Newbie Help - ATX PSU for multiple devices

Thread Starter

cannonjack

Joined Apr 9, 2014
1
Hello all, I am a newbie to electronics and require some guidance.
I have been working on organizing my wiring closet and would like to streamline the nest of wall warts to the myriad of devices I have for the house and my computers.

The goal is to power 10 DC devices with a spare ATX PSU I have lying around.
The devices and the rated power requirements as per their labels are as follows:

kvm switch - 5v @ 0.5a = 2.5w
dlink router - 7.5v @ 1a = 7.5w
dlink nas - 5v @ 3a + 12v @ 3a = 51w
coax splitter - 12v @ 0.5a = 6w
5x40mm fans - 5 x 12v @ 0.25a = 15w
qnap nas - 12v @ 5a = 60w
voip modem - 15v @ 1a = 15w
cable modem - 15v @ 1.2a = 18w
lcd monitor - 19.5v @ 3.8a = 74.1w
poe injector - 48v @ 0.35a = 16.8w

total power load
163VDC
20.6A
248.4W

I will have to measure the actual voltages and amperage of the devices to verify these figures.
Can I power the 5v and 12v devices straight from the atx psu or will they require additional conditioning?
For the devices with other voltages than 5v and 12v I am thinking of using boost converters as per below:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/LM2577-DC-DC-Boost-3-30V-4-35v-Adjustable-Step-up-Power-Supply-Converter-Module-/300984906623?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-32V-to-12-35V-6A-Step-Up-Voltage-Charger-Power-DC-DC-Boost-150W-Converter-/321345043216?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160

From my limited understanding, boost converters momentarily increase voltages to the desired level.
Will these be safe to use on devices that require a constant voltage?

Some of these converters have a max input current as well.
Will connecting to a 12v 18a psu rail fry these converters that have, lets say a 10a input max or is it based on the amperage draw from the load?

The atx psu I am planning on using is a 560w supply.
+3.3v @ 34a = 112.2w
+5v @ 35a = 175w
+12v @ 18a = 216w
+12v @ 18a = 216w
-12v @ 0.5a = -6w (is this correct?)
+5vsb @ 2a = 10w

total
amps = 107.5
watts = 723.2

Am I missing something, are the 2x12v rails actually one rail?
Even if this is the case, the total watts would become 507.2w (560w-507.2w=52.8w).
Where did the extra 52.8w go? I am guessing I will also have to measure actual Volts and Amps of the PSU.

Even with a 500w ATX PSU I should theoretically have enough Watts for my devices, overages included. (just not all from the 12v rail)

Thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

#12

Joined Nov 30, 2010
18,224
Lots of questions!

1, yes.
2, boost converters aren't momentary.
3) no.
4) The power supplies use multiple wires to deliver current for a single voltage because there is a limit to how many amps you can send through one hole in the thin copper in a circuit board.

aaand...there is a minimum load on one of the voltages. Somebody else will tell you which one and how much.
 

paulktreg

Joined Jun 2, 2008
833
I'd just like to add that I hope it's a decent quality ATX power supply because you open yourself up to multiple device damage should it fail!
 
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