Lowest watt PSU?

[JMC]

I'm trying to put a computer in my car which I can run as a MP3 player (i'm sure you've all seen different peoples attempts at these). Anyway at the moment I have a 140watt power inverter which plugs in to the cigerrete plug in my car to power the computer, however the lowest PSU I have found is 145watts. Does anybody know if you can get lower PSU's, and more importantly where I can get them (couldn't see any old ones on Ebay). Also what spec computers would I be able to get running on somthing under 145W?

Alternatively, does anybody know if running the inverter at 5w greater than the recommended amount for long periods of time will damage it?

Thanks for the help

[mark1984]

Wouldn't it just be easier and cheaper to buy an MP3 CD Player Head Unit for you car?

[JMC]

mark1984, yeah it would be easier and cheaper, but where is the fun in that?

[mark1984]

Good Point

[5bellies]

Time/Tiny etc use 145w PSUs in their Athlon 1Ghz machines, but they do suffer from burnout.

You're probably better off getting a better inverter. CPC do the 300w ones in their specials catalogues for about £35.

[JMC]

Cheers 5Bellies, the only problem I have with using a 300w inverter is if the thing flattens the battery? The only other alternative I have found is a DC-DC psu, although these are expensive. Not to worry the search will go on tonight

5Bellies, you got a link for that inverter, I can't seem to find it on their site.

Cheers

[5bellies]

CPC usually do it as a special, so they never appear cheap on the website.

ARD have one, 21.99+VAT
http://www.ardelectronics.com/order/...prod=300-00116

I think that one's for the bargain corner!! (600w one for 44.99+vat)

[wizer]

i think i have a 125w psu at home.. i'll have a look and let you know

[Hybrid]

I stuck a 95w PSU in my sons PC cos it was the only one I had at the time and he was bursting my ear to fix it after the lil shit decided to switch the old one from 220 to 110, which resulted in a flash of light and a dead PSU. I plan to change it for a heavier one I got for his PC, even though he has had NO problems at all running a PIII800 with a DVD, a CDrom and a CDrw, which surprised me seeing it was only supposed to be a temp fix and I wouldn't have been surprised if it never ran at all. Anyway......... it's yours if you want it. PM me an addy and talk nice to me.

BTW............after a brief pause for thought.........12v is the highest voltage a PSU supplies, right? All voltages are DC, right? so surely your letting yourself be blinded by the fact you bought an inverter and think you need a low wattage PSU, when really all you need is a couple of drop down regulators to supply a steady 5 and 3v DC? no? Which means all you need to complete the power side of your project can be found at Maplins, RS or whatever electronics store you use.