Computer power supply question

[Nitetimes]

Here is what I am considering for inclusion in my next TD build.
I am going to incorporate a full desktop PC without the desktop part into a small hidden compartment in the cabinetry. My reasoning is.... ( I know some will say why not just use a laptop) .... I can build a much better PC for the money than I can buy a good laptop for sooooo (and it can be dedicated to just what I want in the TD) What I am trying to come up with is a solution to one problem.....I need to know how I can eliminate the need for the 110v part of the power supply. I know that PC's run on 12vs and under so I want to eliminate the necessity for 110v all together, LCD monitors are 12v and under too. There should be a way to hack a power supply so it will work directly off of a 12v battery, any ideas?????
I haven't tried it yet so I'm not sure which direction to go.

[Wimperdink]

I have limited knowledge of pc power supplies, but there are functions to it that the power supply must recognize a power good signal from the main processor before it fires up the rest of the pc. Also a pc requires a good clean 12v, 5.5v, and 3.?v signal. You may burn it up if the voltage fluxuates. Just my limited 2 cents.

There is always the inefficient way of battery to inverter to powersupply but I completely understand the reasons you want to eliminate that.

edit - I believe this site may have what you need. Otherwise google carputer. http://www.powerstream.com/mini-itx.htm

[Nitetimes]

edit - I believe this site may have what you need. Otherwise google carputer. http://www.powerstream.com/mini-itx.htm

This seems to be what I have in mind but it appears everything they have is "out of stock for the foreseable future"???
What's up with that??

[rainjer]

You may want to consider a inverter instead. Go 12v to 110 & let the power supply distribute the correct voltage.

Jeremy

[Bill_Storey]

You might look into power supplies for car computers such as these.

Sorry. I just re-read the WHOLE post and saw someone beat me to it.

[Juneaudave]

You can also get a 12v ATX power supply such as this...12 ATX iffn a guy wanted to mod and existing desktop or case... I got no idea how well they work

[Nitetimes]

You can also get a 12v ATX power supply such as this...12 ATX iffn a guy wanted to mod and existing desktop or case... I got no idea how well they work

Still gotta have 110v with that. I'm trying to get away from the 110 all together and just supply the 12v the PC needs. Maybe I'm thinking about it the wrong way. Got to look into it more.

[Miriam C.]

Maybe if you go to a "used" puter store you can get the batteries for a lap top. Then use a car charger to meet your maintenance needs. Now if this won't work it is cause I dunnnnooooo.

[Elumia]

buy a used laptop with a broken screen. Should get it cheap. can build it in where you want. it will likely require 5V DC. you can get a dc/dc converter that takes 12v to 5v. it will have its own battery that you can charge from the main power.

Another neat ides, get a USB hub and put some LED lights that are powered of the USB ports 5v

Mark

[Jiminsav]

they make a 12v to 12v power supply for cars, it's a little pricey tho.looky here

[BrwBier]

I don't know about a laptop using 5v, mine is a 19v. A 12v power supply is about $150.

[Elumia]

got the voltage wrong, but this is what I was thinking of:

http://www.powerstream.com/ADC-ABS.htm

[Nitetimes]

they make a 12v to 12v power supply for cars, it's a little pricey tho.looky here

Hadn't found that one...80 bucks ain't that bad.

[Greg M]

Hey Nitetimes,

Take a look at some of the mini ITX pc's out there. Most run off a 12 volt power supply, and they come in a really small form factor.
I've built one for my trailer, and when it's not in use it sits behind my TV at home as a media machine. It's the heart of the 5.1 surround mobile theater setup that I'm building into The Locust.

-Greg

[rhltechie]

Rich,

funny you should bring this up...I was just thinking about this the other day. now I have all the answers I was looking for...thanks for askin'!