My new music server

[realysm42]

Alan, yours will 'standard amp size' but double height, or thereabouts, should still fit in a decent rack.

The cases are really nice quality and very solidly made. Be generous with the thermal paste

If I get a linear supply, I'll make sure its got its own case, I think I'm a box whore

Food for thought, thanks Ali.

[NRG]

Just be aware that all the on-board voltages are generated from on-board switch mode supplies derived from the input supply. I wouldn't go too mad and spend loads...

[MCRU]

a fully regulated linear power supply for a pc, would be the size of a house or a big power amp at least

up to 12 amps can be drawn when they start up

custom hifi cables don't make one that is for sure

[Paul Hynes]

The PR3iEHD-12 DIY regulator module can provide 12 volts @ 12 amps continuous when mounted on a 0.5 degree C per watt heat sink and fed from a quality 300VA mains transformer. This can be achieved in a 2U 19” rack, which is little bigger than the Streacom FC5 I am using for my audio server.

These regulator modules are powering Audio/video servers in many systems worldwide without power issues.

[realysm42]

I've gone for the mcru's top solution; watch this space.

[Gazjam]

Actually, it might. A well overspecced supply may have less ripple at the required current.

Aye, true that.

[realysm42]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Also, does it matter if the PSU is near to the PC?

Getting a little tight for space on the old rack now...

[Gazjam]

no, not at all Martin.
A well designed PSU wont emit any nasties.

[MCRU]

no, not at all Martin.
A well designed PSU wont emit any nasties.

well this one is designed by IMO one of the best designers in the UK (and I have spoken to many over the last 2+ years)

thx

[337alant]

QUOTE=Mains Cables R Us;446564]a fully regulated linear power supply for a pc, would be the size of a house or a big power amp at least

up to 12 amps can be drawn when they start up

custom hifi cables don't make one that is for sure[/QUOTE]

For a high power computer with lots of plug in cards Xfire etc yes very difficult to achieve 30A at 12V, but just for playing music and an operating system the power requirement is low if you chose the right motherboard.
I chose an ASUS AT5ion-t deluxe mini itx MOBO which uses a lap top power supply, 18DC x 4A, I have measured the current draw from booting up and playing music and it was 2.5A max most of the time less than 1A.
So for me it is easy to build a linear DC supply for this.
This is actually just a single raw power supply and the voltage is divided up on board as every MOBO has voltage regulators so that precise voltages are fed to devices as required.
Just take a look at how many voltage regs they are around the processor
Alan