Power running through computer - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

phoenix1002 · 08-28-2003, 09:00 AM

Ok, here's what I'm trying to do. I want to attach a higher power led to my computer, but I can't tell how much power is going through it. Can anyone help me out with this? I have a 200 w power supply, so how much power is going through the power cables that supply power to the drives. Also, anyone have any idea how I could figure out how much power is going to the "power" and "hard drive" LEDs? Any help you could give me on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Johnny Rotten · 08-28-2003, 09:10 AM

LEDs are actually quite efficient. Recently they've been adopted for mini-flashlights that can run on a watch battery for weeks. It won't be using much power at all, well within the capabilities of a 200W PSU.

phoenix1002 · 08-28-2003, 10:52 AM

I know the power source can handle the LEDs, I'm just trying to figure out if I need to throw in any resisters or anything so I don't give the LEDs too much power and fizzle them out.

sambocom · 08-28-2003, 10:57 AM

i'm pretty sure the two types of power connectors are 5v and 12v, but i don't know which is which. why don't you plunk down $10 on a voltmeter.with this you'll be able to check the drive connectors and power going to leds. with a decent one you can use it to identify resistors and send a small current through one end of a wire and use it to identify this wire in a clump of many. don't worry about the money, i find use for mine all the time--checking random sized batteries, etc.

charliex · 08-28-2003, 12:01 PM

You want a current limiting resistor, which needs the voltage and amperage of the LED, then you can apply ohms law

R = V / I

08-28-2003, 09:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
phoenix1002 Psycho Location: lost	Power running through computer Ok, here's what I'm trying to do. I want to attach a higher power led to my computer, but I can't tell how much power is going through it. Can anyone help me out with this? I have a 200 w power supply, so how much power is going through the power cables that supply power to the drives. Also, anyone have any idea how I could figure out how much power is going to the "power" and "hard drive" LEDs? Any help you could give me on this would be appreciated. Thanks. __________________ I'd rather be climbing... I approach college much like a recovering alcoholic--one day at a time...

08-28-2003, 09:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
Johnny Rotten lost and found Location: Berkeley	LEDs are actually quite efficient. Recently they've been adopted for mini-flashlights that can run on a watch battery for weeks. It won't be using much power at all, well within the capabilities of a 200W PSU. __________________ "The idea that money doesn't buy you happiness is a lie put about by the rich, to stop the poor from killing them." -- Michael Caine

08-28-2003, 10:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
phoenix1002 Psycho Location: lost	I know the power source can handle the LEDs, I'm just trying to figure out if I need to throw in any resisters or anything so I don't give the LEDs too much power and fizzle them out. __________________ I'd rather be climbing... I approach college much like a recovering alcoholic--one day at a time...

08-28-2003, 10:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
sambocom Tilted Location: Sunny California	i'm pretty sure the two types of power connectors are 5v and 12v, but i don't know which is which. why don't you plunk down $10 on a voltmeter.with this you'll be able to check the drive connectors and power going to leds. with a decent one you can use it to identify resistors and send a small current through one end of a wire and use it to identify this wire in a clump of many. don't worry about the money, i find use for mine all the time--checking random sized batteries, etc.

08-28-2003, 12:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
charliex Junkie Location: North Hollywood	You want a current limiting resistor, which needs the voltage and amperage of the LED, then you can apply ohms law R = V / I