Tips on removing stuck power cables?

[theorange]

Ok, it's pretty embarrassing to be asking such a stupid question, but I literally have a power supply who really doesn't want to be separated from its cables.

So, I have an NZXT H440 case, which has a built in PSU shroud, thus not giving you very much space for your hands when you are trying to work with the PSU. (I have an EVGA G2 PSU, not sure if that has a reputation for tight-fitting cables or not.)

A while back, the H440 had this issue with the LEDs on the shroud dimming, and so they sent out replacement LEDs for anybody with the issue. You need to take out the power supply to get at the screws for the lights, though. However, due to the shape and layout of the shroud, you really only have space to put your hand in front of the PSU, where the cables are, and not the rest of your arm. This makes it really hard to pull out the cables, because your hand is being blocked in the direction that they are supposed to be pulled. The cables are stuck too tight, as well, to just be able to be pulled with the fingers.

You guys have any tricks to getting stuck power cables to cooperate a bit more? It's a pretty silly situation to get stuck in, but I'd rather not have to remove all my components and redo my whole cable management just to replace some stupid lights.

 

[skit75]

They do often have retention clips on them that need to be released before they can be separated. You could unmount the supply from the case also. Sometimes I ask the wife who has smaller hands.

 

[makkem]

Hi
As above I'm pretty sure those cables have retaining clips that need to be pressed.
I tend to use a pair of long nose pliers to remove tight cables ,you can grip the plug with the pliers then lever them against the power supply to pull the plug.

 

[ko888]

The modular output cables all have latches on them to prevent accidental removal from their modular panel connectors. You need to unlatch them before you can pull the modular cable out of their modular panel connector.

 

[theorange]

Yeah, of course I pressed the retention clips haha I'm not that stupid.

Unfortunately, the cables aren't long enough for me to pull the PSU out.

I suppose taking a pair of pliers could help. I'll give it a try in a second.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll report back if I find something that works!