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 charger) or a DC source such as a battery pack.
Once it receives the input DC voltage (typically 12V or 19V), the DC-DC module converts it into the standard ATX power rails required by a motherboard:
• 12V for CPU, GPU, and fans
• 5V for USB, storage, and logic circuits
• 3.3V for memory, chipset, and peripherals
• 5VSB (Standby Power) for sleep/wake functions
And yes — it plugs directly into your motherboard’s 24-pin ATX connector, just like a traditional PSU.
🧠 Why Choose a DC-DC ATX Power Supply?
✅ Compact Design
By moving the AC-to-DC conversion outside the case, you eliminate the bulky metal box that takes up precious space. This gives you more freedom in case layout and enables ultra-small form factor builds.
✅ Silent Operation
No built-in fan, no moving parts, no noise. Pair it with a fanless AC-DC adapter and you’ve got a completely silent power setup — perfect for HTPCs, media centers, or audio-focused PCs.
✅ Flexible Power Sources
You’re no longer tied to a wall outlet. Power your system from a battery pack, solar setup, or external DC source — ideal for mobile, industrial, or off-grid applications.
✅ Efficient and Cool
By optimizing power conversion for low to mid-power systems, DC-DC ATX power supplies waste less energy as heat and often perform better under partial loads compared to traditional PSUs.
🧰 Perfect For:
• Mini-ITX and Thin Mini-ITX systems
• Fanless home theater PCs (HTPCs)
• Edge computing and IoT devices
• Battery-powered or solar-powered PC systems
• Custom enclosures and embedded solutions
• Makers, modders, and DIY builders
🛠️ How to Use One
1. Connect an AC-DC adapter (e.g. 12V or 19V laptop charger) or a DC power source
2. Plug the DC-DC ATX module into your motherboard via the 24-pin ATX connector
3. Power up — and enjoy a clean, quiet, and compact power experience
🌟 Pico Box: Powering the Next Generation of Compact PCs
At Pico Box, we design high-quality DC-DC ATX power supplies that are compact, silent, and smart — built for next-generation computing. Whether you’re building a silent media center, a rugged edge node, or a custom battery-powered device, our solutions are here to power your ideas.
👉 Check out our DC-DC ATX power supplies and get started on your next project today.
