PicoPSU Mains Brick Choice

#Chri5# · 20 Oct 2011 at 15:45

I've got a 90W PicoPSU running:

Intel D525mw (Atom) board
WD 1TB GreenPower
2GB SODIMM

I've been using a 12v / 5A / 60W external mains brick to power it but the system kept crashing. I moved the HD onto it's own PSU (one that came with an external USB <> SATA interface) and things improved. In the past week the PC has gone AWOL on the network a few times (though stays powered on) so I'm wondering if the mains brick is on the way out.

I'm just debating between getting a new 80W or 110W mains brick. Does the brick need to exceed the wattage of the PSU? Or can I save the tenner and go with the 80W?

Cheers,
Chris.

saitrix · 21 Oct 2011 at 22:33

That system won't be going above 40W thats for sure.

str · 22 Oct 2011 at 11:32

There is a seller on ebay with 12v based 84w and 120w bricks for £13 and £15 respectively with ~£4 delivery.

I bought the 120w and it is huge but isn't very heavy. It's a lot bigger compared to a 19v 120w. I use it with a mini ITX system containing a 45w socket P quad core cpu, 2 x 4GB DDR3, 1TB Samsung eco F3 and it runs perfectly. I also use the sellers 120w small PCB PSU and it was a direct replacement for the tiny case I'm using, it had same screw holes as the 60w PSU it replaced.

#Chri5# · 23 Oct 2011 at 16:53

Cheers guys.

Just been investigating the problem further. Putting my multimeter over the DC plug shows the brick is steady at 12.1v. Powering on the system with no fan, I can hear the HD whir, then stop - very much like it's not getting enough power from the Pico. Move the HD back on to the stand alone PSU and it spins up fine - I've just CHKDSK'd the C: partition via USB on my laptop.

However, even with the HD on it's own PSU, the system doesn't POST. Hmmm.

#Chri5# · 28 Oct 2011 at 13:19

After a bit more waving of multimeter (voltage on the PicoPSU input dropped as low 10v with the HD connected), I ordered a new 60w brick and all is fine. Booted first time with the HD