Not enough voltage for desktop gaming computer

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LouisFred54, Sep 27, 2017.

  1. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    I've tried everything. My truck will only give so much power to my computer until it doesn't turn on anymore. I can't keep buying new converters that only last so long and since the main converter is only 12 v, I can't even charge a battery backup. Anything I can do?? I need a permanent solution.
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Need a little more information. When you say "converter" are you meaning "inverter", like one you plug into a cigarette lighter port, and you're using your normal "home charger" to charge and run your "computer"?

    When you say "computer" do you mean laptop or an actual desktop system?
     
  4. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    When I say computer I'm talking about a desktop that needs at least 120v to run. My truck comes with an inverter. It says 1500w but only gives out 12v. I've bought converters that work only short term before dying out
     
  5. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    Also the battery backup is only designed for ref home use as I just found out the hard way
     
  6. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    This makes no sense. An inverter [such as your 1500 watt] takes 12 volt DC input and outputs 115-120 VDC. What are these "converters" you speak of? Power supplies?

    But regardless, inverters, even 1500+ watt inverters are not designed to provide long-term sufficient power to run many PC power supplies found in desktops. You will have all sorts of problems with machine power supplies, especially if we're talking about a high-power gaming level machine
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  7. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    Well, I guess I'm screwed then. Those numbers are what my road assist told me and yes, I too think they make no sense. I do have a high powered gaming computer. It was $2000
     
  8. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    The converters are what I buy at Walmart/Home Depot/lowes
     
  9. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    If your truck had a 1500 watt inverter, does it also have an APU? If so, some APU installations provide an outlet somewhere that provides 120 VAC power when the APU is running. These typically provide more amperage capacity and cleaner power then power from an inverter.

    Also, I'm starting to think when you say "converter", you may be talking about a power strip like pictured below? If this is the case, then this does nothing to aid your power supply situation, but I can understand cheap ones shortly becoming toast after trying to power a hungry machine with bad, inadequate power. You better change something up before you burn your truck down

    th.jpeg
     
  10. LouisFred54

    LouisFred54 Light Load Member

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    No. Go on lowes.com and look up 750w power converter. Also, yes I have an apu, but the only plugs are that exist are on the actual model. It only works sporadically.
     
  11. swaggerjacker

    swaggerjacker Medium Load Member

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    I beg to differ. Desktop computers don't pull that much energy. I run a portable AC with a 3000 watt inverter. I can run the microwave at the same time if I high idle. I really don't understand why your puter isn't working properly. Unless it needs pure sine wave.
     
    SingingWolf Thanks this.
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