Quick question - yes or no on power supply

**ckny** · 10-11-2006, 12:46 AM

I've read alot of the faq's and just can't seem to put a few questions together. I also cannot find my specific cpu/motherboard power requirements which doesn't help out. I used the power calculators but can't figure out if I'm going to be overloading the 5v rail as I suspect I might come close to.

Here's what I'll be running. This is on a m2-atx.

Jetway mini-itx motherboard + via c7 1.5 processor. Via says the processor is 15w and the seller of the mobo/processor says the total is 25w.

I'm running a 2.5" hard drive. (5v?)
I'm running a 3.5" hard drive. (12v or 5v?)

The 3.5" HD will be in an external, USB case that plugs in. I will be cutting off the plug and running it off a molex on the power supply.

1 slim external dvd/cdrw drive. Same deal as the HD as far as cutting off the power plug and running off a molex.

1 usb hub which is the same as the above - cutting off power plug...etc

6 USB devices
Wifi
GPS
Touchscreen for monitor
external case for dvd
external case for hard drive
game controller

So... what do you think. BTW - here's the output power requirements on the external stuff:

dvd drive 5v 2.6A
usb hub 5v 3A
waiting on external hard drive case so unk power requirements.

So, if this is going to overload my m2-atx what is the cheapest route to fix this. I figure that I can lose the 2.5" hd but not sure if that'll do enough. What else can I do as far as powering the above?

Thanks for your help - this will help me out alot!

Chris

**fatejd** · 10-11-2006, 01:30 AM

That sounds like 160W will be enough...I have a similar setup minus so many USB devices, but I think I will have about 30 extra watts with mine and that should account for the USB devices.

**ckny** · 10-11-2006, 01:33 AM

Thanks for the reply. The power calculators tell me I'm ok with wattage but I'm worried about too much stuff on the 5v rail alone.

**Simon123** · 10-11-2006, 01:46 AM

I have a very similiar setup, just no game pad and I have a full size dvd, it works fine in testing in the house, the only issue I have in the car is lines on the lilli if the car is at idle, anything above 1000rpm on the alternator and the lines clear. The 3.5hd takes primarily 12v though it also uses some 5v. My full size DVD is the same so I'm not sure about that. I actually have a slightly more power hungry mobo as well, not that it really drags the 5v down much.
Do you really need a powered hub if you're seperately powering the drives? That might help a bit. Overall I'd go with it, my experience with the M2 has been good.

**SentraVIP** · 10-11-2006, 02:17 AM

A powered hub is the better way to go if I'm not mistaken. Some mobo has actually 2 USB rails build in, but they put 4 connectors there. Meaning 2 usb socket is sharing 1 rail.

It might or might not causes problems with power/data transmission, but after everything is installed in the car, it will be PITA to take everything out again to troubleshoot, right?

**ckny** · 10-11-2006, 10:06 AM

interesting question - you're asking if i can use a non powered hub to handle the gps, wifi and touchscreen?

**gregturn** · 10-11-2006, 12:44 PM

I have used http://www.epiacenter.com/powersim/p...mulator_v2.htm to help figure out my power requirements. It splits out power needs on a rail-by-rail basis. Compare it against specs for your PSU.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

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