Thread: FAQ: How do I power my DC-DC PSU on my workbench?

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Yeah, but that doesn't test your PSU, only the PC hardware.

Hmmm, DP, I'm not sure I understand how you mean it "doesn't test your psu".

12v battery to the dsatx and she fires up and shuts down with a connection simulating acc. Seems that would be a better test of the DC-DC psu as that's what it'll be running off in the car.

But yes, I use the atx power supply when I want to do extended testing on the os or a complete reload in the house. Just seems more conveineint to me.

I guess I just don't see the point of hacking up an atx supply to get what you would from a battery which would be more realistic of a test.

Different strokes I 'spose..............

Maybe I'm missing something here?

well i tried this out today and it fired up perfecty fine for the first time in my build.

i used a battery charger i have in my garage.

this is the one: here

NEG and POS off my m2-atx to the proper clamps on to the battery charger. On the ACC line i wired in a switch and then connected it to the POS on the charger also.

i tried it on the 5amp setting first but it wouldnt start up. it would try but then turn off. i switched it to the 15amp and it fired up fine. i started/shutdown using the switch 3 times with no problem.

Originally Posted by greatwhite

Hmmm, DP, I'm not sure I understand how you mean it "doesn't test your psu".

Connecting the ATX power supply right to the motherboard of your carPC doesn't test your DC-DC PSU.
I should have been more clear.

Originally Posted by Dan95five0

well i tried this out today and it fired up perfecty fine for the first time in my build.

i used a battery charger i have in my garage.

this is the one: here

NEG and POS off my m2-atx to the proper clamps on to the battery charger. On the ACC line i wired in a switch and then connected it to the POS on the charger also.

i tried it on the 5amp setting first but it wouldnt start up. it would try but then turn off. i switched it to the 15amp and it fired up fine. i started/shutdown using the switch 3 times with no problem.

Not everyone has a battery charger at their disposal, but yours is a good idea.
You can also use a spare car battery. Again, not everyone has a spare car battery.
Some have 12v power supplies that put out enough amperage to power their vehicle computer. Again, it's something that not everyone has.
Granted, not everyone has a spare ATX PSU lying around either...
Most PC geeks (like myself and many others on this forum) tend to have PC parts about, including a PSU.

Understand that this FAQ was written up as a CHEAP way to power your PC inside. It's also a cheap way to do it using stuff that some people may already have.

Originally Posted by Ringfinger69

I have a radio shack AC to DC converter. Will that work It only has a - and + Termnial. Can provide a constant 25amps if needed and provides 13.8v.
Will that work. Its been to run car amps in my home before?

yes.