# Pico Box > DC is the Future ## Posts - [Understanding Liquid Cooling: How It Works and Why It Matters](https://pico-box.com/understanding-liquid-cooling-how-it-works-and-why-it-matters/): In the realm of high-performance computing, managing heat efficiently is paramount. While traditional air cooling methods have served well, liquid cooling has emerged as a superior solution for enthusiasts and professionals seeking optimal thermal management. The Basics of Liquid Cooling Liquid cooling, often referred to as water cooling, operates on the principle of transferring heat away from critical components using a liquid medium. This method is analogous to a car’s cooling system, where coolant circulates to absorb and dissipate heat . Key Components: How Liquid Cooling Works This continuous loop ensures that high-performance components maintain optimal operating temperatures, enhancing performance […] - [Air Cooling vs Liquid Cooling: Which Is Best for Your Build?](https://pico-box.com/air-cooling-vs-liquid-cooling-which-is-best-for-your-build/): When it comes to building or upgrading your PC, choosing the right CPU cooler is essential. Efficient cooling keeps your processor running smoothly, enhances performance, and can even extend the lifespan of your components. The two main options—air cooling and liquid cooling—each have their own advantages and trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your setup. How CPU Cooling Works Regardless of the type, all CPU cooling systems work to remove heat from the processor. Heat is drawn away from the CPU’s Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) and transferred to a cooling medium—either air or […] - [Future-Proofing Power: What You Need to Know About the 12VHPWR Connector](https://pico-box.com/future-proofing-power-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-12vhpwr-connector/): As graphics cards grow more powerful and power-hungry, the standards behind PC power delivery are evolving to keep up. Enter the 12VHPWR connector—a compact, high-capacity power connector designed to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s cutting-edge GPUs. Whether you’re building a next-gen gaming rig or upgrading your workstation, understanding the 12VHPWR connector is key to staying ahead. What Is the 12VHPWR Connector? Introduced as part of the ATX 3.0 power supply standard, the 12VHPWR (12 Volt High Power) connector is a 16-pin interface that can deliver up to 600 watts of power through a single cable. This replaces the […] - [Is the Home Theater PC (HTPC) Dead—or Just Evolving?](https://pico-box.com/is-the-home-theater-pc-htpc-dead-or-just-evolving/): In the early 2000s, the Home Theater PC (HTPC) was the ultimate symbol of media freedom. It let you rip your DVDs, record live TV, stream content, and store your entire music and movie library—all from a single, custom-built machine. For AV enthusiasts, it was heaven in a sleek aluminum case. But two decades later, many ask: Is the HTPC dead? Let’s dig into what’s changed—and what hasn’t. The Rise of Streaming Devices The biggest blow to the HTPC came from the very thing it once helped pioneer: streaming. Devices like the Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, Roku, and Amazon Fire […] - [From Solar Laptops to Solar Desktops: The Future of Off-Grid Computing Is Bright](https://pico-box.com/from-solar-laptops-to-solar-desktops-the-future-of-off-grid-computing-is-bright/): In an era where sustainability and portability go hand-in-hand, Lenovo recently unveiled something bold: the Yoga Solar PC—a concept laptop that charges directly from sunlight. More than just a sleek idea, this innovation signals a clear direction for the tech industry: computers that are not only mobile, but also self-powered. So what’s next? If laptops can run on sunlight, could your desktop PC do the same—anywhere, even in the wild? The answer is yes. And the key is solar + DC-DC power conversion. The Lenovo Yoga Solar PC: A Glimpse of the Future Unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2025, the […] - [Car Camping Meets the Future: Why 48V DC Power Systems Are Changing the Game](https://pico-box.com/powering-up-your-car-camping-adventure-why-dc-dc-power-supplies-and-dc-appliances-matter/): If you’ve ever dreamed of falling asleep under the stars without giving up your favorite gear or gadgets, car camping might be your perfect weekend escape. Whether you’re camping in a remote national forest or just pulling into a scenic overlook for the night, car camping offers an unmatched mix of convenience, comfort, and adventure. And as vehicles evolve—especially with innovations like Tesla’s Cybertruck—so too does the way we power our outdoor life. Say hello to the future of car camping: 48V DC power systems. What Is Car Camping? Car camping is simply the act of using your car as […] - [Pico Box Powers the Future: High-Efficiency DC-DC ATX Design with LM5143 and GaN FETs](https://pico-box.com/pico-box-powers-the-future-high-efficiency-dc-dc-atx-design-with-lm5143-and-gan-fets/): At Pico Box, innovation drives every watt we deliver. In our pursuit of smarter, smaller, and more efficient power solutions, we’ve embraced the cutting-edge combination of the Texas Instruments LM5143 dual synchronous buck controller and low power GaN FETs to redefine what’s possible in DC-DC ATX power supply design. Why GaN? Because Performance Matters Gallium Nitride (GaN) is rapidly transforming power electronics, and for good reason. Compared to traditional silicon MOSFETs, GaN FETs switch faster, generate less heat, and take up less space. These advantages make GaN the ideal partner for modern controllers like the LM5143, especially in the tight […] - [Power to the People: Blockchain & DC-Powered Homes in the Age of Micro Virtual Power Plants](https://pico-box.com/power-to-the-people-blockchain-dc-powered-homes-in-the-age-of-micro-virtual-power-plants/): The energy grid as we know it is being rewritten—literally and digitally. With the rapid adoption of solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and DC-powered appliances, the future is no longer centralized. Instead, it’s distributed, smart, and democratic. And now, with blockchain-inspired technologies, it’s becoming peer-to-peer. At PICO BOX, we see ourselves not just as a hardware company—but as a pioneer in this new energy future. We’re building the DC infrastructure for tomorrow’s micro-scale Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)—and the trust layer that connects them may very well be blockchain. ⚡ The Rise of the Energy Prosumer In traditional grids, […] - [Power-Aware Homes and Micro Virtual Power Plants: PICO BOX’s Vision for the Future of Clean Energy](https://pico-box.com/power-aware-homes-and-micro-virtual-power-plants-pico-boxs-vision-for-the-future-of-clean-energy/): As the world shifts toward a cleaner and smarter energy future, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are emerging as a powerful tool to reshape the way we produce, store, and consume electricity. But beyond large-scale systems run by utilities and corporations, a new movement is rising from the rooftops and basements of everyday homes—the rise of the micro-scale VPP. At PICO BOX, we believe this change begins at home—with power-aware appliances, solar-powered devices, and intelligent DC infrastructure designed to work in harmony with decentralized energy systems. 🌱 What Is a Micro-Scale Virtual Power Plant? A traditional VPP aggregates distributed energy resources […] - [Powering the Future: Pure DC Balcony Solar Systems with PICO BOX DC-DC ATX Power Supplies](https://pico-box.com/powering-the-future-pure-dc-balcony-solar-systems-with-pico-box-dc-dc-atx-power-supplies/): Imagine a home where your solar energy flows directly into your appliances—no inverters, no AC conversion losses, no wasted power. That future is already here, and it’s built on DC power. At PICO BOX, we believe that Direct Current (DC) is the power standard of tomorrow, especially for low to mid-power home electronics. As more households install balcony solar panels, we now have the perfect opportunity to shift from inefficient AC-based systems to high-efficiency DC power networks—starting with your PC. 🔆 Rethinking the Traditional Solar Setup The conventional solar setup for homes looks like this: 1. Solar panels generate DC […] - [Empowering the Future: How GaN Technology is Revolutionizing DC-DC Power Supply Design at PICO BOX](https://pico-box.com/empowering-the-future-how-gan-technology-is-revolutionizing-dc-dc-power-supply-design-at-pico-box/): Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology is reshaping the landscape of DC-DC converter design. As highlighted in EPC’s eBook “GaN for DC-DC Conversion – Multilevel Converters,” GaN-based multilevel converters offer dramatic performance improvements over traditional silicon-based designs—delivering higher efficiency, reduced size, and superior thermal behavior. At PICO BOX, we’ve fully embraced this cutting-edge technology. We have integrated low-voltage GaN FETs into the heart of our new line of DC-DC ATX power supplies, which are capable of delivering 12V power output from 200W up to 750W. These high-efficiency, compact solutions are tailored for today’s space-constrained, high-performance computing needs—and are scheduled for mass production […] - [Powering the Future: Build DC-Powered Computers with X9-ATX-500 and 48V Battery Systems](https://pico-box.com/powering-the-future-build-dc-powered-computers-with-x9-atx-500-and-48v-battery-systems/): As the world moves toward electrification and decentralization, DC power systems are becoming the new standard — especially in emerging sectors like robotics, EV platforms, and off-grid applications. Among these, the 48V DC bus is fast becoming the industry sweet spot for powering a wide range of devices, from advanced vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck to industrial robots and mobile computing platforms. Recognizing this trend, PICO BOX developed the X9 series DC-DC ATX power supplies, designed specifically to operate seamlessly in 48V battery environments. 🔋 Why 48V DC Is the New Standard The 48V DC system strikes a perfect balance […] - [Pico Box Reinvents ATX Timing Control with In-House Microcontroller Algorithm](https://pico-box.com/pico-box-reinvents-atx-timing-control-with-in-house-microcontroller-algorithm/): Smarter, More Compatible, and Uniquely Customizable Power-On Control At the heart of every ATX power supply lies a crucial but often overlooked component — the ATX timing control circuit. This is what ensures your PC powers on reliably and safely every time you press the button. Traditionally, power supply designers have relied on standard ASIC chips like the TPS3510 from Texas Instruments to handle this timing logic. While functional, such fixed-function controllers come with limitations — especially when dealing with specialized or non-standard motherboards. At Pico Box, we took a different path. Instead of using a fixed ASIC chip, we […] - [Pico Box Adopts Low-Voltage GaN Technology for Next-Generation DC-DC ATX Power Supplies](https://pico-box.com/pico-box-adopts-low-voltage-gan-technology-for-next-generation-dc-dc-atx-power-supplies/): Elevating Efficiency, Power Density, and Thermal Performance As computing demands escalate, particularly with the proliferation of high-performance GPUs, the need for efficient and compact power solutions becomes paramount. Recognizing this, Pico Box is excited to announce the integration of low-voltage Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology into our DC-DC ATX power supply designs. ⚡ Why Transition from Silicon MOSFETs to GaN? Traditional DC-DC converters have relied on silicon-based MOSFETs. While effective, these components are reaching their performance limits. GaN transistors offer several advantages over their silicon counterparts: • Higher Switching Speeds: GaN devices can operate at significantly higher frequencies, enabling faster response […] - [Build the Perfect Silent HTPC with DC-DC ATX Power](https://pico-box.com/build-the-perfect-silent-htpc-with-dc-dc-atx-power/): Why Your Home Entertainment Deserves Something Smaller, Smarter, and Quieter Imagine sitting back on your sofa with your favorite movie queued up, lights dimmed, and high-fidelity sound filling the room — all controlled by a sleek, powerful little PC tucked neatly under your TV. That’s the magic of an HTPC — a Home Theater PC — and it’s still one of the best ways to bring flexible, high-quality entertainment to your living room. But to build the ideal HTPC, there are two things you must get right: ✅ Small size ✅ Silent operation And that’s where Pico Box DC-DC ATX […] - [The Future Is DC: Why Your Next Home Computer Should Ditch the Grid](https://pico-box.com/the-future-is-dc-why-your-next-home-computer-should-ditch-the-grid/): Solar Power, Falling Battery Prices, and the Rise of DC-Powered Homes Across the U.S., a quiet revolution is taking place — and it’s powered by the sun. With balcony solar systems now legalized in Utah, more states are expected to follow suit, making it easier than ever for homeowners and apartment dwellers to generate their own electricity. Combine that with the steadily falling cost of lithium-ion battery packs — down to $115/kWh in 2024 and expected to hit $100/kWh in 2025 — and it’s clear that energy independence is becoming mainstream. And as that shift happens, one thing is becoming […] - [Powering Your Off-Grid Tiny House PC with a DC-DC ATX Power Supply](https://pico-box.com/powering-your-off-grid-tiny-house-pc-with-a-dc-dc-atx-power-supply/): Efficient, Silent, and Solar-Ready Computing In an off-grid tiny house, every watt counts — and so does every cubic inch of space. Whether you’re working remotely, editing videos, streaming movies, or managing smart home controls, you still need a reliable computer. But traditional desktop power supplies were never designed for off-grid living. That’s where a DC-DC ATX power supply from Pico Box becomes the perfect solution. 🔋 Why DC Power is the Future of Off-Grid Living Modern off-grid systems are built around DC power, not AC. From solar panels to battery banks to LED lighting and USB charging — nearly […] - [What Is a DC-DC ATX Power Supply?](https://pico-box.com/what-is-a-dc-dc-atx-power-supply/): A Smarter Way to Power Small Form Factor PCs When building a compact or silent computer, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the size and noise of a traditional ATX power supply. That’s where DC-DC ATX power supplies come in — and they’re changing the game for small form factor PC builders, embedded system designers, and hobbyists alike. 🔌 How It Works A DC-DC ATX power supply replaces the bulky AC-powered PSU found in standard desktops. Instead of taking 110V or 220V AC directly from the wall, it works with an external AC-DC adapter (just like a laptop […] - [Pico Box vs. Traditional ATX and Other DC-DC Power Supplies](https://pico-box.com/pico-box-vs-traditional-atx-and-other-dc-dc-power-supplies/): Why Go Compact, Silent, and Smart? When designing ultra-compact computing systems, the power supply is often the most limiting factor. Traditional ATX power supplies — and even many existing DC-DC converters — weren’t built for the new generation of small, silent, and efficient machines. At Pico Box, we set out to change that. Here’s how our solution compares: 1. Size & Form Factor Traditional ATX PSUs are large, rigid, and typically require a full-size case. Even the smallest SFX variants can be overkill for mini-PCs or embedded systems. Other DC-DC solutions might offer reduced size but often lack integration, requiring […] - [Applications of DC-DC Power Supplies in Compact Computing](https://pico-box.com/applications-of-dc-dc-power-supplies-in-compact-computing/): As computing devices continue to shrink in size while growing in performance, power delivery becomes a key design challenge. At Pico Box, we specialize in compact, silent, and intelligent DC-DC power supplies that make ultra-small form factor computing possible — without sacrificing reliability or performance. Here’s how our DC-DC solutions are being used across a range of cutting-edge applications: 1. Mini PCs & HTPCs Whether you’re building a home theater PC or a compact workstation, space and silence are crucial. Traditional ATX power supplies are bulky and noisy, but a Pico Box DC-DC module enables a completely fanless, low-profile build, […] ## Pages - [Blog](https://pico-box.com/blog/) - [FAQ](https://pico-box.com/faq/): FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Orders How do I cancel or change my order? Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make any changes to an order or cancel it once it has been placed. However, you could ask for a refund. How to track my order? You will receive an email from us after you have placed the order. You’ll get confirmation in your email when you purchase and we’ll let you know when your order is on the move. You will be able to track your order through your preferred shipping partner. What are my payment options? We accept all the […] - [Refund and Returns Policy](https://pico-box.com/refund_returns/): Overview Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases. Additional non-returnable items: To complete your […] - [Slim Strip DC-ATX](https://pico-box.com/slim-strip-dc-atx/): Slim Strip DC-ATX - [Plugin DC-ATX](https://pico-box.com/plugin-dc-atx/): Plugin DC-ATX - [My account](https://pico-box.com/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://pico-box.com/checkout/) - [Cart](https://pico-box.com/cart/) - [Shop](https://pico-box.com/shop/) - [Services](https://pico-box.com/services/): Services What can we do? ODM Customers choose product from our offering list and we can print customer’s logo on the product. JDM Customer provides the product definition and/or module level technologies and we develop the product jointly with our customer. DTC We also sell the products diretly to the DC enthusiasts like the computer DIYers, making us know well about the customers’ needs. Our Advantages Support customer innovation with technology depth, ensure commercial viability with manufacturing efficiency, and anticipate market trends with industry insights. R&D Our engineering team gives quick response to customer’s requirements, providing intelligent hardware product design […] - [Products](https://pico-box.com/products/) - [Contact](https://pico-box.com/contact/): Get in touch If you have any questions, or need support with your PICO BOX products or order, you can contact us using the form below to send us a message, and it goes to our email at oversea@pico-box.com. Talk to you soon! Contact us - [About](https://pico-box.com/about/): The Future is DC Power Future of home is full decentralized DC home with solar and batteries. What We’re Doing DC-DC conversion is getting smaller, more efficient, and cost effective overtime compared to AC transformer. Nowadays more and more home devices have DC input port in home. Smaller load devices are just simple DC connections. Houses currently run on AC, but future of home is a full decentralized DC home with solar and batteries. PICO BOX creates compact, silent, and intelligent modules and gear designed to enhance your DC-powered lifestyle beyond the everyday. From power supplies and MPPT controllers to essential […] - [Home](https://pico-box.com/): X Slim Strip DC-ATXThe X slim strip DC-DC ATX power supplies give you maximum power from 180 Watts to 750 WattsExplore MorePlugin DC-ATXThe small size, silent and smart plugin DC-DC ATX power supplies simplify the cable harness inside the PC chassisExplore More Latest products Highly recommended by Jason L.Embedded Systems Engineer “I’ve used Pico Box power modules in several industrial PC builds, and they’re just fantastic. The form factor is unbelievably small, and I love how silent and thermally efficient they are. It’s obvious a lot of thought has gone into the engineering.” Emily ZhangDIY Mini-PC Enthusiast “Finding a reliable […] - [Privacy Policy](https://pico-box.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address are: https://pico-box.com, https://pico-box.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images […] ## Products - [Z2-ATX-160](https://pico-box.com/product/z2-atx-160/):

12v Input 160w Output Plugin DC-DC ATX Power Supply

For more information, please visit the User Manual page. - [X7-ATX-500](https://pico-box.com/product/x7-atx-500/): 16-28v Input 500w Output DC-DC ATX Power Supply For more information, please visit the User Manual page. - [X3-ATX-300](https://pico-box.com/product/x3-atx-300/):

16-28v Input 300w Output DC-DC ATX Power Supply

For more information, please visit the User Manual page. - [FOUR8 750X](https://pico-box.com/product/four8-750x/): 16-60v Input 7500w Output GaN Slim Strip DC-DC ATX Power Supply - [FOUR8 500X SFX](https://pico-box.com/product/four8-500x-sfx/): 16-60v Input 500w Output GaN Slim Strip DC-DC ATX Power Supply, SFX Size - [FOUR8 500X](https://pico-box.com/product/four8-500x/): 16-60v Input 500w Output GaN Slim Strip DC-DC ATX Power Supply - [FOUR8 250XP](https://pico-box.com/product/four8-250xp/): 16-60v Input 250w Output GaN Plugin DC-DC ATX Power Supply - [ONE2 300XP](https://pico-box.com/product/one2-300xp/): 12v Input 300w Output GaN Plugin DC-DC ATX Power Supply - [ONE2 200XP](https://pico-box.com/product/one2-200xp/): 12v Input 200w Output High Performance Plugin DC-DC ATX Power Supply - [ONE2 150P](https://pico-box.com/product/one2-150p/): 12v Input 150w Output Compact Plug-in DC-DC ATX Power Supply ONE2 is a new series of 12V plug-in DC-DC ATX power converters, jointly designed by Pico Box and J-Hack in the USA. The ONE2 150P indicates that the plug-in DC-ATX unit can dilever up to 12.5A (150W) on the 12V output rail, excluding the power on 5V and 3.3V rails. The ONE2 150P has a height of 29.8 mm in the vertical direction, making it an ideal power supply choice for 1U computer cases. For additional details, please refer to the User Manual page. - [X9-ATX-500](https://pico-box.com/product/x9-atx-500/):

16-60v Wide Voltage Range Input 500w Output DC-DC ATX Power Supply

For more information, please visit the User Manual page. - [Z2-ATX-200](https://pico-box.com/product/z2-atx-200/):

12v Input 200w Output Plugin DC-DC ATX Power Supply

For more information, please visit the User Manual page.   [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)