What Inverter for Computer?

[David M]

Originally Posted by drew.ward

For a desktop, rather than invert to 110/220 then use the computer's heavy electricity-hungry power supply to convert to DC, just bring in a quality 12 volt lead ideally with its own dedicated back up battery. Then have three drop downs as listed above for 12v, 5v, and 3.3v. You could probably fit the whole contraption into the space normally occupied by the traditional powersupply.

Computers are very finicky about their internal voltages. Even a two tenths of a volt difference from the standard voltage can start causing problems. Let the internal PSU that came with the computer or a good aftermarket PSU, do its job of regulating those voltages. You cant use any sort of power supply to power a computers internals...they just don't meet the specs. Besides, there are quite a number of different types of connectors that connect to the motherboard and other internal loads of a computer. Its best not to touch that stuff unless you are REAL familiar with the hardware inside a computer.


Many of the newer PSU's are much more efficient than they used to be. PSU's with an "80 Plus" rating have an energy efficiency of at least 80%

Efficiency level certifications:

Fraction of Rated Load 20% 50% 100%
80 PLUS.................... 80% 80% 80%
80 PLUS Bronze ..........82% 85% 82%
80 PLUS Silver.............85% 88% 85%
80 PLUS Gold.............. 87% 90% 87%

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_PLUS