Mini PC Power Supplies

[bhigh]

In one of the recent videos Patrick mentioned that some folks have opted to replace the included power supply with a higher quality unit.

Are there any brands or SKUs that can be recommended? Looking on Amazon for a 12v 3A power supply returns a variety of products from brands such as SHNITPWR, MIXGOO, and Facmogu. Maybe they're fine, but I wouldn't place any more confidence in them than the included adapter.

Class I power units have a grounded 3-pole AC cable, usually an IEC C6 or IEC C14 plug on the AC power cable.

Class II power units are not grounded and have 2-pole AC power. They can be wall-mounted or use a cable, usually an IEC C8 plug.

All the adapters have a 5.5*2.1*9.5 plug unless otherwise noted.

Mean Well

• GST36B12-P1J
  Class II power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3A, 36W
• GST40A12-P1J
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3.34A, 40W
• GST60A12-P1J
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W
• SGAS60U12-P1J
  Class II power unit
  Wall-mounted
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W
• SGA40U12-P1J
  Class II power unit
  Wall-mounted
  12V, 0 ~ 3.33A, 40W
• SGA60U12-P1J
  Class II power unit
  Wall-mounted
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W
• GST36U12-P1J
  Class II power unit
  Wall-mounted
  12V, 0 ~ 3A, 36W

Delta

• ADT-060A12AA B-A
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W
• ADT-060A12AB B-A
  Class II power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W

FSP

• FSP036-RHBN3
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3A, 36W
• FSP036-DHAN3
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3A, 36W
  • 5.5 * 2.5 * 9.5 barrel connector
• FSP030-DHAN3
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 2.5A, 30W
  • 5.5 * 2.5 * 9.5 barrel connector

LiteOn

• HA-1600-12W2
  Class I power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 5A, 60W
• PA-1041-81EN-LF
  Class II power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3.33A, 40W
  • 5.5 * 2.5 * 9.5 barrel connector
• PA-1041-81E1
  Class II power unit
  12V, 0 ~ 3.33A, 40W
  • Right angle 5.5 * 2.5 * 9.5 barrel connector

 

[BlueFox]

Delta or FSP would be top choices. They're generally pretty inexpensive on eBay and you should be able to find them for under $20.

 

[tomk]

Does anyone have experience with using a higher powered supply (90-120W) and barrel splitters? I’ve now got 4 mini PCs for various functions and handling 4 power supplies is rather annoying. So I figured I should upgrade to a decent 100ish W supply and feed all of the PCs from it. Looking for recommendations for a decent supply.

 

[bhigh]

Does anyone have experience with using a higher powered supply (90-120W) and barrel splitters?

It would work, but you're introducing a few more variables. You're introducing shared fate for all the systems. They will be on the same single DC circuit, and load from one could impact the others.

What's the maximum sustained power draw for each system? You mention 90-120W so I'll assuming 15-20W each. If each system is pulling 20W, the voltage will drop slightly. A higher quality and higher max output power supply will perform better here.

Could there be spikes or other high-demand transients? A spike might cause voltage to drop enough to fault the other hosts.

The systems have to be wired in parallel rather than in series. Probably not an issue for a 1-to-4 split, but if you make your own wiring harness you need to do it properly. The splitter and extension cables will introduce additional resistance, lowering the overall efficiency and and reducing the delivered voltage.

One advantage of a single power supply is that it is more likely to be it a more efficient range.

You could use an industrial power supply like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010CVIW6K I have no idea how consistent the voltage or current from that unit might be.

Ideally, it would have separate AC to DC conversion for each output, but it's over spec'd so hopefully not an issue. You could even look at using the 12V rails from an ATX power supply.

 

[audiophonicz]

I was thinkin about makin something like that for my rack servers once I switch them to 12v, but with dual AC inputs and some battery backup in line.

I havent done barrel splitters specifically yet, but I am running a 12x drive shelf off a 120w 12v PSU meant for LED strips (molex splitters), so I think you'll be fine with anything thats not obviously of poor quality.

 

[bigfellasdad]

Those pico psu's look interesting if you machine has a tiny power draw