Modular Psu vs Non-Modular Cable management

[jaquith]

I too can show examples of Poorly Managed Modular vs Non-Modular and visa versa, but most folks like me who get either full-modular or semi-modular have less cables to 'stuff' where you cannot see them. BTW - it would be interesting to see the other side that's hidden away and/or different angles. Further, I don't like 'tape wrapped' cables; it might look good in photos but not so much in person and if you need to change out a cable all that needs to be undone.

Another very distinct advantage to Full Modular is if you: (1) Increase the PSU size or (2) RMA/Replace the PSU. In a Non-Modular ALL of that works goes bye-bye and takes you 10X longer to swap-out verses 'plugging-in' a new PSU in a matter of minutes and a few screws - done.

Further, quality PSU's like Corsair's Professional AX series offers you easy options for sleeved vs adding even more cables to hide with oddball extensions.

Corsair Sleeved replacements (not to be confused with crappy extensions) - http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/psu-accessories.html

To me it's less of an issue of Modular vs Non-Modular, it's a question of the quality of the PSU first.

Modular:

VS

Non-Modular:

 

[C12Friedman]

Fully modular? Nope - don't see the point

Semi-Modular? Anytime you can eliminate extra crap in the case - IMO - it's a good thing (my personal preference is semi-modular)

Hard-wired PSU... been there, done that. Not really a bad thing if room isn't an issue but, seems room is always an issue...

 

[Proximon]

One more thing I wanted to bring up - I remember when modular PSU's first came out - "hardcore" builder's swore to not use Modular cables due to something like resistance of the plugs - or something to that effect. I wonder if there was any truth to this? Can anyone confirm or deny this?

.

This wasn't so much a fact as it was a marketing gimmick from the company PC Power and Cooling. Resistance in cheap plugs is real enough... string 8 fans together in a 4-pin molex chain and feel the first plug and you will see what I mean. It will be quite hot.

From
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036
(and I encourage you to read more, this is just a snippet)

In simple terms, having a modular power supply may drop your voltage a little because of the resistance between the modular interface and the cable. And using a 20-to-24 pin adapter or any kind of splitter can cause a slight drop in voltage because of the resistance caused by any imperfect contact between the pins of such an adapter or splitter. But on that same note, every single connection you make (PSU to drive, or motherboard, or video card) is another connector that is going to create a little more resistance.

 

[jaquith]

Duh What, Pfff the resistance is by f-a-r in the MOBO itself. People say all kinds of crapolla, and like little kids are afraid of anything new so they feel everyone else should share their delusions, cheapness, poor quality standards -- you name the mediocrity and excuses.

 

[macgeek]

If you have places to hide the cables, non modular is fine. Hell even cables on the floor do not hurt overall performance.

I am glad I have modular just because I have so little place to put the extra cables(FT03 case).

I’m pretty sure it only matters if your case has a window. Otherwise, the only times anyone sees the power supply and its cables will be when you’re upgrading/replacing something or dusting the case. Besides, it seems like cases which have windows cost more than those which don’t.