Thread: SATA HDD power supply support

Originally Posted by browneej

I am looking at power supplies for a Carputer I have built out of a HP Slimline 7500y motherboard and HDD. The AC/DC psu utilized 108W. The MB utilizes a 24 pin ATX connector, and the SATA HDD utilizes a SATA power connector. Does anyone know any psu's that support these requirements?

Also, I bought a bunch of materials at the very beginning before I knew much, including a Carnetix 1900. Can I use this at all with a cheaper PSU, or do I just need to (or would be wise to) look for an all-in-one solution?

I am looking to power 1-2 USB hubs and possibly the Xenarc touchscreen as well.

R/
Ed Browne

as far as the SATA power connector, you should be able to find an adapter, I know they were bundling them with motherboards when SATA first hit the market...

as far as powering the USB Hubs, you might was to get a 5v POL (check the mp3car store, they have them) to provide the 5v you will need (as USB hubs end up needing lots amperage)

Thanks for the assistance. I'll use the Opus 250, despite the cost.

I appreciate the intent of your lecture at the end, and I appreciate you taking the time to give me constructive feedback. However, the reality is I did spend a long time doing a lot of research. I go to sea for long periods of time, work 14 hour days in port regularly, and have short windows in which to get things done. When I ordered the items, I was shooting for a very short window (that ultimately I was unable to make, which cost me five months). I certainly couldn't have afforded to do it in a serial fashion (then or now), despite the ultimate cost. I did manage to get everything right (screen, computer, XM radio, GPS, etc) except that, even though I was striking off on my own to get higher bang for the buck (1.7 Pentium M with 1 GB RAM, $700 in August). Even though the power supply was wrong, I managed to get the rest installed in the car in the 3 day window I had until October. Don't think I did too badly.

Of course, it still isn't running yet!

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

DSATX (you'll need a 20-24pin adapter for the motherboard header)
Opus 250w (You may need the same adapter).
M2-ATX maybe (Would need the same adapter and may not provide sufficient power for your setup.)

There are also power adapters for SATA hard drives. Check your locak computer shop, Best Buy, Futureshop, Circuit Citty, Fry's, etc.

When you conenct this HP slimline unit into the wall, how do you do it? Is it a "standard issue" PC power cord? Or does it have a "power brick" that sits somewhere between the PC and the wall outlet?

If you use a "standard issue" power cord, then you're going to want to sell the Carnetix unit and get an ATX PSU.
If there's a "power brick", then you need to determine what voltage that brick outputs. If outputs a voltage within the range of the Carnetix unit (18-20v), then you're golden. If not, you may need a DC-DC regulator that outputs a voltage other than what the P1900 puts out.


You have to understand that when you're planning a vehicle PC project like this, you need to determine your needs before buying a bunch of hardware. This is a classic example of getting all gung-ho and diving in without planning everything.
Now you're not certain what you need and you have a PSU that may or may not work. For your sake, I hope it does. Rest assured that if that Carnetis isn't the correct PSU for your needs and circumstances, the problem is a simple one: Get a different PSU. Now, the finances involved in correcting the problem may be another hurdles, and nobody here can help you with that.