M3-ATX 125 watt Smart Automotive Power Supply

RedGTiVR6 · 01-09-2008, 05:23 PM

This thread will serve to post all relative information for the M3-ATX 125 watt Smart Automotive Power Supply.

This thread is not to be used for troubleshooting, but rather for FAQ type responses.

stangtjk · 01-20-2008, 02:42 PM

I was thinking of trying one of these for a new build because of the size. If I needed more power later on for upgrading could 2 of these be run in parallel without problems??

blk02si · 01-30-2008, 09:34 PM

Subscribed. I've been looking at thees pico supplies to save on space, this one is the highest wattage available. I'm a owner of (2) m2-atx power supplies that still run to this day (2 years later) so I was instantly intrigued when i noticed a m3 was available!

Couple Q's

Does the entire PSU plug right into the ATX socket?

How many Molex connectors does it have?

What is the wattage available on the 12v rail?

djchicago · 01-30-2008, 11:24 PM

OK so I have one, I know how to plug it into the board but what is next? there are three wires RED<BLACK<WHITE, please explain the hock up. Also there is a small black connector with three wires on it as well, can someone explain how this connects to the PSU and the motherboard Thanks

SentraVIP · 01-31-2008, 02:03 AM

The instructions should be in the package, no?

From what I know from M2, it's 1 for power, 1 for swich and 1 for ground.

redls1bird · 01-31-2008, 08:18 AM

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/inform...ATX-manual.pdf

djchicago · 01-31-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by redls1bird

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/inform...ATX-manual.pdf

Great I got the instructions, there was nothing in the box but the PSU, are there jumper needed if so I will have to find some

redls1bird · 01-31-2008, 12:41 PM

Ive ordered one of these, and will post a writeup with some basic information here and in the reviews section once its set up.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-01-2008, 11:04 AM

so I realized that the owners manual for the M3 was not provided on the product page on our store. I have now uploaded it.

It should answer all of your questions: http://store.mp3car.com/M3_ATX_125_W..._p/pwr-029.htm

djchicago · 02-05-2008, 08:22 PM

ok so maybe is not a problem but I tried the "Thump" connection (grey wire) and it will not cut on my amps. I even tried to connect a 30amp sp relay but no go (no enough power to activate the relay). Thats a bummer.

trigge · 02-08-2008, 04:55 AM

All,

Just purchased one of these and it works great. Easily set up configurable (via jumpers not the serial port).

Will post more when it is actually in the car and being used properly..

2k1Toaster · 02-28-2008, 01:34 AM

I got the M3 to test it out, as it intrigued me. Also my M2's SDC burned out. Other than that, my M2 worked great for 2 years, and the power regulation part still does.

First impressions of the M3 are mixed. It is tiny... It does what it is supposed to. Amp turn on works perfectly.

Some bad things, are that the jumpers are not standard 0.1" jumpers. They are teeny tiny and standard jumpers dont fit. They are loose when you put them on.

Also they took away the 30second/2hour setting for the SDC, which renders the SDC useless for me as everything is way too short a time for pulling the plug, or way too long for pushing the power button. So pretty much completely useless timer options.

I will need to get the serial connection, or just buy another M2.

Anyone want an M3?

RevheadKev · 02-28-2008, 06:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Also they took away the 30second/2hour setting for the SDC, which renders the SDC useless for me as everything is way too short a time for pulling the plug, or way too long for pushing the power button. So pretty much completely useless timer options.

Have you tried the "custom" timer setting ?
It defaults to 30sec/30sec but the manual says you can program the settings to whatever you want with the serial connection.

BTW I cannot find how to do this in the manual, but it looks like this is what you want to do.

blk02si · 02-28-2008, 07:33 AM

Its sad that the M(1)(2)(3)-ATX get such a bad rap from people who don't know how to use them correctly. Its always the same story, have now heard it with all 3 versions. Personally I own 2 m2-atx's and I've never had one problem with either. But, then again, I did the math to make sure each rail was within spec for my system, and hooked up the secondary and primary wiring correct every time.

One of these days I'm going to order the M3 since it is also within spec for my embedded via

nobb · 02-28-2008, 10:38 AM

I dont think its because people didnt do their math. The M-series just doesnt seem to be that high quality. There's so many horror stories about people's M2/M1s just randomly frying their motherboards (some low power Via systems too) after working fine for a period of time. My M2 is running fine for now, and I hope it stays that way. Maybe the M3 is of higher quality?

But I do wonder why 2k1toaster's SDC would just "burn out."