What do you guys reckon...... ??

cold_fusion · 10-25-2004, 05:19 PM

Hey ppl! first post

WPPS80C Mini-ATX PSU

Datasheet PDF

Being £40 cheaper than a 90w opus seems a good option! wondering if anyones had any experience with them?

Thinking of giving a go at powering a P3 600, all integrated micro-ATX M/B, 512md SDRAM and 1 7200rpm HD for the carputer. Anyone using similar stats on around 80w of power?

I'm using a all inegrated M/B micro-ATX with old version C3 733mhz, 512mb SDRAM, 1 7200rpm HD, and one old full size CD-rom on a 60w DC PSU as a file server at the moment (on 24/7) and had no power problems at all. I'm thinking the extra 20W would be enough to accommodate the extra power needed from the CPU. I think the C3 uses around 10W, the P3 around 15-20W (heat stats say max 16W).

Wondering ppls opinion? i've been reading around and don't want to go for more power, such as the 150W opus due to huge cost and cant shut it off completely without resorting to unplugging the thing. Plus this seems a cool enclosed neat package.

Let me know!

PS great forum ppl!

Gaz

Danceheaven · 10-25-2004, 05:22 PM

Input Voltage 10.8V DC to 26V DC (+/- 5%)
Input Current 9A at 12V DC
Efficiency 80%

Mite have some cranking issues there mate
but it does look a good unit, 80 watts seems a little shy for a p3 but you could always give it a go and let us all know

ColdPhreze · 10-26-2004, 11:39 PM

You could try it, but do some research on the current draw of the various parts of the PC first. If you have data such as voltage and current, then you can calculate power:

Power = Voltage x Current

Several items, such as hard drives, often have that data on their label. Otherwise, you may just search the internet for a chart of typical power consumptions for similar parts. You will Probablly find that 80watts won't cut it unless you are very careful.

Also remember, if it is very close to 80 watts when you do the calculation, then likely it won't work, or won't work long, as you will be straining the power supply to keep up.

There is one other thing: does that power supply have power sequencing on it? If not, remember that an OPUS does, so to get equilivent preformance, you would have to purchase something to do that. Personally, I prefer to use an inverter and seperate power controller with inverter, amp, and pc controls.

That's just my opinion as an electronic engineer, so add salt to taste.

ColdPhreze

cold_fusion · 11-01-2004, 03:28 AM

Hey!

Cheers for the replys guys!

I have decided that im gonna give it a bash! have found a low power usage 600 celeron @ 12 Watts max so that isn't far off the M10000 cpu power usage i think. adding up the power requirements i think ill be around 15w from peak so gonna give it a go and be a guinea pig! also it says the 80w is its true output so that could be after the efficiency taken into account?

Hoping to be able to fit it next weekend (if its delivered by then)

I believe it does have power sequencing if by that you mean that it regulates the 12V input, it says its been designed to be attached direct to the car battery so it should do everything necessary to keep the computer alive and not blow it up!

I will def. let you know in a week or so! watch this space!

Gaz

ColdPhreze · 11-01-2004, 12:43 PM

No, that is not what I meant by power sequencing. I meant that the OPUS turns on and off the PC when you turn on and off the car. This can be accomplished by an external power controller. There are a couple to choose from. I use one from a guy who sells on ebay. He has a website link on the ebay page. There is also the ITPS but you may have to bypass the regulator on it and it doesn't do as much.

ColdPhreze

cold_fusion · 11-12-2004, 04:22 AM

hey,

Yeah it does the remote on and off switching like the opus, it doesn't have the expandability tho, such as remote wake up on WLAN access (as it cuts all power when car is off).

I have the unit now and looks pretty sweet, neat and tidy. Tho haven't got the car to put it in

just bought a new (well new for me :P) car, which the computer will be going into, and i shold get it soon. Will update on the performance of this puppy when i get it installed.

Btw, i have run the system that I intend to get in the car off a 60W psu, voltages all look fine and have had no problems so far, so 80w should be ok. I don't have any CD/DVD drives tho, just the 1 3.5" HD and the system.

Will let you know!
Gaz