Arrrgh! Can't make up my mind about PS!

Pred8tr · 01-17-2003, 10:12 AM

Okay.... I need to buy a PS today. Like right now.... I'm really only considering 3 at this point.

The Opus (www.opussolutions.com) 150W $200 (inc. shipping)
The 2677 PS (www.dc2dc.com) 55W $35
The MPBS1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3000354058) 70W $150

By far the cheapest, the 2677 PS I wouldn't mind going with but I bought one previously and it didn't work. Even with a desktop DC PS regulated at 12V the 2677 wouldn't boot up my PC. I tried it in my Jeep thinking it was perhaps that my desktop DC PS hadn't enough current. Still didn't work. I could spend another $35 to find out but I'm not sure I want to. Also, I'd have to do a little work to make that PS "stable".

The Opus appears to me the Cream of the Crop. 150W Built in shutdown controller. Manufacturers warranty. Continued support etc... The only reason I didn't buy this 3 months ago was the $200 price tag. Is it worth it? I'm sure it is..... but money doesn't grow on trees.

The MPBS1 PS looks to be a pretty good PS. I haven't heard any bad things about it and I like the fact that it's built by someone actually in the hobby. I appreciate the fact that the builder actually has one running his stuff. The only problem I have with this PS is price. It's only $50 less than the OPUS and it's less than half the power output and doesn't include an integrated shutdown controller. Further more, when the new, lower wattage Opus arrives, it's going to have even MORE features than the old one (I'm told), the VIA problem will have been worked out as well, and the price will still be cheaper than the MPBS1.

I can't make up my mind... I think I'm trying to convince myself to just spend the $200... but money doesn't grow on trees.

Pred8tr · 01-17-2003, 03:49 PM

Hmmm... Egads!

CrazyLittle · 01-17-2003, 04:15 PM

The common answer I've seen has been one of the following:

buy the opus now
or
Get Mastero to build you a sproggy for $100, that's 65-70w psu
or
wait for Zootjeff to sell the mbps1 for around $120
or
wait for opus to release the $130 psu.
...

Stavros found that he couldn't use the MBPS1 because his total system power demand was too high. He's selling his, so make him an offer here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...threadid=12490

Ces///M3 · 01-20-2003, 05:16 AM

theres always keypower .... and its 250watt atx for 192

albysure · 01-20-2003, 06:15 AM

i've got a keypower with a shutdown controller built by mastero but the opus sound pretty good also.

time to start saving your change in a jar!

CA 3000GT · 01-20-2003, 01:58 PM

Im in exactly the same situation and here is what I am thinking.

Most of this depends on what hardware one wants to run.

I want to start off with a prototype car mp3/gps made for cheap, and then upgrade as is necessary (and as I get the funds)

If I get the Opus, I can take one of my old desktop computers, and toss it in the trunk, all I need is an lcd. Sure I may want to build a custom install, and may go ITX for size, but initially, before expierence has shown me what I really want, I can have something working as of a week from now. for only the cost of the opus and a small lcd.

With other smaller power supplies, I may have to buy custom (ITX) boards, and they may lack opus features....

Plus, however I decide to upgrade my other stuff, I already have a great power supply.

So, take something out of your attic you never use (old tech stuff.. sell or it devalues), sell it on ebay, take the money and buy an opus..

C4M · 01-21-2003, 02:40 AM

http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/pro...line_12Vps.htm

$119 - 100W

No shutdown controller.

Happy with mine - it was 45 degrees (Celcius) here on Saturday, and performed faultlessly.

C!

Dex4now · 01-21-2003, 03:55 PM

Hi C4M...that was a great link. Interesting stuff.

Thanks, Dex

CrazyLittle · 01-21-2003, 03:59 PM

Be certain to search through the archives for the PC Power and Cooling DC-DC power supply. Several people here had a really rough time with the failure rate on these.

zootjeff · 01-21-2003, 10:07 PM

I'm having a sale on the MPBS1 check the forsale area..

C4M · 01-21-2003, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrazyLittle
Be certain to search through the archives for the PC Power and Cooling DC-DC power supply. Several people here had a really rough time with the failure rate on these.

True. Although they have been modified as a result of one of the forum members feedback and warranty claims.

don't underestimate the value of a warranty.

C!

nolmscheid · 01-21-2003, 11:00 PM

OPUS - OPUS - OPUS

wysiwyg · 01-25-2003, 11:13 PM

I ordered PC Power & Cooling's PSU and a 110 degree alarm. I'm not waiting for the opus.

I'll post how it works after I get it and use it for awhile.

Pred8tr · 01-27-2003, 11:22 AM

Can't take it any more... I'm calling for the OPUS today.