CarPCgarage.com

Power Systems

You have many options in terms of how to power the components of your CarPC. Do you want the CarPC to run only when your engine is on? Or do you want the ability to run your CarPC intermittently in order to synchronize traffic, weather forecasts, MP3s, and other data while you're away from your vehicle? The right power system will let you do it all.

What follows are our recommendations for the most important features to look for in your power system.

• Power: Big Enough to Power Your CarPC
• Survive an Engine Start: Must Have
• Independent Power: Only for a die-hard CarPC enthusiast
• Cost: $50-$90 (up to $1000+ for independent power)

Power: Big Enough to Power Your CarPC

If you sized your CarPC appropriately, it will utilize <30 watts while operating. In this range, just about any power supply will be large enough to power your system. However, if you're running the latest Dual Core Pentium with a top of the line video card, then you will have to be careful to size the power adapter appropriately.

Survive an Engine Start: Must Have

It is possible to power a CarPC only when your car is running, but the relatively slow boot times of a modern OS will make it feel like waiting for paint to dry when you first start your vehicle. Plus, it only takes one single incident where you forget to turn off the CarPC before running into the store for a bottle of Grey Goose, and when you come back out and start the car, you realize you just let the magic blue smoke out of your brand new CarPC - ask me how I know...

Independent Power: Only for a die-hard CarPC enthusiast

An independent power system will allow you to run your CarPC 24/7. This offers a lot of advantages in terms of advanced features (anti-theft, remote monitoring, real-time accessibility), plus there is no need for the system to survive and engine start (it has its own independently regulated power), but has a significant drawback: price. This is because an independent power system usually consists of a second battery (appropriately sized based on your power consumption and normal driving habits), a dual alternator (to charge both your normal battery, plus your 2nd battery), and additional wiring. This can easily run $1000 or more, and is thus best reserved for the die-hard CarPC enthusiast.

Cost: $50-$90 (up to $1000+ for independent power)

Power systems are fairly reasonably priced, so just get one that fits your budget, and supplies the wattage and features that you need,

Specific Recommendations

M1-ATX Automotive 90W DC-DC Power Supply
~$79
http://www.logicsupply.com

M2-ATX Automotive 160W DC-DC Power Supply
~$89
http://www.logicsupply.com

PicoPSU 120W DC-DC Power Converter
~$49
http://www.logicsupply.com

---

---