mini-itx build power requirements

R

reaperr

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 26, 2008
Messages
182
okey dokey, i'm a bit stuck and looking for a little help on this build

basically i'm recycling some current parts seeing how i mainly play games on my recently acquired asus g1 laptop *obviously not as good as a desktop but it works for me*

this is my first sff computer so i'm taking this step by step

heres what i'm gonna use

bb90_1.JPG

- a new intel DG45FC mini-itx motherboard
- my current e6850
- the ocz ddr2 sticks
- up to 4 sata drives, i'm gonna keep the .11's and find another for a boot *maybe a raptor i dunno*
- the pci-e x1 adapter that came with the abit board

thats about it for the internals, it has plenty of usbs for an external burner

i'm guessing it'll need 200 watts max, but i'm just checking before i dust out of a shuttle's psu

thanks
 
Many times when we think about an IPX board we think in terms of VIA processor, VIA chipsets minimal onboard video etc.

Here you are talking about a full sized computer squished down to a very small size. In your case you are talking about an add on video card, hefty processor and keep in mind this is an Intel 45 chip set.

I did some research on similar builds last night and then again this morning and came away with what the know about "big" computers doesn't change much here.

Even Shuttle uses a 400 to 450 watt PSU in their SFF systems set up like yours.

That said I'd be looking along these lines:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

or a Seasonic 430-ET

Just because it's small doesn't mean it doesn't need a bit of power behind it:)
 
I would guess 150 watts would be fine. My desktop with a similar CPU, and the GPU and DVD burner running only takes 209 at the wall.
 
let me put this another way. I high end laptop with an 8700m plus the display came with a 150w charger. I find it unlikely a mini-ITX system will use more than that,
 
reaperr said:
okey dokey, i'm a bit stuck and looking for a little help on this build

basically i'm recycling some current parts seeing how i mainly play games on my recently acquired asus g1 laptop *obviously not as good as a desktop but it works for me*

this is my first sff computer so i'm taking this step by step

heres what i'm gonna use

bb90_1.JPG

- a new intel DG45FC mini-itx motherboard
- my current e6850
- the ocz ddr2 sticks
- up to 4 sata drives, i'm gonna keep the .11's and find another for a boot *maybe a raptor i dunno*
- the pci-e x1 adapter that came with the abit board

thats about it for the internals, it has plenty of usbs for an external burner

i'm guessing it'll need 200 watts max, but i'm just checking before i dust out of a shuttle's psu

thanks
Click to expand...
e6850 is a 65W TDP processor, and he didn't say anything about a plug-in video card. A solid 150W will do, or a 200W just to be safe. It'll be close to the limits of the 150W, but it'll work nonetheless.
 
bholstege said:
killawatt measurer

http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4400-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU
Click to expand...

If you poke around this forum for even a few moments you will find the Kill 0 Watt is about useless for our purposes, it cannot and will not read transient voltages.

With computers (Desktop) we are working with digital PSUs that have to be read in real time. For that you need an Oscilloscope with persistent read as well as peak read on a time base of 100ms or so.:)
 
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mavalpha said:
e6850 is a 65W TDP processor, and he didn't say anything about a plug-in video card. A solid 150W will do, or a 200W just to be safe. It'll be close to the limits of the 150W, but it'll work nonetheless.
Click to expand...

Strange that the folks who have reviewed that board have never attempted that.

He did mention he was using a PCIE X adaptor which one could reasonably assume (Not always a good thing) would be for a video card as he also mentioned he was gamer.

He also mentioned .11 driveS which would probably mean two or more 3.5" hard drives, not to mention a possible raptor.

Were this a true IPX traditional board it would have one simple 12v connector, it doesn't.
 
reaperr said:
- the pci-e x1 adapter that came with the abit board
...
basically i'm recycling some current parts seeing how i mainly play games on my recently acquired asus g1 laptop *obviously not as good as a desktop but it works for me*
Click to expand...
BillR said:
He did mention he was using a PCIE X adaptor which one could reasonably assume (Not always a good thing) would be for a video card as he also mentioned he was gamer.
Click to expand...
That's not a video card. It's most likely the Airpace Wifi adapter. He says he's NOT a gamer, not on this system. That board only has a PCIe x1 slot, meaning it wouldn't take anything above low-end hardware anyway.
He also mentioned .11 driveS which would probably mean two or more 3.5" hard drives, not to mention a possible raptor.
Click to expand...
Yes, but the .11's are fairly low power hard drives. Figure under 15W during spin-up (during which time the CPU isn't loaded).
http://www.hothardware.com/articleimages/Item1049/big_1.jpg
12v * .6a = 7.2w
5v * .65a = 3.25w
<11w total draw during standard operation.
Were this a true IPX traditional board it would have one simple 12v connector, it doesn't.
Click to expand...
(ITX, not IPX.)
Incorrect, more and more ITX boards are coming with standard ATX connectors. In fact, even the Atom models (40W loaded, tops) require an ATX12V (2x2) plug.
 
All good stuff I agree, however, even Shuttle in their infinite wisdom won't ship a barebones system with a G-45 chipset with less than their 300 Watt PSU.

My experience with Shuttle and a few other SFF machines has shown that Shuttle doesn't have an issue running a PSU that will hit 45C+. I do.

If I'm going to error on sizing a PSU for a member or customer I'd much rather error on the side of cool and safe. He is not running a low current Mobile CPU either he is running a Desktop CPU and a graphics enabled 45 chipset that tends to draw a fair amount of power on its own. Also, if you take a look around the CPU socket it would appear Intel chose to use minimal VR for the CPU / NB combo, so again, in my opinion and perhaps my opinion only I seen no need to stress components such as a PSU especially when they are so good and cheap in that price range. :)
 
a x1 graphics card lol no way, mavalpha was right as its the airspace wifi adapter *the software is annoying but i like the hardware*

actually saw a x1 to x16 adapter online but the point of this build is small and simple not a big monster like my current stacker build

the graphics are onboard as this board has the X4500HD....it may be onboard but at least it has dvi and hdmi on the physical board without using an adapter

so far what im guessing from the above

- board...no clue how many watts...intel suggested 450 but i think thats overkill
- supposing 5-10 watts per drive
- 65 watts for the cpu
- dunno how many watts the wifi adapter will pull

its a G45 chipset so it can handle some games, maybe run eve online on premium settings :)

it'll probably make me laugh running mercenaries 2 on that thing lol

i just plug in my cheapo insignia bluetooth headset so sounds not a hassle, have plenty of usbs there heh

the shuttle psu im recycling is pretty old as its from a socket 478 series...pretty sure its not 400...i'll have to check the label

another question, i forget if this is true or not....will getting say a 300 watt psu always pull the full amount or just the watts needed by the hardware installed?

also i may or may not get the raptor i dunno, all depends whatever i see off hotdeals or ebay...anyone suggest a decent boot drive under $200?

thanks again everyone
 
reaperr said:
another question, i forget if this is true or not....will getting say a 300 watt psu always pull the full amount or just the watts needed by the hardware installed?
Click to expand...

It will only draw what it needs to supply the computer.
 
reaperr said:
a x1 graphics card lol no way, mavalpha was right as its the airspace wifi adapter *the software is annoying but i like the hardware*
Click to expand...
I know exactly what you mean, it's my favorite adapter ever. :)
Hint: It's an Atheros AR5007EG chipset, so you can just download the INF from www.atheros.cz (unofficial drivers page) and install it through Device Manager, skip the software completely. That's what I've been doing the past year. :D
 
reaperr said:
a x1 graphics card lol no way, mavalpha was right as its the airspace wifi adapter *the software is annoying but i like the hardware*

actually saw a x1 to x16 adapter online but the point of this build is small and simple not a big monster like my current stacker build

the graphics are onboard as this board has the X4500HD....it may be onboard but at least it has dvi and hdmi on the physical board without using an adapter

so far what im guessing from the above

- board...no clue how many watts...intel suggested 450 but i think thats overkill
- supposing 5-10 watts per drive
- 65 watts for the cpu
- dunno how many watts the wifi adapter will pull

its a G45 chipset so it can handle some games, maybe run eve online on premium settings :)

it'll probably make me laugh running mercenaries 2 on that thing lol

i just plug in my cheapo insignia bluetooth headset so sounds not a hassle, have plenty of usbs there heh

the shuttle psu im recycling is pretty old as its from a socket 478 series...pretty sure its not 400...i'll have to check the label

another question, i forget if this is true or not....will getting say a 300 watt psu always pull the full amount or just the watts needed by the hardware installed?

also i may or may not get the raptor i dunno, all depends whatever i see off hotdeals or ebay...anyone suggest a decent boot drive under $200

thanks again everyone
Click to expand...


Yup, I know Intel suggests 450, that would be why I posted the suggestions I did.

Sorry on the vid card, you were kinda unclear on that one

The G-45 might surprise you, they do great HD and don't totally suck on simpler games.

AS Zero82z said the PSU will only provide what the machine asks for.

That board does have an ATX (EPS) CPU plug and even with the Atom they recommend around 300 or so Watts.

At any rate, looks like a fun project, enjoy.:)
 
yup it'll be a fun project...fitting all that stuff in tiny case and making it work

anyways i've decided to also recycle the 750 gig samsungs...they didn't behave on the abit but i'll just blame 680i chipset for that.....i'll just stripe them for a boot.....< 3.5 tb is a nice start i suppose :)

now to get a dremel...
 
reaperr said:
yup it'll be a fun project...fitting all that stuff in tiny case and making it work

anyways i've decided to also recycle the 750 gig samsungs...they didn't behave on the abit but i'll just blame 680i chipset for that.....i'll just stripe them for a boot.....< 3.5 tb is a nice start i suppose :)

now to get a dremel...
Click to expand...

A Dremel is a nice tool for sure but add this to your toolbox:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2289712

Mine is 30 years old and still cuts through cases like butter. The only way to make a square hole;)
 
FWIW When i was putting together the build in my sig, I had everything listed there except a pci 8500GT(instead of 8800gs) and a 500GB HDD (instead of the ssd)

I didin't have my psu yet so i used one that came with an apex mini itx case, not sure how accurate the APC powerchute software is but I never went over 175w at full load. I'm sure a decent 250w psu will do you just fine.
 
for some reason that reminds me of a rivet tool or a school compass....weird

pRS1C-2849663w345.jpg


too bad its web only and oos...theres a radio shack down the street :(
 
Running a J&W ITX board with a 240w PSU :

4670 1gb vid card
4gb ram
1 7200rpm notebook HDD
1 dvd slim drive
USB devices hooked up (X-Keys, KVM for keyboard/mouse and n52)

and everything runs great, including running games on it. Would think 200w should be fine for you. Gonna do some soldering on this

http://www.itxdepot.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1218&cat=37100&page=1

and add in a P4 connector and try running it with that psu.

also have another J&W itx build that has:

4GB ram
uses the onboard HD3200 IGP
1 DVD 5.25" burner
3 sata HDD's

and works fine with the 240w psu.


oh yah...BE 2400 cpu on both builds
 
ooo free s/h.......nice find casca

hmm...

76011b.jpg


thats another oddity.....too bad i can't just pick one up at frys :(
 
oh yea another question...with that 200 watt psu theres a 120 watt ac/dc adapter

shouldn't i have to use a 200 watt ac/dc adapter or not?

thanks
 
I am running a e7200 + intel itx board, 4gigs, 2 320gig seagates + sata dvd bluday drive + 2 case fans off a 150w 5yr old emachines powersupply. A fellow on avsforums is running the same off a pico 120, minus 1 hdd.
 
a little update

2.gif

^ work in progress.....ugh those power cables are too fat

i bought one of those killawatt ez devices.....transfering over my data to the samsungs in raid 0 *funny how they behave on a intel board vs the nvidia one*

right now its only pulling 75 watts...i'm just going damn thats pretty good

of course i'll have to start testing it, installing games and whatever to see how much more juice it will use on full load

maybe prime95 i guess

i've made no progress on the case modding.....for now its just sitting on the stackers removable motherboard tray lol thats just lazy

looked at a few videos about the nibbler, it does look slow and tedious....would be nice to have one of those power ones but they sure are expensive :(
 
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