"Paul" wrote in message
news:40567726$0$21071$afc38c87@...

What would I be risking by jumpering accross the fuse chip pads? Are
these
things always fused, or do most motherboards run direct to +5v without a
fuse? Are these fuse chips readily available? What value would be
typical
in this application?

I'd use a pico fuse until you can get hold of an SMD. The 5V pad is probably
straight into an internal power plane on the capable of sourcing the full
power of the PSU 5A rail. No fuse on the motherboard, but the PSU might shut
down if you have a hard short.