Thread: Help with m350 carpc case and which power supply to use

The M3 may fit, but I seriously doubt it would power a system based on the hardware you're looking at. A suitable PSU would have to be outside the case.

In addition, you're looking at an Intel Core iX CPU, which will need CPU cooling that will likely not fit vertically in the M350 case. From what you say, you may very well have done a test fit with the CPU cooler, so this may be a moot point.

Either way, you're looking at a PSU that will not fit in your M350 case.
When choosing a PSU, I would recommend looking primarily at functionality, and form as a secondary criteria.

I am considering this as well but will probably build a custom case for it

I was trying to find out the what the power requirements are for:

Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 motherboard

They don't seem to list this type of info on their website. I was wondering if it is a variable amount depending on what you have connected?

i3-530 CPU = 73W

Is there a standard amount of wattage that a piece of RAM uses (1 x 2Gb DDR3)?

I can get the SSD / aux drive specs from the respected manufacturer sites.

I want to make sure i get the right startup/shutdown/power supply for this setup. I was considering a CNX-2140 for startup/shutdown, and a M4-ATX just for the MB, CPU, RAM, SSD, and Aux Drive.

Originally Posted by Gecko483

I am considering this as well but will probably build a custom case for it

I was trying to find out the what the power requirements are for:

Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 motherboard

They don't seem to list this type of info on their website. I was wondering if it is a variable amount depending on what you have connected?

i3-530 CPU = 73W

Is there a standard amount of wattage that a piece of RAM uses (1 x 2Gb DDR3)?

I can get the SSD / aux drive specs from the respected manufacturer sites.

I want to make sure i get the right startup/shutdown/power supply for this setup. I was considering a CNX-2140 for startup/shutdown, and a M4-ATX just for the MB, CPU, RAM, SSD, and Aux Drive.

i think you need to do some more research. ALL inteligent atx power supplies in the mp3 car store include a startup/shutdown controller-- this is the same for both the m4 and the carnetix that your looking at..

also, what do you need the power of the i3 for?

Originally Posted by soundman98

i think you need to do some more research. ALL inteligent atx power supplies in the mp3 car store include a startup/shutdown controller-- this is the same for both the m4 and the carnetix that your looking at..

This was not a statement of what I am going to get but only what I am considering, I know I have a bit more research to do, the reason for my posting was to find out what the actual load the board draws in addition to the CPU and RAM. Only after I know that can I appropriately figure out what power supply/etc I need. I am also aware that all the aforementioned products have startup and shutdown capabilities. I take my time in planning before putting together a system. Posting here in the forums just allows me to draw from the members knowledge.

Originally Posted by soundman98

also, what do you need the power of the i3 for?

The reason for going with an i3 is that I am really sick of the way the ZoTaC ATOM ION performs, I do not like how reduced everything is. I am a little spoiled with i7's and AMD's K10 X6 processors and expect my car computer to be able to perform well when it is running the same software, I guess what I am saying is that I just expect a little more then most from my car computer to use a ATOM processor.

I have the m3 on order to see if it fits

m2 might have enough power, depending on peripherals.

Corrected ps reference

Originally Posted by Gecko483

This was not a statement of what I am going to get but only what I am considering, I know I have a bit more research to do, the reason for my posting was to find out what the actual load the board draws in addition to the CPU and RAM. Only after I know that can I appropriately figure out what power supply/etc I need. I am also aware that all the aforementioned products have startup and shutdown capabilities. I take my time in planning before putting together a system. Posting here in the forums just allows me to draw from the members knowledge.



The reason for going with an i3 is that I am really sick of the way the ZoTaC ATOM ION performs, I do not like how reduced everything is. I am a little spoiled with i7's and AMD's K10 X6 processors and expect my car computer to be able to perform well when it is running the same software, I guess what I am saying is that I just expect a little more then most from my car computer to use a ATOM processor.

ok, as long as you have a good reason .

recently, it seems like a lot of new members feel that they need a core2duo, or i7 just for music playback...

i hate recommending it, but if you go past the power ratings of the current market of available dc-dc power supplies, it might be better to go with a properly sized inverter setup..

i don't remember anyone else using multiple dc-dc's on a single motherboard, and i am really not sure how the computer would handle it. my primary concern is that most dc-dc's are use buck-boost tech to up the voltage-- so if the frequencies are off between dc-dc's, it could cause some very odd issues(maybe something like a weird ground loop?)..

Originally Posted by Gecko483

This was not a statement of what I am going to get but only what I am considering, .................

since the i3 likely uses less total power than the atom, and can be purchased for ~$185 with a mobo, it's hardly a wild choice. I don't know why anyone would want an atom/ion setup anymore.
The issue is handling peak power. The M350 is rated at 65TDP with just a cpu fan (and good ventilation around the case). If the M3 fits, that's an easy choice.
Peak cpu can be throttled back in both win 7 and linux.

The M3 has plenty of power unless you planning on a raid system with desktop drives.

Originally Posted by dmiller

since the i3 likely uses less total power than the atom, and can be purchased for ~$185 with a mobo, it's hardly a wild choice. I don't know why anyone would want an atom/ion setup anymore.
The issue is handling peak power. The M350 is rated at 65TDP with just a cpu fan (and good ventilation around the case). If the M3 fits, that's an easy choice.
Peak cpu can be throttled back in both win 7 and linux.

The M3 has plenty of power unless you planning on a raid system with desktop drives.

There is so much wrong with your post, I am frightened for anyone who accepts your advise.

1 - The lowest power i3 CPU (i3 5xx @ 73w) draws roughly 5.5 times as much as the highest-power Atom CPU (D510 @ 13w). Where are you getting your information about the i3 likely drawing less power than the Atom?

2 - The M350 doesn't have any rating whatsoever. It's just case.

3 - What is 65TDP? I am pretty certain I know what you're trying to say, but I want to hear it from you. Humor me.

4 - Because of the low power output, the M3 isn't recommended for anything except the lowest power systems, namely Atom-based setups. For an Atom-based setup, it has "plenty of power". You could possibly use an M3 for a setup based on a low-power mobile CPU (40w TDP or less), as well. For anything else, it's a poor choice.

1)




2) From mini-box:

The M350 is Industry's smallest universal case (192 x 210 x 62mm , 2.5L) capable of housing mini-ITX boards ranging from tiny Atoms to fully featured desktop or mobile CPUs. The M30 permits fanless operation (natural air convection via hundreds of tiny holes) for TDP < 10 watts and CPU-only fan for TDP <= 65watts.

ouch FAQ writer