One of my goals is to fit four independant computers into a small space. I'm sure we've all seen the Humidor Cluster (and if you haven't, you should take a look), and I would like to try something similar (with uATX). The big problem here is space, and standard ATX PSUs are just insanely big for what I want to do.

With my current design I would be powering four Mobo/CPU/AGPvid systems that run less than 200 watts each.

Jeff told me he powers the entire Humidor Cluster with this DC system from Radioshack, but I was curious how some of you folk would go about doing this.

I imagine the big issue here is amperage (keep in mind I nearly flunked that section of physics (something just never clicked for me in that class)).

Well..if you went for a single PSU, I would think it should be in the 750-800+ watt range...and that is gonna cost a pretty penny!

How are you going to power the 3.3 and 5v lines from that 12v rat shack power supply? lol

How about using two 450-500 watt ones?

If worse comes to worse, you could make do with 4 Small Form Factor power supplies...

Newegg.com - FSP Group (Fortron Source) FSP300-60GLS-R 300W Power Supply - Retail

OR how about some kind of multiple Laptop PSU's?

or strip a regular power cable, hold it up againts the motherboards, and hope for a miracle

Perhaps if I place an Energon cube nearby, or Boo from Monsters Inc. Hehe

What I had planned on trying (failing any alternatives) was four mini-itx PSUs and four AC adapters, but the small FF PSU looks like an alternative (it also gives a little more leeway on the wattage).

issue 1 would be the turn on signal since each node will be independent.
issue 2 is the power requirement.
4 sff psu would be smaller than 1000watt monsters (just to compare size) and would the cheapest way to go since they are usually alot less than $50 and are common at pc recycle places. you could remove them from the cases, put them all in 1 box with a single power connector so you don't need 4 cords. otherwise with 1 big psu you would need something like a relay board (a relay for each power rail switched by the turnon signal from mobo) which would make the mini itx modules more of a turn key option (easier)
unless the mobos dont care that the power is still on... anyone know if that works?

Mmmmm... I should look into the old small form factor PSUs and taking them apart idea. By taking them apart and putting them all in one box (with fans), I could cut down on the number of cords that four AC adapters would bring with them.

Or box up the AC adapters...

I think what all of you are missing here is that I used five DC-DC converters powered by a single (Radio Shack) AC-DC converter.

This is completely different from your run-of-the-mill PSU. A standard PSU has both of these converters contained within the PSU enclosure.

My setup divides the converters into two parts, an internal and external component. This saves a tremendous amount of space inside the case and a lower operating temperature.

Another example of this setup (the one that I copied) can be found here:

mini-itx.com - projects - mini-itx cluster

If you understand how ATX power supplies startup then you will understand why you can't power multiple motherboards from a single ATX power supply.

OH NOES! I summoned the Skip! Hey, Skip. /waves

Ya, I knew there was a DC-DC converter on each mobo.

But since I'm a noobler at electrical engineering and wiring, I wasn't sure how well the Radio Shack AC-DC converter was going to power my proposed system (plus I'm sure I wouldn't hook up something wrong and burn my house down). But I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually...or just plug one AC-DC converter to each mobo DC-DC converter.

By the way, Skip, any new projects in the works?

i would just go to your local computer recycling place... look for older 1u powersupplies... they are small and very cheap.

Quote: Originally Posted by Merkwurdigliebe OH NOES! I summoned the Skip! Hey, Skip. /waves Ya, I knew there was a DC-DC converter on each mobo. But since I'm a noobler at electrical engineering and wiring, I wasn't sure how well the Radio Shack AC-DC converter was going to power my proposed system (plus I'm sure I wouldn't hook up something wrong and burn my house down). But I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually...or just plug one AC-DC converter to each mobo DC-DC converter. By the way, Skip, any new projects in the works?

Yo!

My 12V Radio Shack converter is rated at 25 Amps. That'll rock the house.

A mini-box 200W unit will go a long way also. I power my gaming rig with a 110W unit! Yes. 110..not a typo.

Specs:
2.1 GHz Pentium M
ATI X800Pro (overlclocked)
400GB 3.5" HD
1GB DDR memory
Full-size DVD burner

Four individual "regular" power supplies would be the cheap and easy way to go if space is not an issue.

I'm displaying my latest project at SilverStone's booth at the Consumer Electronics Show. Today is the last day of the show.

Cheers.

Quote: Originally Posted by slipperyskip I power my gaming rig with a 110W unit! Yes. 110..not a typo. Specs: 2.1 GHz Pentium M ATI X800Pro (overlclocked) 400GB 3.5" HD 1GB DDR memory Full-size DVD burner

Impressive!

Quote: Originally Posted by THRiLL KiLL i would just go to your local computer recycling place... look for older 1u powersupplies... they are small and very cheap.

That is bascially what I did when I was prototyping the Humidor Cluster.

Here is an early picture showing several 1U power supplies hot-glued together. Very ugly...very effective.



Click on photo for larger version.