Power Supply

**MrGee** · 06-20-2006, 10:40 AM

Hey guys,

Here's another newb question, I just finished putting together my Via EPIA M it boots up and everything seems good with a normal 120V Power supply. Now I'm looking to wire my car up so that I could test to see if it works in there... But I ran into a problem that I didn't find any solutions too (I did look) I'm looking at purchasing hte OPUS 150W power supply even though my comp won't use that much power I am going this route so I could expand easily later if I would want too... Here is my delema... I'm not sure if I need both a regulator such as the: http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...products_id=94

And a Power Supply such as:
http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...products_id=32

Or could I just use the power supply on it's own? It doesn't mention anything about a regulator being built into the power supply this is why I asked this question... Thanks in advance for the help!

**evandude** · 06-20-2006, 10:50 AM

the opus supply regulates all its outputs, there is no need for an additional regulator.

The only dc-dc's that need additional regulators are the mini-box supplies like the PW-200, which are nothing but falsely advertised junk; all the "real" dc-dc ATX supplies like opus, M1-ATX, M2-ATX, DSATX have everything you need in and of themselves.

**MrGee** · 06-20-2006, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by evandude

the opus supply regulates all its outputs, there is no need for an additional regulator.

The only dc-dc's that need additional regulators are the mini-box supplies like the PW-200, which are nothing but falsely advertised junk; all the "real" dc-dc ATX supplies like opus, M1-ATX, M2-ATX, DSATX have everything you need in and of themselves.

Thx a lot evandude... Gonna order the Opus supply now... I just didn't want to hook up the power supply and have it get shorted out due to no regulator being installed and gettign the voltage jump...

Wish me luck on installation this may be interesting... lol

P.S. Anyone know a local place I could pick up an OPUS 150W DC-DC power supply in Toronto, Canada? thx

**DarquePervert** · 06-20-2006, 11:26 AM

Considering the highly specialized nature of these products and the fact that it's a very samll niche market, I wouldn't expect to find a physical store carrying Opus units or any other products that are specific to vehicle PCs.

I could be wrong....

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-20-2006, 11:28 AM

just an FYI - and you may have already done this, just wanted to give a heads up since some people are running into issues.

your computer may put out a total of less than 150 watts, but have you checked each rail for it's power consumption?

**MrGee** · 06-20-2006, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Considering the highly specialized nature of these products and the fact that it's a very samll niche market, I wouldn't expect to find a physical store carrying Opus units or any other products that are specific to vehicle PCs.

I could be wrong....

Very good point... Even finding my ITX mobo was a real pain and took a lot of time.... But hopefully I could find one if I don't find one by today I'm just going to order from Mp3car's store most likely...

**MrGee** · 06-21-2006, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

just an FYI - and you may have already done this, just wanted to give a heads up since some people are running into issues.

your computer may put out a total of less than 150 watts, but have you checked each rail for it's power consumption?

Not sure what you mean by this exactly? Would the board not only draw as much power as is needed as long as the right voltage rails are used? As far as I know to much voltage will damage the electronics but as long as voltage is ok it only pulls what is needed... I could be completely wrong and plz tell me if I am... but to be honest I didn't exactly understand what you meant in the post above, I know my computer uses less then 150Watts all together is this bad?

I think I'm really confused about something...

**MrGee** · 06-21-2006, 05:24 PM

The reason I want to get the 150W opus is because in the future once everything is in and working I will eventually want to upgrade it, figure would be easier upgrading again without having to buy another power supply...

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-21-2006, 05:34 PM

ok - you need to learn what I'm talking about when I mention the different rails.

This is something that is critical to installing your computer and powering it adequately.

FAQ: Will <insert PSU model> Power Supply work with my system?

this thread will help explain a bit of that.

you aren't only powering a 12v rail, there's also a 5v rail and a 3.3v rail that you need to consider.

**MrGee** · 06-21-2006, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

ok - you need to learn what I'm talking about when I mention the different rails.

This is something that is critical to installing your computer and powering it adequately.

FAQ: Will <insert PSU model> Power Supply work with my system?

this thread will help explain a bit of that.

you aren't only powering a 12v rail, there's also a 5v rail and a 3.3v rail that you need to consider.

ok so... To better understand this, I understand there are more rails then just a 12V but I don't fully understand what everything means, this is the motherboard I have for the carPC: http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/ma...herboard_id=81

I know it's a C3 EBGA 1Ghz chip but on the site you gave there is multiple a 1.0G and a 1.0T

C3-1.0G C3-1.0T
(EBGA) (EBGA)

the 1.0T is at the very bottom of the list... I've looked at the Mobo but can't see anything that will tell me which of these two it is... as you can see there is a difference between the two.