connector was directly against a heat source for it to melt. That's not normal at all and it's a fire safety hazard. If an extension to your pcie power cable causes any rise in heat through the wire it will only be a degree or two at most (doubt that much) and would not be cause for melting.