Convert Computer Power Supply To Breadboard Power Supply

All of us have, had died desktops with quite costly ATX, SFX power supply units. Those units are really great for powering DIY electronics compared to the cheap made in China circuits with AC mains to DC converter. The supplied power by a computer power supply would be stable. Here is how to convert computer power supply to breadboard power supply.

How To Convert Computer Power Supply To Breadboard Power Supply

At detached computer power supply will not start if you only connect it to main power supply. You need to give it signal that it is connected. We are talking about the widest 20 or 24pin ATX or SFX plug which has green coloured wire. Commonly the “signal to start” pin is that green coloured wire. Ground usually coloured as black. You need to short that green with black like we did in the image of the infographics with a white jumper wire :

Usually Orange coloured wire is +3.3V, Black coloured wire is Ground, Red coloured wire is +5V, Yellow coloured wire +12 VDC, among the others are Graycoloured wire is Power OK signal. If you search with your thing’s model number and brand, you’ll get data sheet.

It is probably obvious that connecting the ends of the desired voltages somehow to breadboard will serve the basic work.

How To Convert Computer Power Supply To Breadboard Power Supply Lab Work Bench

At minimum, use a basic circuit like we have shown in the above diagram. You’ll need ring insulated electrical crimp terminal connectors, few resistors, fuse, an electrical junction/connector box, few LED, one switch, binding posts, digital voltmeter like we described in and older guide. That will be safe and look like a gentleman.

Of course you can convert it to real lab bench power supply and reading these advanced guides :

18 AWG wire is recommended for all wires except pin 11, which should be 22 AWG wire. For 300W unit, 16 AWG wire is recommended.