Power options for a full sized ATA motherboard

BrAd1150 · 09-21-2008, 07:13 PM

I am building a carpc/ mobile media center using a "FIC K8MC5IG Socket 754" mainboard pulled from an emachine. I would like to be able to use this computer outside of the car (such as in a house). What are my powering options for it? The reason I am using this mainboard is because I am trying to build this mostly out of what I already have, and all I need is a power supply, or 2 (AC-DC and DC-DC) if need be.

Keep in mind that I am somewhat knowledgeable with electronics, and do not mind working with high voltage devices.

steferfootballd · 09-21-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by BrAd1150

I am building a carpc/ mobile media center using a "FIC K8MC5IG Socket 754" mainboard pulled from an emachine. I would like to be able to use this computer outside of the car (such as in a house). What are my powering options for it? The reason I am using this mainboard is because I am trying to build this mostly out of what I already have, and all I need is a power supply, or 2 (AC-DC and DC-DC) if need be.

Keep in mind that I am somewhat knowledgeable with electronics, and do not mind working with high voltage devices.

I think this is what you look for:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advf...iew&advfaqid=4

insaneramman · 09-21-2008, 07:37 PM

My fist comp was run off an inverter 400 watt full size board. My second and present uses a M4 250 watt I powers everything but my HD Radio tuner(check my specs <---) My advice is to check your current PSU that ran the box to start with and see how many watts it was pushing. The power you'll need really depends on what chip,drives, and add-ons you'll add (sound card,optical drive(s), and USB devices.

BrAd1150 · 09-21-2008, 07:51 PM

The original PSU is 250W. I don't know the specs of the cpu that is in the board right now. I know it is an amd, I think about 2.4ghz. 1 gb ram, 200GB WD hard drive, and will be powering an lcd that uses 12v dc. For an optical drive, I will use an external usb drive. For now I will most likely just keep those specs, as I do not have much money to build this lol. So not much power will be used, it would run well off a 250W psu. I will look into the PSU you mentioned. What should I do about AC-DC power now?

insaneramman · 09-21-2008, 08:00 PM

As I said my first install used an inverter 400 watt, so when I wanted to I just pulled the box out my truck and went in the house. Now my new or second install uses a M4 with a custom(ghetto)box. When I need to bring it in I disconnect wires from M4 and power unit off a standard psu in the house. If you are going for cheap an inverter is your answer.

BrAd1150 · 09-21-2008, 09:38 PM

Aah ok, I'll do that then lol. I was looking at DC-DC cpu's because I head they are more efficient on power, and this will go in a 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3. I was thinking about an inverter anyways because I've been wanting to be able to power my laptop in the car too. Can you suggest a good inverter? I think I am good with a 300W inverter.

Well maybe I'll have to go with a 200W psu, since I'm trying to get one of the small ones built for slim cases/shuttles.

insaneramman · 09-22-2008, 07:54 PM

I used a whistler 300. I did have to have the engine on before the comp would start. I did have a 750 but, it had to be connected to the battery or run heavy guage hard lines. My advice is to try a 300 or 400 and see if it'll run your system. My first try only had MB and a HD. I installed RR and everything else then unhooked my CD. You may get some buzzing (ground loop) I used a ground isolater from wal-mart for the output comp 2 the input on my sony HU.