modification is not a problem, I have also a friend who is electronics technician and he can do the work for me for free. The problem is that pico psu is as expensive as a separate cheap psu for the motherboard and also the pci-e cables/plugs for the breakout boards also cost a lot. Do you also have any source where I can get just the 6+2 plugs and the wires separately cheaper than the ready made ones from ebay? For 17 rigs this will cut down a lot of the cost.
To be clear what means DIY'ing a server PSU: you have to cut wire into into cords, crimp all terminals (and solder - for better contact), slap on 6/6+2 connectors and solder the cabling to PSU's output, or use breakout with terminal blocks.Parts can be bought cheap from: China (terminals, connectors, PicoPSU) and the electrical supply store (wire).
Time wise, it takes from 2 to 8 hours to fully DIY one PSU, depending on the options. I understand your friend wants to help you, but modding 17 PSUs - that's rather part-time job, than friendly help
Doing everything wisely decreases the total cost by a good margin.
PM me if you need specific build details and purchase instructions. Tip required
