Power Question

**jwcullen** · 02-09-2005, 09:48 PM

Hi Guys,
Im sure you are all pretty sick of these threads but can you please help a newbie

Im planning on running the following components for a car-pc, and my question is will the OPUS 150W PSU handle it?

CPU
Pentium 4 3.0EGhz
Motherboard
Asus P4P800s-x
http://www.asus.com/products/mb/sock...x/overview.htm
HDD
Western Digital 80Gig (Full Size)
DVD Drive
Lite-on 16x (Full Size)
RAM
512mb
Video Card
Asus Radeon 9550
PSU
Opus 150w

Well thats about it, Thanks in advance for helping me out.

**KyferEz** · 02-09-2005, 10:16 PM

You can calculate it:
http://www.thecarpcstore.com/link.ht...alculator.html

But the answer is: it may work, but _if_ it does, it will have a short life.

KyferEz

**jwcullen** · 02-09-2005, 10:43 PM

ok thanks

Heres what i got after using the calculator

"Your Recommended Minimum Power Supply is 224 Watts Peak !!"

So thats a no go for the opus 150w?

**PatO** · 02-09-2005, 10:55 PM

You're using a full-sized mobo anyway, so unless you're building a custom case, you will have no problem with a full-sized DC-DC atx ps.

**KyferEz** · 02-09-2005, 10:57 PM

PatO is making mention of (I think) a PSU such as the Keypower 250watt. When using one, you will need (want) a separate shutdown controller, such as the CarPC EZ or Pro to turn on and off everything with the car.

KyferEz

**jwcullen** · 02-10-2005, 12:18 AM

ok thanks I'll look into that.

I just came accross the website
http://www.hossweb.com/Vehicles/Expe...0CarPC%203.asp

Looks like he's running quite a few components off a standard ATX mobo using an OPUS 150w..

**KyferEz** · 02-10-2005, 01:13 AM

Yes, he does, but there are 2 differences:
1) His OPUS won't last long; he is overstressing components by running that much off of it.
2) He is running a 2.4GHz vs. your 3.0GHz. He doesn't mention which P4 he is using either, and that makes quite a bit of difference.

KyferEz

**jwcullen** · 02-10-2005, 01:27 AM

ok well it looks like its back to the drawing board
I really want to use the Opus psu because its alot easier to use.

Should I be looking at a mini itx system instead?
I basically want to use the system for DVDs and mp3s using Windows XP MCE 2005.

Any help choosing components would be greatly appreciated.

**KyferEz** · 02-10-2005, 09:04 AM

Take a look at the M12000 and M10000 motherboards. They are perfectly adequate to play DVD and Divx movies, at least on Win XP. As for MCE 2005, if it keeps in MS tradition, will require more resources and may not play Divx as well.

You can play mp3s on nearly any pc.

The big difference between the mini itx systems and the 3ghz pc is that you won't be able to be watching a movie, have gps map up, and be able to switch quickly between them. Quickly being the key word.

The other option is using a Athlon MP processor. They consume much less power, and you will still be able to have a fast PC.

KyferEz