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Thread ID: 111605 2010-08-03 12:17:00 Run car headlights from a computer PSU? Agent_24 (57) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1124339 2010-08-03 12:17:00 Obviously a computer PSU was not designed with the intention of running car headlights in mind, but as far as I can see most of them should be able to provide the current required.

Is there anything I'm missing or should this concept work just fine?

(And of course I would merge all wires for both 12v and GND to prevent them overheating)
Agent_24 (57)
1124340 2010-08-03 12:33:00 Guess it would work fine. I think you turn a PSU on by shorting two wires together in the motherboard connector, don't know which though

But still, I would probably use a cheapie before trying a flash new one
forrest44 (754)
1124341 2010-08-03 12:36:00 Sorry double post :) feersumendjinn (64)
1124342 2010-08-03 12:49:00 forum.miata.net
As long as your psu can supply 15-18 amps (four filaments) continuously, at 12vdc, don't see why not :2cents: (might get warm though).
To start the PSU connect pin 14 (green) to any COMmon (black) wire on the 20 pin plug or pin 16 on the 24 pin.
www.smpspowersupply.com
feersumendjinn (64)
1124343 2010-08-03 12:51:00 Guess it would work fine. I think you turn a PSU on by shorting two wires together in the motherboard connector, don't know which though...For ATX, short the green wire to any of the black ones. Erayd (23)
1124344 2010-08-03 13:05:00 Let me guess.

Are you sick of LED lights?
Snorkbox (15764)
1124345 2010-08-03 13:52:00 :lol: I'm not going to stick them on my PC!

I just wanted something that can power them without fiddling around with batteries...
Agent_24 (57)
1124346 2010-08-03 14:35:00 :lol: I'm not going to stick them on my PC!

I just wanted something that can power them without fiddling around with batteries...

240v/12v transformer, plug and go, lot of pc psu will be light on amps.
angry (15305)
1124347 2010-08-03 15:09:00 240v/12v transformer, plug and go, lot of pc psu will be light on amps.Aah, but PC power supplies are often a hell of a lot cheaper than an equivalent transformer, and the current is still more than sufficient for the OP's needs. Erayd (23)
1124348 2010-08-03 21:31:00 :lol: I'm not going to stick them on my PC!

I just wanted something that can power them without fiddling around with batteries...

You are going to need a hell of a long extension cord if you are going to run this set up in your car:devil
CliveM (6007)
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