Hi all. I am a new forum member. I don't have an electronics background so please go easy on me. Also any advice is very much appreciated.
I am trying to build a mini PC using an ITX sized motherboard. For the really small cases regular boxed power supplies don't fit, so I've been searching for an internal power board and an external DC adapter.
My question is about the power-boards that are available. I was advised at one point that the more capacitors on the board the more the power can be "smoothened" out if there is a voltage dip.
For this reason I've been advised that the really tiny power-boards that fit on the ATX connector are really not that great, as they do not have sufficient space for capacitors. Here are some examples:
1. PicoPSU 160W: http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-160-XT
2. HDPlex 160W: https://www.hdplex.com/hdplex-160w-dc-atx-power-supply-16v-24v-wide-range-voltage-input.html
3. NanoPSU 150W: http://www.streacom.com/products/nano150-psu/
If these plug style ATX powerboards aren't great then the next step would be to get a power-board with more capacitors that sits on the case side. I've found some on Aliexpress.
1. Picobox 300W: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PIC...-ATX-Power-Supply-PICO-DC-DC/32705436355.html
2. Picobox X1-ATX-180: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...t-DC-DC-PC-Power-Supply/211500_553436047.html
3. RGeek 250W: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-...NI-ITX-ATX-High-Power-Supply/32629921198.html
Link 1 shows a board with lots of capacitors, but the second shows relatively few. The overall power output is also less for the latter. Link 3 is extremely well reviewed.
For my application I do not foresee a need for more than 150W of power. But I would like a reliable power supply and don't want to have to face PC restarts due to voltage dips in my supply. I also would like to build a system that is power efficient (though I understand that this would also be adapter dependent). Lastly I want something durable.
My trouble is that I have difficulty choosing between these boards because I don't understand the issues like quality of capacitors, capacitance, efficiency and other related matters. Here are some questions bouncing around in my head.
1. Are the plug type units all that bad for my power need? If not then I could go for a case quite small.
2. Is the increase in capacitor count worthwhile, especially for a PC that is expected to last 5 years?
3. Would I be inefficient using a 300W board for my circa 150W max requirement?
4. As the power requirements drop is it reasonable to lower the capacitor count?
As you can see the questions are very wide, varied and possibly showcases my slightly muddled mind. I'd appreciate any help in narrowing down my search and buying something that's right for me. Thanks in advance for any of your comments.
I am trying to build a mini PC using an ITX sized motherboard. For the really small cases regular boxed power supplies don't fit, so I've been searching for an internal power board and an external DC adapter.
My question is about the power-boards that are available. I was advised at one point that the more capacitors on the board the more the power can be "smoothened" out if there is a voltage dip.
For this reason I've been advised that the really tiny power-boards that fit on the ATX connector are really not that great, as they do not have sufficient space for capacitors. Here are some examples:
1. PicoPSU 160W: http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-160-XT
2. HDPlex 160W: https://www.hdplex.com/hdplex-160w-dc-atx-power-supply-16v-24v-wide-range-voltage-input.html
3. NanoPSU 150W: http://www.streacom.com/products/nano150-psu/
If these plug style ATX powerboards aren't great then the next step would be to get a power-board with more capacitors that sits on the case side. I've found some on Aliexpress.
1. Picobox 300W: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PIC...-ATX-Power-Supply-PICO-DC-DC/32705436355.html
2. Picobox X1-ATX-180: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...t-DC-DC-PC-Power-Supply/211500_553436047.html
3. RGeek 250W: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-...NI-ITX-ATX-High-Power-Supply/32629921198.html
Link 1 shows a board with lots of capacitors, but the second shows relatively few. The overall power output is also less for the latter. Link 3 is extremely well reviewed.
For my application I do not foresee a need for more than 150W of power. But I would like a reliable power supply and don't want to have to face PC restarts due to voltage dips in my supply. I also would like to build a system that is power efficient (though I understand that this would also be adapter dependent). Lastly I want something durable.
My trouble is that I have difficulty choosing between these boards because I don't understand the issues like quality of capacitors, capacitance, efficiency and other related matters. Here are some questions bouncing around in my head.
1. Are the plug type units all that bad for my power need? If not then I could go for a case quite small.
2. Is the increase in capacitor count worthwhile, especially for a PC that is expected to last 5 years?
3. Would I be inefficient using a 300W board for my circa 150W max requirement?
4. As the power requirements drop is it reasonable to lower the capacitor count?
As you can see the questions are very wide, varied and possibly showcases my slightly muddled mind. I'd appreciate any help in narrowing down my search and buying something that's right for me. Thanks in advance for any of your comments.
