Power Supply or a dc regulator?

**dvsmex** · 09-12-2006, 05:06 PM

Hello everyone,
I am thinking of buying a dell sx270 (small form factor, external PS). Now, is it better to buy a costly dc-dc power supply (The nicer ones) or hacking apart the ext. p/s and run it directly to the battery? I have read other post, that they have done this. Mostly because they claim the sx270 mobo has a built-in regulator. Now here is my idea, I want to use a dc 12v regulator ( like this one ) Is this a good idea? If so, they make 5V regulators too. Can I use those to power usb hubs, etc... I am not a power expert, The items i found maybe the wrong ones. So any help is great! BTW I have a good size stereo system, sucking up alot of power. (4000w max avg 2000w RMS)

**pate60** · 09-12-2006, 06:36 PM

thats not a regulator!

**dvsmex** · 09-12-2006, 07:11 PM

I must be mis-lead by the title? It said it has a built-in regulator? Can you explain a little more please?

**dvsmex** · 09-13-2006, 11:35 AM

Did I put this question in the wrong forum?

**Rob Withey** · 09-13-2006, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by dvsmex

I must be mis-lead by the title? It said it has a built-in regulator? Can you explain a little more please?

Yep, you've been misled. That is not suitable for powering a computer, not even close.

**GuessWhosBack** · 09-13-2006, 04:31 PM

I ahh.. think its a volt meter

:

**dvsmex** · 09-13-2006, 06:39 PM

The computer (sx270) just needs 12v regulated. It doesn't really need a power supply. Does anyone have an idea of where to get what i'm looking for? I have done the searches, but it's useless if I don't know what i'm looking for.

**dvsmex** · 09-15-2006, 12:52 PM

How about a voltage Stabilizer?
Could this work?

Or maybe a isolator for a three battery setup? One batt for the engine, One batt for the audio system, and One batt for the truckputer. All will be charged by the alt. So no batts will affect each other. (current draw)

**DarquePervert** · 09-15-2006, 01:55 PM

I'd check to see how many amps that's capable of regulating before you buy.
Frankly, for a vehiclePC setup, there are far simpler solutions that don't require a second battery or any other major mods to the vehicle electrical system.

Unless you're building a high-end show car with assloads of electrical components (hydraulic pumps, actuators, 80 gazillion watts of audio, robotic arms, welding equipment, industrial HVAC equipment, etc.), you're not going to need all that battery power, plain and simple.

**Rob Withey** · 09-16-2006, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by dvsmex

it's useless if I don't know what i'm looking for.

You do know what you are looking for, it is in the thread title. You need a regulator.
If you had searched in the store on this very site you might have found this : http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=11
Now you are spoilt for choice.