Need Some Advice on PicoPSU

Ash576 · 5 Aug 2013 at 22:04

Hi,

Need some advice for my next Mini ITX build, i have googled endlessly and found very conflicting views on this, so heres to hoping someone here can relate to my position.

I am in the middle of buying components for my next build, the idea of this build is for some light gaming and extreme portability.

My ideal specs are:

- AMD A10 5700 (65w rather than the 5800k at 100w, and has similar graphic capabilities)
- Gigabyte F2A85XN ITX FM2 Motherboard
- Streamcom FC1 EVO Black Case
- Seagate 2.5" 500Gb Hybrid Drive
- 8GB RAM 1866Mhz (or maybe 2133/2400 if it significantly improves the performance of the APU, i don't know if the 5700 supports more than 1866)
- 150W PicoPSU (as it comes with 24 pin & 4 pin power)
- 3rd Party CPU Cooler

My only concern at the moment (apart from which ram to go with the APU) is the PicoPSU.
With the specs i have listed above, could i get away with a 150W Pico PSU with a 120W Brick, or would it be best to go for a 150W Brick?

These PicoPSUs can come with a variety of AC/DC 12v bricks, do i have to buy a 150W brick for my 150W Pico PSU or could i get away with a 120W brick? As there is a HUGE price bump on the 150W bricks, i cant find an inexpensive one anywhere! Whereas the 120w brick i can get for around £15!

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Ash

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 6 Aug 2013 at 01:06

What is the exact model number of the PSU and what voltage does it use??

Ash576 · 6 Aug 2013 at 08:43

We'll the majority of PicoPSUs use 12v, but the one I've got my eye on is called:

12V 150W PicoPSU-150-XT

I can't post links to other sites as I know it's not allowed on here

I'm just completely new to the "PicoPSU" concept

chippy08 · 6 Aug 2013 at 10:39

I use a pico psu in my FM1 build its 120watt version best purchase i made.

Legion · 6 Aug 2013 at 11:39

120w brick will be fine as long as you don't intend to game on it.
the A10-5700 can draw ~130w under gaming load.

Edit: You are correct in assuming that the A10-5700 does not support memory higher than 1866, anything more is a waste with this APU.

Ash576 · 6 Aug 2013 at 13:52

Thanks Legion!
Am i correct in thinking that if i combine a 150W PicoPSU with a 120W brick the PSU will only output 120W?

I may have to fork out and buy a 150W brick then , just to be safe. As i do intend to game on it.

I found a 120W brick for like £15 but the minimum i can find a 150W brick for is like £40!!

Huge price increase!

chippy08 - What are the specs for your FM1 build?

Thanks again

Ash576 · 6 Aug 2013 at 14:57

Found a 150W 12v adapter for £24 in total! However the website does seem rather dodgy :/

www.360cameras.us based in china, shipping is around 10 working days, don't know if i trust them though :/

Turambar · 6 Aug 2013 at 16:36

I'd be looking for a bigger, branded brick from a UK seller myself. Or a modded Xbox 360 brick.

Legion · 6 Aug 2013 at 16:54

Ash576 said:
Thanks Legion!
Am i correct in thinking that if i combine a 150W PicoPSU with a 120W brick the PSU will only output 120W?

Thanks again

Not quite, what actually will happen is that the Pico will draw what it needs from the brick, the brick won't stop at 120w (never seen one that does, that's just what it's rated at) What happens then is that you are 'overdrawing' from that brick and going beyond it's rated capacity.
They don't blow up as such, you just severely limit it's life span or will possibly shut down (depending on how much 'overdraw' is going on)
You can also take out other components in the system doing this, I'd strongly advise against it.

If you're going to game on it, don't go cheap Chinese crap.
Get a 150w brick from a decent uk seller.