Powering 12v TECs on the Cheap

Omlethead

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Feb 15, 2015
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Usually people power peltier units using PSUs which can get expensive with the more units you have. For those of you looking to build a TEC cooler with a lower cost, here are some options:

Corsair CX430 can be bought on sale for ~$15-20 and provides an upgrade path for larger Pelts since it has a larger amperage and a fan. One of the best choices without breaking the bank

Original Xbox 360 power cables (175 watt) can be used to provide 12 volts at ~4.2 amps per unit. Since they can power three units per plug they are an option. However sinve there is no fan positioning is key since they get warm. Should only be considered if you already have one and only a few TECs.
 
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Or you can get a Corsair CX430 that often goes on sale in the $15-20 range, is probably more efficient than the Xbox PSU, provides 32 amps (384 watts, double the Xbox PSU), and won't overheat after extended periods of time.

So no, it's not a cheap alternative, not even close.
 
Or you can get a Corsair CX430 that often goes on sale in the $15-20 range, is probably more efficient than the Xbox PSU, provides 32 amps (384 watts, double the Xbox PSU), and won't overheat after extended periods of time.

So no, it's not a cheap alternative, not even close.
That is quite a valid point, but why would you need all of those amps for small pelts? Having a fanned psu would be better than a non fanned one, but either would be fine if positioned correctly.
It is a great idea though, as it would make a good solution for an upgrade path.
 
Point is, your suggestion for powering peltiers on the cheap is not a good cheap solution. I pointed out a solution that is essentially half the cost of yours per peltier while being superior in other characteristics.
 
Point is, your suggestion for powering peltiers on the cheap is not a good cheap solution. I pointed out a solution that is essentially half the cost of yours per peltier while being superior in other characteristics.
It is not half as cheap, but as long as people get good info, that's all that matters.
 
Half as cheap per peltier. It costs $20 and can power more than twice as many peltiers.
 
Half as cheap per peltier. It costs $20 and can power more than twice as many peltiers.
Like I said before, it is a great idea. Cable clutter is a small price to pay for the better performance. The first post is updated for the new info.
 
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