Personal computing discussed
Moderators: renee, Captain Ned
ludi wrote:Car audio gear is a load designed for 12V source, a modern computer PSU is a source designed to handle high-power 12V loads.
Biggest limitation is that each pin of a standard 5.25" drive connector or ATX power header was (still is, AFAIK) rated for 5A maximum. So, you would need to splice two or more 12V wires together (and same again for the grounds) to reliably power anything larger than a head unit.
MadManOriginal wrote:I don't understand how this would be implemented...computer PSUs take AC input and convert it to DC. Why would you use an AC input power supply in a car which already has a DC power system? Do they use inverters to supply the AC (that seems extra silly to me)?
MadManOriginal wrote:Right, so basically people use them when there is AC power available. I get that, but I was thinking this question was meant for actually powering a car audio system in normal use.