AC or DC

**ripdajacker** · 06-13-2006, 04:52 AM

I was wondering what would be the best way to powert a VIA ITX system, a DC-DC power supply, or a DC-AC inverter combined with a standard atx powersupply?

**Rob Withey** · 06-13-2006, 06:45 AM

Define best.

Best: smallest/most efficient : DC2DC.
Best: cheapest (especially if you have an ATX power supply already) : Inverter -> ATX supply.

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-13-2006, 09:25 AM

a DC-DC PSU also usually has built in start-up and shut down controllers, amplifier turn on thump protection, voltage protection, etc.

You can get the same things out of an inverter, but you have to do a bit of reading on how to wire it all up, etc.

the DC-DC is pretty much a plug and play solution

an inverter is not IMO

**chlemil** · 06-15-2006, 12:53 PM

no i don't think....

**Tidder** · 06-15-2006, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by chlemil

no i don't think....

?? That was out of nowhere...

Here's what I think. A VIA ITX mobo doesn't take much juice compared to others. If you do go the AC to DC route, I think that would be overkill. I really didn't have a choice, I had to go the AC to DC cause of all the extras I was running. Cost effective for me to get an inverter. For you though, I guess it really depends on what all you're gonna try to power off that dc to dc.

Maybe give us an idea of how much you want to spend, and what all you're gonna want to power with it.

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-15-2006, 01:56 PM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...18&postcount=5

might consider starting there to get some ideas first

**Rafster** · 06-15-2006, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by ripdajacker

I was wondering what would be the best way to powert a VIA ITX system, a DC-DC power supply, or a DC-AC inverter combined with a standard atx powersupply?

If you want to get an idea about powering up car pcs, look at the big link in my sig.

It helps a lot!

Peace,

Rafster