Can a computer be run from DC supply instead of connecting it to the usual AC?

Question

Yeah I know laptops rn on batteries, butI don't know the voltages that those batteries supply.

Also for desktops.
Of courseI know that your Processor and chips run on DC, so powersupply is there to convert convert AC to the required DC levels.

But what is the required DC voltage? And how can it be done? Like hhow to bypass all the circuitry?

Answer 1

While this is possible, it does get complicated as you will need a vareity of different DC voltages both positive and negative. It would be much easier to use an inverter to generate the AC volatges for the power supply to then turn back to dc voltages.

As most telephone company equipment is DC voltage powered, you might check some specialty distributors that target telephone companies for a DC input power supply.

Answer 2

Since you didn't say where or why you need DC power .. I'm assuming your not using a generator for electric power AND If your like me. My laptop runs down on car trips, etc. So I just bought an inexpensive simple "converter" at Radio Shack or any Electronics section of Fed Meyers, WalMart, etc.

It has a plug for a cigarette lighter and a regular power plug on the other end. You can use this for anything that has an AC plug (small TV, camara, spot light, and you computer)

This way you are useing the DC through a lighter connection and powering you laptop by converting it to AC.

Not too expensive.

IF you don't have a lighter... I"m sure Radio Shack has some conversion unit that takes the lighter plug and converts it to whatever type of connection you have...ie some converters you by at say Costco (a bit more expensive) come with the ability to go directly to the terminals on a ...say car battery.

Hope this helps ?

Answer 3

There are Powersupplies designed for solar electric/automotive systems that use a 12 volt input to power the pc. The device you are looking for is a DC/DC powersupply
Here is one manufacturer
http://www.opussolutions.com/

You will want to keep the conversions down as much as possible since converting DC to AC and then AC back to DC you will loose about 30% of your power in heat. if you are wanting to run it off of a battery the inefficancy of running an inverter offset the cost of a stand alone DC/DC Powersupply.

Answer 4

If you not plug your power supply with AC power. How do you gonna do put the batteries? Desktops can not be move around easy like Laptops mean it stay in one place .why you want to use it in DC voltage?

Answer 5

It is, theoretically, possible, but you will have to create your own power supply and bypass the main one. Most modern motherboards come with documentation on the voltages for each pin in the power connection.