How to Hack a Computer Power Supply (PSU) To Use as a 12V DC Power Source

In this video, I will show you a beginner's level demonstration of how to hack a cheap ($20) atx computer power supply (psu) and turn it into a useful 12V power supply that you can use to power a car stereo, fans, lights, peltier cooler, etc. #psuhack #upcycle #diypowersupply

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[drh]

Just so you know...your video is still being used 8 years later! THANK YOU!

[nixietubes]

For anyone wondering, Orange is 3.3V, Red is 5V and Yellow is 12V.
Black is obviously ground.

[alanflood]

I've really struggled with the concept of using a PSU to power 12v, but this video is stupidly simple. Brilliantly explained. I can now carry on with my project. Many thanks.

[roberthoople]

Me when he soldered all of his connections, instead of twisting and taping them: Stands up, Slow claps... *tear rolls down cheek*

[pkavenger]

simple and clean video to the point, i was gonna make a small incubator and i was gonna buy a adapter to power the thermostat but then i remembered i had a spare 450W power supply at my home just sitting there so i searched how to convert it into a DC 12V power supply and i was not disappointed. Thanks

[SpiritsOfWarding]

YOU SIR ARE A FREAKING GENIUS!!!! Never once did I think to use the ignition terminal slot in my multi-tool to hold a set of wires I was going to

[davemitchell]

When all the 12 yellow wires are connected together, most PSUs will provide enough power for a device that draws 15 amps. This would work well for powering a 65 watt commercial or Ham radio transceiver. However there are a few transceivers that require 13.8 volts, so a battery boost unit, such as the MFJ-4416C would be needed.

[TherealTHAWEEZL]

Thank you for simplifying the process.
I am a toddler when it comes to electricity and this vid makes it SEEM possible for me to get work done.

[ooeybc]

Wow, finally an explanation about this process that a rookie like me can understand and isn't 30 minutes of rambling, random babbling. Thanks. And a quick question: I'm looking for an alternative to a manual 12v battery charger to use as a power supply for an electrolysis tank. This appears to be exactly what the electrolysis forums are talking about, but you mention the device won't be powerful enough to charge a 12v battery. Am I overthinking this, or is this precisely what I need?

[walleyeye]

Just took a power supply out of a pc figuring i could use it and found this video.

I had no idea how i was gonna figure out what all those wires were for but this video makes it easy!!!

Thanks for this!!!

[jangisgand]

Thank you very much!! This helped me out A LOT because I just couldn't find a good power source for my hho generator.

[asylumental]

This is the 4th video I've watched about this, and you were the only one who actually explained what you were doing. Thank you.

[IntuitiveInfo]

I'm Electrical Engineer from Pakistan.
I know all these things already.But I really love the way you explained it n kept the things simple throughout your video.I suggest put explanation in description like max current and voltages of different colored wires.
Thumbs Up! Keep it Up!

[kennethbland]

Great video for beginners which is what it was meant for. I have watched other videos where they made a variable power supply which got vary complicated for a beginner [ me ]. This was great and easy to understand. I look forward to your next video on this subject.

[GrahamLeach]

Great video!  Super clear!  It's just that I wouldn't use electrical tape if I were you.  

Electrical tape, when it gets hot, tends to slide around and might unwind and expose the wires some day.  I use shrink wrap, which I think is a bit safer.

[samjohnson]

I figured it out, paired it all up. I've got 12vdc, 6vdc, and 4vdc. Thanks for the video. Sam.

[lowerthetone]

I swear I watched this video as a younger me and I'm back 6 years later because it's still the best way to get a decent 12v psu for such little money!
Thanks man!

[LabPadre]

I have done this before and the 12v stops after a few minutes. The fan in the p/s keeps going but no power at the tips. After resetting main power it all works again for a few minutes then back to 0 volts.

[TheDevilsBigToe]

Great simple tutorial.
So many of these out there are over complicated for what the majority of people want.

Well done that man!

[wannabescrapper]

That's awesome. I was trying to figure out how not to spend the $50 to buy a power supply for my diesel heater and I have a bunch of cpu power sources in the scrap pile I can use. Thank you for this and I'm also interested in a lot of other stuff I see in your videos so I rang the bell. Cheers!