Uses for Computer PSU?

[CasperLungs]

So i'm staring my own lil micro grow, and ripped apart a PC case to make everything fit, my only question is, is ther anything useful i can do with the PSU? I mean I know i can power fans, but considering its pumping out 350W, I was wondering if there is a way to use it for powering the lights aswell? Anybody know?
would be awesome and save a bit of space

 

[kannubis]

it puts out dc voltage, so anything you use to power has to be dc, 12v dc powered led panels maybe

 

[Big Foot]

Unless you know what your doing, have an electrical degree ect, don't try it.

 

[kcbudz31]

Most of that wattage is delivered on the +5 line, which isn't all that useful to you, sorry.

 

[CasperLungs]

would have been to easy huh... im starting get the feeling that microgrows are very much like a puzzle at first lol

 

[kannubis]

add a couple cfls and the fans from the computer case and go for it

 

[CasperLungs]

thats what im trying to accomplish... with the PSU in place, I can fit roughly 6 CFLs, maaaybe a 7th, but they will be awkwardly placed, more towards the front... im going to be using 2 fans, 1 intake, 1 exhaust... but finding all the space for the power strip etc isnt easy. this case has to be absolute stealth, so no wires hanging out the side etc... i will post pics once I'm finished with it

Actually, while on the subject, the PSU is 350W, 2 fans will be plugged in, plus the fan it already has in the PSU... will it still draw 350W? If yes, thats obviously a total waste of power, and will have to reconsider

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Here's a power supply with the lid removed. I scoped out what part I wanted to keep and cut with snips. Those caps can hurt you long after they're unplugged. Either discharge the caps or don't separate the pc board from the steel cover and you're fine.


The cfl light fixture is just a multiple outlet strip. I cut the plug off, stripped and soldered the wires to the 110v power cord socket on the power supply remnant.


I installed the remnant back on the case and sealed the light leaks. It's not much of a burner but it keeps several mothers happy. I run the fan with a wall wart.

Power supply fans suck, might have to be replaced with a chassis fan.

 

[isit4.20yet]

350W is the rated output of the PSU. If you are only powering 3 fans and it's about 85% efficient (typical), then you'll be using around 45-60W.

 

[CasperLungs]

So here are pictures of my case... Its obviously still a work in progress... and from the looks of it, i can actually only fit 4 lights, max 5 not 7 like i first hoped...

 

[microgram]

Love it man, love it!

I used to think psu's were great because they deliver a lot of wattage, but it's useless and a waste of space. Wallwarts are cheaper to come by, and take up a lot less space. I hate to feel like a copy cat, but it'd be worth your time. Just cut the front 'face plate' off of the psu, remove all the internal electronics, except for the fan. Place a scrubber over the fan, and you win!

It's very worth it. Oh and you can use a lot of devices with any power supply, it's a great camping power inverter. Watch all those loose wires I see though, they can be a nightmare. Block off the back of your pc case with some tinfoil and AC tape. It'll completely seal the light leaks from those 'bay bars'. Nicely done by the way, it keeps it legit looking, and if you're planning on keeping the PSU in there, run a 5+ line with a decent resistor to it. It'll light it up green. (You can do that with a well placed light leak though)
You forgot that your power supply it removing air aswell. Watch for odors!

The fans depend on where your power supply was made, buy a name brand one and you'll be able to completely salvage the fan!

UG!