Choosing a power supply now.

Osiris · 01-25-2005, 05:45 AM

I am currently trying to choose the best power supply for car pc and have obviously come across numerous options. So now I'm asking advice on what you guys think is the best for my setup.

Board - PC Chips (micro-atx)
CPU - Duron 1.3
CD - cd-rw/dvd (full size)
HD - 40 gig 5200 rpm (full size)
Mem - 512 DDR
PCI - Hauppauge TV/FM Tuner card
USB - KB/mouse, dvd drive (possibly)

(note - shutdown controller can be built in or an add-on component)

First choice --- PW200 V
Features:
12V Micro Power Supply
- 200 Watt DC-DC ATX power supply (PSU)
- Over 95% efficiency, ultra compact
- 12V operation
- 100% silent
- Snaps directly into moterboard ATX connector

Second Choice --- Inverter and CarPC Pro v2.3

My problem with the first one is I'm not quiet sure on how it gets power. Do you just run a power wire to it and solder or connect like speaker wire? Is this enough power and will THIS or THIS work with it? Any other suggestions welcome.

DarquePervert · 01-25-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Osiris

My problem with the first one is I'm not quiet sure on how it gets power. Do you just run a power wire to it and solder or connect like speaker wire? Is this enough power and will THIS or THIS work with it? Any other suggestions welcome.

The other problem with your first solution is that it's unregulated, so you'll need something to regulate your power as well.
The pic you showed is a shutdown controller, which is the same thing as the links as well.

MikeH · 01-25-2005, 08:34 AM

Osiris,

..fellow Atlantan....I'll give you some advice....

Based on your CarPC system, you first choice will probabaly not work well. Take a look at the reality behind the "snap-in" PSU. It's "Vendor B" in this link.

Osiris · 01-25-2005, 07:52 PM

Damn!

I thought that I had finally found a solution to my power issues. So what is the best route for me then? The $200 Opus 150w or just the inverter and shutdown controller? I'm like most people before me who have asked this question in thinking, man thats steep! Do you think I would need 150watts for this system or would 90watts suffice?

MikeH - By the way, I'm in Kennesaw. I presume that you dont have a store front possibly or could assist me a bit

. If your solution works for me I also may be looking to buy in small bulk.

Scouse Monkey · 01-25-2005, 07:59 PM

opus or build a sproggy

MikeH · 01-25-2005, 08:15 PM

Quote:

opus or build a sproggy

...or scale back your system a bit. How about a M10000, laptop HDD, CD/DVD slim drive, USB TV/Tuner, USB GPS, etc, etc.... This would work well with either the P1260 or P1280 in a Travla or Morex case.

Quote:

possibly or could assist me a bit

..would be happy to.

Osiris · 01-25-2005, 08:18 PM

After further looking. I see that the carnetix stuff is regulators only and you would need a seperate power supply. Is this correct? How well has this type of setup worked for others? If i go with everything in one (opus) now the question is if I can get by on 90watts or is 150watts going to be needed?

MikeH · 01-25-2005, 08:20 PM

P1260 or P1280 work with THESE cases that come with the PSU.

meyer64 · 01-25-2005, 08:26 PM

i am in the process of building a similar system around a m-atx mobo and duron 1200+. i will be using laptop hdd and dvd with usb sound and gps. I plan to use an M1-atx ( dont have it yet). so i guess i have the same question, is 90 watts enough?

Osiris · 01-25-2005, 08:38 PM

MikeH: So basically your units would replace the AC power brick that would normally come with these systems? They also function in the place of a shutdown controller and an inverter of sorts? If so thats an awesome solution that I'm going to look into more. I'm trying also to put together a simple all in one solution for a few people that are also interested in the carputer as a side business. Whats the best way to contact you in the case that i feel this would be the best solution for me or just to get more information carputer solutions?

MikeH · 01-25-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Whats the best way to contact you in the case that i feel this would be the best solution for me or just to get more information carputer solutions?

Right here, or mikeh@carnetix.com or http://www.carnetix.com/forum/

Osiris · 01-25-2005, 11:00 PM

Is the opus 150watt the same dimensions or form factor as a micro-atx power supply? Basically meaning if I get a micro atx case will it fit in there by being screwed down?

camsgs3 · 01-25-2005, 11:11 PM

Osiris - lower your PC specs and get a carnetix....you cant go wrong with it

Hey Mike my setup is finally done and working perfect, thanks again

Grayscale · 01-25-2005, 11:19 PM

i happen to have a "snap-in" power supply that works great. i run it unregulated and drop the voltage down a volt or two with diodes. i use a sealed lead acid battery as a tank circuit, and all is well.