I just picked up a P182 (Microcenter, $70!! after MIR) for my July build and got a good look at it. I'm wondering which PSU type to get. I had been planning on a modular PSU, but now I'm thinking it may not really matter with the P182's cable management features.

With an optical drive in the top and a HD in the bottom compartment, I assume I'll need two separate SATA power cables to reach them. Beyond that and the standard ATX/12V and PCIe power, I don't think I'll need anything else. The fans should all get their power from the MB (IP35 Pro?).

So, the question is: Do I gain anything by using a modular PSU (HX520 or Modu82+ 5xxW) instead of using a standard PSU (VX525? or Pro82+ 5xxW) and simply tying/taping the extra cords in the space behind the MB in the P182?

Hello,

The standard type is certainly going to cost you less money!

Agreed, but in the two cases above (Corsair & Enermax) it's only about $10. If the modular design makes a difference, it's worth the $10 to me.

I have a p182 with a corsair non-modular psu. (vx550 if I'm not mistaken). I would definately recommend a modular psu, the cable management will come in handy for the cables you WILL use (motherboard pwr, cpu pwr etc.). If your gonna stick every single unused cable to the cable management section, first of all, you will get it hard to get all the cables there in the first place (the cut-out wont be big enough) and to stick all cables in the psu-area wont be good either. Installation will also be ALOT easier to handle, because the psu section is rather narrow and small.

Having gone modular, i cant say id go back to the standard type. For the extra money i feel its worth it for the tidyness and convenience.

..

In the P182 there is some space right under the PSU. I simply use a cable tie to bundle together the cables I don't use and stick them under there.
No need to tie the cables behind the motherboard.

I take it that you're not stuffing them under the PSU fan.

My plan is to run the bottom chamber without a fan. Its just a PSU and a HD, after all. suppose I could curl them up on whatever side the PSU fan isn't on, but that seems even more annoying than threading them behind the motherboard.

I run the bottom chamber without a fan, other than the one in the PSU. The PSU fan is on the top.

does anyone know if the modu 82+ has long enough cables for use in the P182? I showed pictures of it to a friend and he said he thought it looked short.

Hello,

The main ATX cable is 20" long, and by the looks of it installed in the Mini 182 (which is just 3" shorter than the P182), you should be fine:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article810-page5.html