Solution for running multiple Motherboards?

**HiJackZX1** · 09-12-2009, 09:32 AM

Don't know if any of you are following my worklog, but the as of late, I have decided to install 6 more PC units. Basically one for each passenger. Originally I was going to with the D945GSEJT http://store.mp3car.com/D945GSEJT_p/mtb-061.htm because of the thinness of the board. Recent adjustments to the special case that holds all 6, allows me more freedom to put any size mini-itx board I want. This will also allow me to cut costs. One thing about the INTEL board listed above is that it has its own PSU built in to distribute power. So all I need to do is apply regulated 12V power to it.

Now I was thinking about going for the BOXD945GCLF2D http://store.mp3car.com/product_p/mtb-057-0002.htm because it is dual core. My question is, can I tie multiple MoBos to one PSU. I am not sure about the power usage of the BOXD945GCLF2D compared to the D945GSEJT, but because its dual core I have to assume it uses a bit more power. So I am going to say maybe two M4-ATX units can power all 6 boards? How do I calculate how much everything will need? So is it possible to do something like that? Also the PSU will always be on if the main PC is on. So the PSU is in dumby mode and controlled by my OPUS 320 via a relay. Can a MoBo be shut off even though the PSU is still on? I do not need shut down, because I plan to use EWF and HORM.

Any help would be great! Thanx!!!!!!!

**HiJackZX1** · 09-12-2009, 12:31 PM

One idea I have is to use PicoPSU. I can buy one for each motherboard, but how would I get 12V regulated power to the Pico(s)?

**Punky** · 09-12-2009, 12:35 PM

I think it'll be difficult for you to use ATX compliant motherboard because most carpc psu can be cascaded to gain more power for 1 computer, but not to power more than one computer. I think you can parallel load the psu, but they'll all be started and shutdown at the same time, but i doubt thats the problem. The problem would be making one parallel wire for 6 computers.

Another option would be using something that has a 19V input, and they'll be easy to parallel them. http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=40...facture=ASRock
The problem with this is that it comes with all the bell and whistle, that won't save you any money in the long run. This is the only board i know of that has 19V and dual core atom though.

**HiJackZX1** · 09-12-2009, 01:32 PM

The more research I do, the more complicated it gets. So I am going to go ahead and go back to considering the D945GSEJT board. All I would need are two M4-ATX PSU(s) and the MoBo(s) and that calls it a day. I have a ton of 5V devices also so that can be powered by the two M4-ATX also. Another thing about the D945GSEJT is that I can run the M4-ATX and the MoBo(s) can still be powered off. This would allow me to constantly power the 5V devices but have the option of having certain PC units on and off at will. I do not know why I always second guess myself, when I had the solution the first time!

**kross** · 09-12-2009, 04:09 PM

What about those desktop multiplier products that let you plug multiple monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. into a computer and multiple people can share a single computer as if they each had their own computer? Or have you already considered that and rejected it?

**HiJackZX1** · 09-12-2009, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by kross

What about those desktop multiplier products that let you plug multiple monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. into a computer and multiple people can share a single computer as if they each had their own computer? Or have you already considered that and rejected it?

The 7th computer (Main Media PC) already does that. I want it so people can hit a button and go to an independant system to do their own thing and listen to their own music, video and internet.

**hexxamillion** · 09-26-2009, 08:10 AM

I am going to have 2 pc's eventually in my setup. I'm just going to network them.

**HiJackZX1** · 09-26-2009, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by hexxamillion

I am going to have 2 pc's eventually in my setup. I'm just going to network them.

I know its over board, but with you driving an Altima (big trunk), you could get 4 in there, one for each passenger. You have to network them, otherwise you would have to get everything double, like Wi-Fi, AirCard and what not. Thats a pain in the @$$. Basically the other units will share the main units Wi-Fi, AirCard, DVD ROM and SD Card reader. The networking was a nightmare with the cabling though.

**nobb** · 09-26-2009, 12:25 PM

PC for each passenger, that's crazy. I dont think you can just parallel up the ATX plug from an M4 into multiple machines, most likely will need separate power supplies. Would it be feasible to just make one single more powerful system then do a multiple monitor output instead? Or run a virtual machine inside the single machine instead?

**HiJackZX1** · 09-26-2009, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by nobb

PC for each passenger, that's crazy. I dont think you can just parallel up the ATX plug from an M4 into multiple machines, most likely will need separate power supplies. Would it be feasible to just make one single more powerful system then do a multiple monitor output instead? Or run a virtual machine inside the single machine instead?

HAHAHAHAHA (evil mad scientist laugh) Thats actually why I am using the D945GSEJT INTEL ATOM Board. It uses a laptop adapter. So I plan to use two M4-ATX PSUs, each M4 will power 3 of the INTEL Boards. If the boards would not have had their own PSUs for regulating 12V and 5V, I would have had to get a PSU for each board. The only thing this board requires is regulated 12V in, so thats what I am using the M4s.

I currently have a power full system that has multi screens. The problem is that to get multiple desktops, you need alot more graphics cards. So how I have it is the main PC, does all the heavy stuff like, video games, driver stuff, DVD and stuff like that. The drivers screen only sees NAV, OBD2, basically driver sensitive stuff. All the other screens only see media stuff. Say for example though, passenger 3 doesn't want to watch Power Rangers with everyone else, he simply plugs in headphone, hits a button and he gets switched to a personal PC that can surf the web, listen to music and watch video. The boards aren't very powerful so they cant do much else.