Pico PSU questions for HTPC build..

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Considering going down the build route of Pico PSU to keep my new HTPC as slilent as possible.

Dont know much about them RE: what they can power realistically.
Building a PC strictly for lossless audio playback via USB into a DAC and also 1080p video.
Onboard SSD, possibly an additional 2TB hard drive.
No gaming, external gpu or soundcards..all onboard is fine.

Does it have to be the Atom cpu or can I use the decent Intels like i3 or even i5?

Can i power a standard micro-atx board with one of these wee wonders?



thanks. :)
 
You can have a fairly decent spec PC with one of these (except for a GPU of course). I used to run an i5 2500k, ITX mboard, 2x3.5" drives and a blu ray drive all fine on a 160W Pico PSU.

Not sure on the power requirement of Micro ATX boards in comparison with ITX but I'm sure it won't be a drastic difference and should be fine.

Make sure you get a decent external adapter for it as well. Remember the Pico PSU itself is only half the cost. I actually spent more on buying a decent FSP 150W adapter than the Pico PSU.
 
yeah..theres the cost of that as well..have a good 'un in mind.
I take it the external power brick isn't a bizaare bespoke spec that only works with the pico psu's?
Standard DC 12v "x" amps do the trick?

thanks
 
yeah..theres the cost of that as well..have a good 'un in mind.
I take it the external power brick isn't a bizaare bespoke spec that only works with the pico psu's?
Standard DC 12v "x" amps do the trick?

thanks

I believe sometimes they require them to be regulated 12v and other times they have wide input voltage range, say 18-24v or something. The PicoPSU can either DC-DC convert 5v, 3.3v and other rails directly from the 12v incoming power or it'll DC-DC convert all voltages from whatever it's fed with, a bit like laptops do with their 18v-24v power inputs.
 
I have an i3 server box with 5 x WD HDDs, ASUS P8H77-I mobo (onboard graphics), 2 x 80mm fans, 8GB RAM pulls 45W idle and approx 80W running prime. It's powered with 160W Pico and 16A 12V regulated external power supply.

I could have got away with a 120W Pico and 10A power supply. :D
 
Hey gazjam,

What case are you using?

I only ask since I've used PICO units in the past and although they're impressive for the size and essentially silent you still end up with a large laptop PSU sat outside the PC case.

I use a Yesico fanless PSU in my HTPC. It's an ATX form factor and since it's a 550w rated unit the low 50-100w it actually draws means it only ever gets mildly warm... even in a case with virtually no airflow.

On top of that you don't have to worry about any external power bricks sitting around the back of the case.

My system consists of the following:

A6-3500 tricore APU
Gigabyte A75 matx mobo
4GB 1333MHz DDR3
Silverstone ML03 case
50GB Vertex 2 SSD
1000GB 3.5" mechanical drive
DVB-S2 and DVB-T TV cards
USB PICO WiFi Wireless N adapter

If you have the space and can track one down (mine was 2nd hand) then it's a decent alternative.
 
Using the Streamcom FC10 case
http://www.streacom.com/products/fc10-fanless-chassis/

I see OCUK stock Streamcom but not this one, shame as I have a couple of questions about the build?
Maybe someone can help anyway? thanks. :)

I'm fitting two PCI cards in the case and I never thought 'bout the fact that one is a half height card..could be a problem?
From the Website: "2 x Full Height Expansion Slots (riser card required)"

I can understand the need for a riser card as the PCI slots on the case are horizontal, but whilst the website states two Full height slots...the image of the back of the case seems to show the top PCI slot with a screw plate half way along...to accomodate a half height pci bracket?

From the images on the site its the pic on the top row, 4th one along.
(Just go in to "Gallery" tab)
http://www.streacom.com/products/fc10-fanless-chassis/

IS that what I'm seeing half way along the top horizontal PCI slot on teh rear of the case? It looks the same as the screwplate at the rhs of the bottom slot?

Also, where to get a suitable riser card for this build...I'm not sure if they come in standard heights (if a 2U would suit?) or if you can get the flexible ribbon type?

Basically on my MB http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-395-GI
I have a PCI and a PCIe socket on the board i want to use a riser from one of them and have two PCI sockets for both my cards at the back.
You can do that, take two sockets from one on the motherboard?

Was thinking THIS would do the job?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PCI-Riser...A%2BFICS%2BUFI&otn=21&pmod=320617821843&ps=54 (the case is 100mm high)
Can you get this but with longer ribbon cable?

First time with a "non atx standard" build so have questions
Thanks guys :)
 
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From looking at the picture of the back of the case it looks like you can have 1x full height card and another full height or half height card. The screw plate halfway along will give you the option of a half height card, but you can see the slot does still extend the full length for a normal height card.

Can't help you with the ribbon cable I'm afraid as I've never used risers before!
 
hey thanks for the reply.
thats what I thought, just needed a 2nd set of eyes to sanity check it :)

Never used a riser either!
Not seen one since and old Escom P60 my uncle asked me to look at years ago.
(yes, showing my age there)
 
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