my profile | directory login | register | faq | forum home » Termpro Audio Forum » Our Archives » General Audio (2002-2005 Archives) » Using computer power supplies to power car audio amplifiers.. UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!     Author Topic: Using computer power supplies to power car audio amplifiers.. darkside515xx Member Member # 10156 posted                     Hey all, I have an extra computer power supply lying around and was wondering if I could use this to power a car audio amplifier for home use? I have a hifonics centurion 100 watt x 2 amplifier with a 30 amp fuse. Also, can car audio amplifiers handle over 12 volts? Let's say if I put 200 volts to it, would it not blow? Thanks for the help! Posts: 225 | From: Tampa, FL | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged |  winslow Senior Member Member # 83 posted                        Not enough current from the computer PS to work. -------------------- Team Image Dynamics/Zapco/Werewolf/JK Lab Team Kinetik Sick Bastard Audio SQ Who feels it knows it Posts: 7866 | From: Charlotte,NC USA | Registered: May 1999  |  IP: Logged |  darkside515xx Member Member # 10156 posted                     Would it work if I hooked up 2 or more computer power supplies to give me around 200 watts? BTW the computer power supply I have is rated at: 5 volts / 25 amps 12 volts / 4 amps 3.3 volts / 16 amps depending on which wires I use.. [ 10-13-2005, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: darkside515xx ] Posts: 225 | From: Tampa, FL | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged |  constantbass Member Member # 13707 posted                     What's this asking question business??? If you're a real man, just hook it up and see what happens ...I really doubt anyone on here has tried it anyway. -------------------- Roffles... Posts: 443 | From: Atl, GA | Registered: Oct 2003  |  IP: Logged |  Death By Bass Senior Member Member # 17030 posted                    12 volts is what you'd need, and 12 volts, at 4 amps (thats a rather weak powersupply btw) is 48watts, so, in reality, you could get about 30watts of output power from your amp, so 15 watts per channel... WOW!!! -------------------- http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257095 Loudest single 8inch Venom subwoofer in a Street A setup in the world!!! http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62097 Posts: 3531 | From: Adelaide, Australia | Registered: Mar 2005  |  IP: Logged |  darkside515xx Member Member # 10156 posted                     Haha, 15 watts is better then 0 watts I found another power supply that can get me around 20 watts a channel. I figure I have this amp lying around, 2 dayton 6.5 classic woofers and 2 1 1/8" silk tweeters and the power supplies, might as well do something with them. I'll let you know how it goes and sounds. Posts: 225 | From: Tampa, FL | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged |  Haksr1 Senior Member Member # 1633 posted                       I have some dell server power supplies. 12v 16a, 5v 40a, 3.3v 18A, -12v .5a, -5v .3a, +5VFP .4a You would have to figure out the pin out. I will sell you some of them if you want. -------------------- If Your Ears Arn't Bleeding.... Somethings Wrong With Your Equipment. Posts: 1036 | From: Not where you are! | Registered: Apr 2000  |  IP: Logged |  darkside515xx Member Member # 10156 posted                     I just hooked it up and tried it and it works beautifully. With just about 20 or so watts the speakers get decently loud. No thanks to the power supplies, I'm just doing this because I have the parts lying around. Thanks anyways. Posts: 225 | From: Tampa, FL | Registered: Aug 2002  |  IP: Logged |  Printer-friendly view of this topic Hop To: Select a Forum:   Category: General Interest -------------------- General Audio Term-LAB News and Announcements It could only happen to me! Favorite CD's / Program Material Off-Topic TEST AREA Moderator Channel   Category: Installer's Corner -------------------- System Design Advanced Topics Installation Tips, Tricks, & Techniques Fabrication Employment Opportunities Troubleshooting Sound Quality SPL   Category: Component Specific Topics -------------------- Source Units Signal Processors Amplifiers Mids & Tweets Subs and Enclosures Alternators, Batteries, Interconnects Auto Security   Category: Soundoff Competition -------------------- dB Drag Racing - Members Area dB Drag Racing dB Drag Racing Rules Related Questions dB Drag Racing - Europe and the World! Bass Race Psychlone IASCA NSPL dBDRA Certified Judges Corner   Category: Our Archives -------------------- General Audio (1999-2001 Archives) General Audio (2002-2005 Archives) dB Drag Racing (1999-2001 Archives) dB Drag Racing (2002-2004 Archives) dB Drag Racing (2005-2006 Archives) Special Guest - Alma Gates Special Guest - Chris Norris (c) 1996-2007 WHE Inc, Carson City Nevada, USA Powered by Infopop Corporation UBB.classic™ 6.7.2