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Computer PS Upgrade (Fuse/IEC/Teflon Cap)

Today I successfully installed a PCB fuse holder into my computer’s power supply. The stock fuse had leads soldered to the ends that were then soldered directly to the PCB. It took careful work with the Dremel to widen the PCB inlets to accept the fuse holder and now I can roll fuses with ease. I’ll soon order an SR Black fuse to replace the stock fuse rated at 6.3 amps/250V (5 x 20mm).

The power supply used only 1 film cap and it was rated at 1uf that was replaced with an unused Aura-T teflon cap that was sitting idle on a shelf. The power supply will help burn in the cap. Hopefully, the cap improves the sound of my generic computer which is my main source of music. There are too many teflon caps currently burning in since the acquisition of a Conrad Johnson 150SE; therefore, it will be difficult to distinguish what exactly is attributing improvements or detriments to my system but I cannot complaint at this point because my system sounds good. Today’s soundstage is more holographic than yesterday’s. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

I noticed that the power supply’s IEC inlet is easily replaceable. It will be replaced by an Oyaide Inlet R that is currently in my modified Running Springs Audio Haley. I plan for the Haley to use the Furutech FI-06 NCF IEC or possibly purchase another Oyaide Inlet R for the computer.

Has anyone else tweaked computer electronics and what was your experience?
c_avila1
jim204
881 posts
 
Hi Avila yes they are also known as ferrite chokes and should set you on the road to a much better sound from your PC. One thing I found wery strange thoug I now can't get a signal from my mobile in this room now. Must be the RFI suppression I suppose comming off the clamps.
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
I installed several ferrite beads / chokes / clamps and they actually lowered the noise floor. I'm sure that I wouldn't need beads with a better pc power supply.
jim204
881 posts
 
Hi Avila I have a very expensive 1 Kw power supply for my pc and the clamps still make a difference. Do remember a computer is an inherently
noisy device and the fans are contributing to that noise. I have water cooling on my machine but there is still a motor circulating the water. For all they cost I would just leave then in.
lanejones1's avatar
lanejones1
1 posts
 
I also have installed water cooling on each of the two systems I've built for my personal use over the last year.  In one machine, its an NZXT Kracken 62 cooler, in the other machine, it's a Corsair h100i V2.  After I had installed the first one, and experienced the silence (and much cooler CPU temps) I had to run out and get one for my other system.  I hadn't thought of any new EMI/RFI noise that might be generated from the pump, but as long as we're on the topic of ferrite chokes and RFI clamps for reducing noise, it sounds like several of you have tried them with success?
c_avila1 OP
185 posts
 
I recently installed a fanless HDPlex 400W HiFi DC-ATX power supply. The reduction in noise definitely provided an improvement to my overall enjoyment of my system.
One case fan was removed when I installed the HDPlex PS. My computer currently has one exhaust case fan, one CPU cooler fan, and one fan for the GTX 1060 video card for a total of 3 fans.

The computer previously used 5 fans that included an intake fan and the power supply fan. The removal of 2 fans has helped drop the noise pollution significantly.
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