How should I hook this up?

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 12:41 PM

I currently have a PC that I built using the Voom case, also using the m2-atx...everything has been awesome with the past 2 years or so. The problem si that the motherboard I used is a bit weak for doing most common stuff. With the skin i am using (DFX) without the flash logo, sitting idle the cpu is about 75-80% and when playing music pretty much stays at 100%.

Anyways, I just came accross and bought an HP dc7800, this thing is perfect for a carPC and is quieter and smaller than my voompc setup...amazed. However it uses a power supply brick to power it. I'd like to not use an inverter , rather is it possible to hook this up to my m2-atx? or how would you suggest I wire this directly into my car's power. I did everything right from the start, the right gauge wires, dist blocks...etc. I run an Optima redtop. I really want to use this thing but want it wired in without having to use my inverter.

For what its worth, I dont mind cutting up the wire from the PC to the power supply brick to wire it directly into something, just not sure what.

Suggestions?

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 12:52 PM

I guess this is what i would envision happening...but dont know if possible. Not sure where i would pick the power up from teh m2-atx to go to the cable that goes into teh dc7800....pretty ****ty drawing but you get the idea

skuller · 07-17-2008, 12:53 PM

what's the output voltage of the ac-dc converter?
If it's 12v and below 7A, you can use m2-atx 12v line to power it.

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 01:00 PM

It says 19v 7.1A 135W , so the m2 wont power it....so let me ask this then:

1.) Do the newer M3, M4 support that voltage?
2.) If so....or lets even say the Ac/DC convertor wsa under 12v, how would I i use the M2 to power it? The m2 gets power from the power distribution block i have installed, but how would i get the power from the m2 to the ac/dc converter?

skuller · 07-17-2008, 01:07 PM

I don't think m3 or m4 support 19v.
If it's 12v, simply cut away the ac/dc converter (leaving just the connector to the pc) and wire the cable directly to the m2.

Carnetix has a 19v output.
check p1900 or p2140

edit:
also check the motherboard and everything inside.
Is it proprietary connector or just regular atx connector?

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 02:11 PM

The PC requires 19volts (actually says 19.5V on the PC right next to where you plug the pwoer in).

As you can see from the inside, the power just lands on the mother board, there are no power cables and such because the power supply is the brick

Noob question, but if a car is 12v DC how can i get 19v DC ?

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 02:14 PM

If i were to buy the CNX-P2140, how exactly would you hook this up, can anyone draw me a diagram to help me understand this. I am not dealing with any atx connectors.

Looks like CNX should provide some power cable kit for the dc7800 or some universal one....thats what i need , or I need to splice my AC/DC unit one...which i dont mind doing.

DarquePervert · 07-17-2008, 02:17 PM

The 19.5v (I'm pretty certain) from the P2140 would splice into that barrel connector.
You'd also need to run a line to the power switch headers on the motherboard.

skuller · 07-17-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kurack

Noob question, but if a car is 12v DC how can i get 19v DC ?

step up switching regulator.
You can even get 50V if you know how to build the circuit.

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

The 19.5v (I'm pretty certain) from the P2140 would splice into that barrel connector.
You'd also need to run a line to the power switch headers on the motherboard.

Ok, making total sense now. I would chop the cable from the AC/DC PS and wire that into the 2140..cool. Then also run power from the 2140 to the the power switch on the motherboard (which i need to look to see if it even has those) I'll post a pic of the MB

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 02:37 PM

ok the MB doesnt have any wires for the power switch. The power switch is a button directly connected to the main board.

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 02:43 PM

skuller · 07-17-2008, 02:48 PM

get a multimeter and a solder.
Find the 2 pins that shorted when the power switch is pressed and solder a wire on it.
Something like this:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/lapt...er-switch.html

Kurack · 07-17-2008, 03:09 PM

ok I can do that...do i even need to do this if I want to use the power switch built on the PC? Wouldnt I need to only solder wires on so the 2140 would auto power the PC on?

skuller · 07-17-2008, 03:48 PM

Yes that is correct.
If you want to manually turn on the pc then you don't need this mod.