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This guide teaches you how to utilize a battery instead of a wall outlet to power your desktop computer. DC stands for 'Direct Current', the type of power generated by 12-volt batteries. To implement such a battery with your desktop, you'll need either a DC-to-AC adapter or a DC-to-DC power supply.
Steps
Using an Inverter
Get an inverter. To convert the DC current from a battery into a current recognizable by your desktop computer's power supply, purchase a 12-volt DC to AC inverter.
- Ensure the inverter you purchase is suitable for your region's voltage requirements. Power supplies in North America typically operate at 110v or 120v, while other regions may use 220v, 230v, or 240v.
- Your inverter should feature at least two power outputs (electrical sockets), enabling you to connect both your desktop unit and monitor if necessary.
Acquire a 12-volt battery. Ensure compatibility with your inverter by selecting a battery that outputs DC power at 12 volts.
Disconnect your desktop computer. Before proceeding, unplug your desktop from the AC outlet.
Connect your battery to the inverter. Typically, you'll match the colored wires from the inverter to the corresponding clips on the battery.
- Improper connection of 12-volt batteries can pose risks to you and your devices. Refer to the documentation provided with both the battery and inverter to ensure proper connection.
Switch on the inverter.Electricity
- Prioritize this step before connecting your computer to the inverter to prevent potential damage to your computer.
Connect your computer to the inverter. Typically, the power output sockets of the inverter are located opposite to where you attached the 12-volt battery.
Attach other peripherals to the inverter. If you prefer not to use AC power for your desktop monitor, ensure to connect its power cable to the inverter. The same applies to speakers and any other powered peripherals you wish to use with your computer.
Power on your desktop. At this stage, you should be able to operate your computer using the inverter and the connected battery.
- Note that to extend battery life, it's advisable to minimize resource-intensive tasks on your computer such as video editing or gaming.
Utilizing a DC Power Supply
Know the limitations. DC/DC power supplies are considerably smaller than their traditional counterparts, making them inadequate for high-performance computers or prolonged heavy usage.
- DC/DC power supplies are also relatively uncommon, so ordering online may result in a lengthy wait for shipping.
Ensure your motherboard features a 20- or 24-pin ATX connector. This is essential for connecting a DC-to-DC power supply to your motherboard. Identify your motherboard's connector by checking the product information and searching for the motherboard model along with 'atx'.
- The ATX connector is a rectangular input with large holes.
- If your motherboard lacks a 20- or 24-pin ATX connector, it cannot accommodate a DC-to-DC power supply. Consider using an inverter instead.
Procure a DC/DC power supply. DC-to-DC power supplies are commonly available online, but you might also find them at tech retailers like Best Buy.
- Options for purchasing DC-to-DC power supplies include http://www.mini-box.com/ and https://www.digikey.com/.
Obtain a power supply-to-battery adapter if needed. Many DC-to-DC power supplies utilize a coaxial cable for connection to your 12-volt battery, necessitating an adapter with two wires for battery connection and a coaxial output.
- Check your power supply's input requirements before purchasing an adapter.
Purchase a 12-volt battery. As DC-to-DC power supplies operate on 12 volts, a corresponding 12-volt battery is required.
- Ensure the battery's wattage and specifications align with those of your power supply.
Disconnect your desktop computer. Before proceeding, unplug your desktop from the AC outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock or internal damage.
Ground yourself. This precaution prevents accidental damage to your computer's motherboard from static electricity.
Open up your desktop. Typically, lay the desktop unit on its side and remove the side panel.
- A screwdriver may be required for this step.
Find the motherboard. Look for the motherboard, a circuit board usually located near the bottom of the desktop unit.
Disconnect the current power supply. The current power supply is usually situated near the top of the desktop unit, connected to various components on the motherboard via wires. Disconnect each wire.
- Also, detach the power supply from the hard drive.
Connect your DC-to-DC power supply to the motherboard. Insert the main plug of the power supply into the 20- or 24-pin slot on your motherboard.
- If your power supply has only 20 pins, leave the leftmost 4 pins on the motherboard empty.
Link the DC-to-DC power supply to your computer's connectors. Use the cables of the power supply to connect it to the required inputs on the motherboard and hard drive.
- At least, connect the power supply to your hard drive, processor, and if necessary, the graphics card(s).
Connect your power supply to the battery. Typically, this involves attaching the red and black wires of the coax-to-battery adapter to the corresponding outputs on the battery. Then, screw the coaxial cable from the power supply into the coaxial output on the adapter.
- If your power supply uses a different connection method, refer to the battery's documentation and the power supply's manual for precise instructions.
Reassemble your desktop and power it on. At this stage, you should be able to operate your computer using the DC-to-DC power supply and the connected battery.
- Remember to minimize resource-intensive tasks (e.g., video editing, gaming) to prolong battery life.
Pointers
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Using an inverter is typically a slightly costlier process compared to installing a DC-to-DC power supply. However, reverting to AC power from an inverter is considerably simpler than removing a DC-to-DC power supply.
Cautions
- Many desktop manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, advise against running a desktop on battery power due to potential risks of damage.
