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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Can i use PC Psu?

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Sep 3, 2013
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I know this is not laser related but, can I use a 500w computer psu for 450w leds, can i draw 450w from the 12v on the computer psu? +1 rep for answer
 





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If the leds are rated for 12V operation then You can run them , but if you are trying to pull 450W from the 12V rail alone then you may exceed the PSUs power rating for that rail .

A lot of ATX PSUs power ratings is the sum of all the voltage rails running at full rated current draw.

To see what you can draw from the 12V rail on the PSU look at the lable and times the current is specs for the +12V rail by 12V to give the power it can supply under normal conditions , 450W @ 12V is 37.5 amps

If you need lots of amps at 12V then look for something along the lines of server type PSUs as they usually have a high current 12V rail .
 
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ahh so it depends what i can draw from that rail, well thanks for your help and +1 rep :)

Edit:dam PC psu can only draw 360w from one rail but i found a 500w led transformer anyway.
 
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I know this is not laser related but, can I use a 500w computer psu for 450w leds, can i draw 450w from the 12v on the computer psu? +1 rep for answer

No, the 12 VDC power is only a fraction of the 500 Watt total.

The supply should have an amp rating for the 12 VDC portion.

LarryDFW
 

Rifter

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You want a single rail PSU rated for about 650-700w if you want to pull 400-500 from the 12V rail.
 
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Larry is right, the 12V rail is rated at about 80% of the PSU's total output.

Look at the PSU sticker for exactly what the rails are rated at.

If the PSU is a single rail power supply, it can dump all of its current into one 12V rail, but just watch out for hot melting wires. If it's multi-rail, you'll need to combine the 12V rails to prevent the over current protection from tripping.

450W LEDs? That's insanely bright. What voltage and current are they rated for?
 
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Its not one 450w led its loads of 15w strip lights hooked up together, and I'm just going to use a single rail psu meant for leds, its cheaper then buying a pc psu that has that capability on one rail, anyway thanks for your help guys I really appreciate it!
 




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