I've searched. There are lots of posts regarding turning computer power supplies to bench power, but didn't see any answer on this...

Let's say an ATX power supply is rated at 9A @ 12V and there are mutiple 12V wires, do those wires usually go back to the same circuit, meaning I can run 9A from any one of those 12V wires? If not, can I combine them together to get my 9A max output? I know this is only peak and not continuous, I just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of the 12V output.

 

All the wires go to the same place. So, just use a couple together if you want. And a couple of the 0V ones too.

 

Yes, the wires the same color go back to the same point. But you must use enough of the wires to handle the current without overheating. But with all of those conversions that I have seen there is a need to have a load on the +5 volt high current output in order to keep the supply from shutting down. This load is always a source of heat and so it is usually a pain.

 

Oh, I didn't know that. If I run into problems, I will connect some sort of load to the 5V output, maybe a light bulb. Thanks!