Powered Hub or Not?

TeamRSX · 12-02-2007, 07:11 PM

I am debaiting whether i should get a usb hub which has a power source(plug into wall) or one without a power source which will not generate as much power.

I want to make sure the hub will put out enough power as i want the following connected to it.

- External DVD Rom
- Keyboard, Mouse, volume control
- Memory key etc...

I will be plugging the gps, bluetooth and monitor usb touch screen into the computer so no need to worry about those.

So, if i end up getting a powered usb hub i guess i would have to run it off an inverter. Is this a good idea, or will it drain too much power from the battery?

How many watts should the inverter need to power the above?

binary.h4x · 12-02-2007, 07:34 PM

Get the powered hub. That external dvd drive is gonna need the power.

Use a Point of Load power supply from the mp3car.com store.
http://store.mp3car.com/Point_Of_Loa...plies_s/10.htm

TeamRSX · 12-02-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by binary.h4x

Get the powered hub. That external dvd drive is gonna need the power.

Use a Point of Load power supply from the mp3car.com store.
http://store.mp3car.com/Point_Of_Loa...plies_s/10.htm

Thanks,

I haven't looked at load power supplies. I am going to go with the DSATX power supply, but can i also use a Load power supply to power just my hub?

binary.h4x · 12-02-2007, 07:40 PM

TeamRSX · 12-02-2007, 07:46 PM

Ok, so i know how i am going to connect my dsatx power supply, but how do you integrate the load power supply.

Do i just need to connect it to my power distribution block and ground distribution block for power? Then connect the hub to the psu.

Also, is their better power consumption with load power supply over an inverter?

binary.h4x · 12-02-2007, 07:49 PM

Input to your distro blocks, and the output to the hub. You may need to cut off the end of the AC->DC adapter to make this work.

blackandblue · 12-05-2007, 12:42 AM

Does the hub have a 5v input on the side (like the round connector)? If so, skip the inverter all together, its just going to introduce noise to your system. They sell 12v adjustable power supplies that you could use. like this. They have an adjustable output from 12-2 volts. Much easier and you can hook it up to your ign to turn on/off with the car.

TeamRSX · 12-05-2007, 07:40 AM

Also sounds like a good idea, but i am going to try a Point of Load power supply which a previous member suggested.

I think the point of load power supply will be perfect for powering my hub. I thought an inverter would be too loud and consume too much power.

Has anyone had any experience with the point of load power supplies? Are they reliable?

Phatsacks · 12-05-2007, 08:16 AM

I'd like to interject a question:

I have a USB 4 port PCI card and the DSATX.

I was going to try and use this...what line would the PCI be pulling off? (would it just be pulling the power of 4 usb ports?)

It may be in TeamRSX's best interest to go with a PCI card as well, depending on the case/mobo design, and power consumption of the card.

Edit:

Depending on PCI consumption (if it's more than the 4 ports combined for some reason), this may be an option as well:

4 port USB using both USB additions from the motherboard (depends on mobo)

TeamRSX · 12-05-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Phatsacks

I'd like to interject a question:

I have a USB 4 port PCI card and the DSATX.

I was going to try and use this...what line would the PCI be pulling off? (would it just be pulling the power of 4 usb ports?)

It may be in TeamRSX's best interest to go with a PCI card as well, depending on the case/mobo design, and power consumption of the card.

The problem with a pci card is it wont be enough power for my devices and a load power supply would give suficcient power for the devices i am running.

I dont think an internal pci card will produce enough power as it has a shared power souce where a load psu connected to a hub has direct power, dedicated power souce.

I will not go with a pci card, but rather a load psu and a powered hub. I just think this would be a better setup. My 2 cents.

Phatsacks · 12-05-2007, 09:04 AM

I thought the PCI slot could easily supply enough power. I'll have to do some more research, unless you are positive that it can't power each usb port to it's max.

Edit:

I can't seem to find the max amount a PCI slot can provide.

However, here is a card that says each port can provide 500mA per port (max a USB can draw/provide).

Link

Hopefully someone can clarify if a PCI can provide the 5v 500mA per usb port. Either way, it seems you know what you want. This was just an alternative.

TeamRSX · 12-06-2007, 12:09 PM

Ok, so i have another question regarding power for my hub, monitor and external dvd drive.

I was originally planning on powering my powered hub, external dvd drive and lilliput monitor from my DSATX psu and tape into the molex conector to power these items with the 5v and 12v rails.

Another member suggested getting a Point Of Load PSU and power my hub, but would i be able to power my hub, external dvd drive and monitor from the Point Of Load?

I am just determining if i should run these sources directly to my DSATX PSU or to a Point Of Load PSU or even split it up?

I guess as long as i dont exceed the wattage in the DSATX PSU i can run everything from it.

What do you guys recommend?