How to Connect Cables for a Purepower Rx Power Supply Unit Motherboard

PurePower Rx power supplies have ample connectors for most installations.

Thermaltake Purepower Rx power supplies have several motherboard and component leads that are designed to supply power to nearly any kind of component currently available. Modern motherboards have multiple power inputs that require separate connections from the power supply to properly function. You can also connect other peripherals such as drives, PCI Express cards, and fans.

Things You'll Need

• Antistatic wrist strap
• Purepower Rx power supply
• Flashlight
• Nylon cable ties

Instructions

1. Connect the antistatic wrist strap to a section of the case that has an exposed, unpainted surface if possible, and connect the other end to one wrist. Disconnect the power cord if present.

2. Screw the Purepower Rx power supply unit securely into the case using four coarse thread case screws. Switch the voltage selector switch to the local setting as determined by the power company, typically 110 volts.

3. Connect the 24-pin main power cable to the motherboard power connection as indicated by the small latch on one side of the connector, which matches one side of the socket on the motherboard. The connector will only fit in one direction. Push down firmly until the cable snaps into place and the latch connects to the socket.

4. Connect the square 4-pin +12 volt connector to the matching socket located near the processor. Push down firmly until the latch connects to the socket.

5. Connect the rectangular 8-pin +12 volt connector to the matching socket, if present. Push down firmly until the latch connects to the socket.

6. Connect the 6-pin PCI Express connector to the video card if required. Push down firmly until the latch connects to the socket.

7. Connect one power lead to each drive installed in the system, using the small flat 4-pin connector for floppy drives, the larger 4-pin Molex connector for older hard drives and optical drives, and the flat 5-pin SATA connector for modern drives.

8. Bunch cables together loosely with nylon cable ties after all connections are made in order to organize the interior of the case and to increase air flow. Do not tighten the cable ties too much as this can cause damage to the insulation or pull cables out of their sockets.

Tips & Warnings

• Larger power supplies do not draw more power or increase the electricity bill, but they are able to run more components and usually last longer because they run at a lower percentage of their capacity.

• Always disconnect the power cable prior to installing or removing a power supply unit. Power supplies that are too small for the components installed can cause system lockups, instability and electrical damage.

References

• Thermaltake: Purepower RX 550W
• FormFactors.org: ATX Specifications
• PlayTool: All About the Various PC Power Supply Cables and Connectors

Resources

• PlayTool: A Short History of PC Power Supply Voltage Rails
• "Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 18th Edition"; Scott Mueller; 2009
• "M4A785-M Motherboard User Guide"; Asus Computer International; 2009
• ECSUSA.com: 863AG Motherboard User Manual
• Minicircuits.com: The Prevention and Control of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)