Power Supply for the Mini Fileserver

When it comes to power supply, Mini ITX doesn’t use a traditional PSU as ATX. It uses a PSU outside the case, just like a laptop computer. Inside the box, there’s a small DCDC-converter board which in it’s turn is connected to the connection on the motherboard to give it power. This board also has outlets for harddrives etc.

A problem with this is that there’s no standard on mounting or form factor on these DCDC-converter boards. Morex is one of the larger suppliers, then there’s Lex, Universal and the powerful 220W model.

This is how we fitted the DCDC converterboard in front of the mini fileserver.

minifileserverpsu1

One alternative would be to use the picoPSU model which doesn’t take up much place at all. However, then you’re limited to 120W and that could be close to the minimum if you have the case fully fitted. However, our prototype is fitted with a motherboard + 5 harddrives and a 120W power supply can handle the load. Here are some pictures of the picoPSU:

picopsu1

picopsu2

February 15, 2007 | Filed Under Blog

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The Mini Fileserver - different front plates

First of all we’re building a fileserver case, but we also want to put some effort in designing the case so that it can easily be turned into a regular PC or HTPC. Mounting holes and brackets are made to fit several configurations. Of course we want the case to be as flexible as it can be so it will be compatible with most Mini-ITX motherboards and several PS cards.

It’s possible to change front plate to have different designs. Quite handy when testing airflow but also a good thing when considering the fact that not all people have the same taste. I prefer basic holes whereas Daniel prefer flames or a logo.

frontplate1

February 2, 2007 | Filed Under Blog

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