Machinatrix Part 1 by PilouX

Component Shopping

So let’s start with the first component I'm going to mod in this project: the PSU. I chose the Enermax Coolergiant 480W PSU because I like its different look, compared to other power supplies.



This PSU have a fully pack of connectors (4 SATA, 1 PCI Express 16x, 24pin ATX v² compatible connector, 7 ATX molex connectors...) Furthermore, the Enermax has a unique dual-fan plus radial blower design, including a smartfan control function that provides excellent cooling, even have turning the PC off.

Before I start modding, let's look at the tools and components needed for this mod.



When you first mod a PSU you have to separate the wires from the connectors to easily sleeve the whole length. For a basic molex power connector, maybe this is not such a difficult task, but when you come to the 24-pin ATX connector, it can be very challenging without the right tool. I didn't already have the specialist tool for this job, so I decided to build one myself from a piece of hard steel and some precision files. After some time spent filing and sanding, here is my tool.



Other stuff I need is braided sleeve, jack plugs, red acrylic sheets, rubber grommets, XLR connectors, PVC electronic boxes, red LEDs with stainless steel holders, black M4 screws, bolts etc.



Here are the XLR connectors. They are normally used in high-end A/V applications, but I will be using them for power only. They retail for about £5 for a socket + plug pair, and I'll need a fair few. Pictured are 5-pin connectors, but I will also use 3-pin and 4-pin varieties too.



The red LEDs with their holders - don't they already look very Matrix-esque? Like the belly-button probe they put into Neo. On the right are all the jack plugs with their female frame connectors.



I ordered 100 feet of grey braided sleeve from Cableorganizer.com. They sell all sorts of cool stuff to, err, organise your cables...



And, of course, some cans of spray paint: a dark matt grey colour and clear sealer for plastics.