Compare to 7x3" face for scale. Wiring harness included

Modern computer motherboards run on 12V DC, just like your car. However, they need voltage that is very consistant, unlike the voltage you car alternator puts out. You can supply the motherboard with this highly regulated 12vdc in 2 ways: first- buy an inverter to change the car's 12V DC to 120V AC, and then plug a regular ATX supply into the inverter to supply the mobo with 12/5/3/ V DC. This is inexpensive, but the inverter can cause noise in your stereo gear, and the inverter and ATX PSU are bulky and wasteful (why convert from 12vdc to 120vac, then bvack to 12vdc?). Your second option is a specialized 12vdc-12vdc psu designed to provide highly regulated 12/5/3vdc for a motherboard. There aren't many on the market. After a bit of research, I went with the Opus Solutions SFX12-15 because of its built in logic. The unit monitors the ignition, and can be set to leave the machine on for a variable time after car shut off, and then send the comp to sleep or hibernate. It prevents comp restart when the car is started, and will shut the comp down completely if battery voltage is to low. The documentation is very good, though I have one issue with the installation instructions. The manual instructs to ground the PSU directly to the car's battery. This is bad practice, as a fault in the car battery's ground to the chassis would cause other car systems to attempt to ground via the Opus PSU (a blown fuse, at best). Instead, ground the PSU directly to the chassis near the PSU.  I applaud Opus's compact, American (well) built, creative solution to my PSU needs!

**Important** be sure to request the EPIA compatible version when ordering. The EPIA's won't power up on the regular version (voice of experience...........)

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