[Gopher]

I just bought a Macmini which I had thoughts of modifying to use an external linear PSU, but am having another thought...  I came across a build plan for a macmini clone which can be built far cheaper and using a PicoPsu.  http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2011/09/building-sandy-bridge-customac-customac.html

The idea of building that with an i5, 8gigs of ram, a single SSD and a PicoPSU is appealing to me.  No $300+ modifications to a Macmini to bypass the internal power supply and use a 12 volt DC, 7-10 amp, linear power supply.

The question is--what are the options?  I know Core Audio and BPT have options, but what else is out there and what is well regarded? 

[jtwrace]

Peter Daniels PCB and build your own.


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65332.msg1106694#msg1106694

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/audio-sector/149672-universal-power-supply-pcb.html

[JohnR]

I just bought a Macmini

A 2011 Mac mini?

[Gopher]

JohnR,

Yes--I purchased this:  MacMini2.5Ghzi5/4GB(2x1)/500GB and it should be delivered tomorrow.

But I'm now contemplating building my own as the $300 modification it will take just to make it accept a DC PSU is practically the cost of a nice PSU.

jtwrace,

Awesome!  I'm checking those links out now!

[jtwrace]

jtwrace,

Awesome!  I'm checking those links out now!

I didn't use the PH reg on mine so that will save quite a bit of dough....

[JohnR]

I think I missed the part where a 2011 Mini needs a DC PSU. Never mind

[jtwrace]

I think I missed the part where a 2011 Mini needs a DC PSU. Never mind

Well, as you know, it most certainly doesn't.   

I did it mainly to get rid of another 4 used outlets.  I now have two instead of 4.  Each one of my LPSU powers the Mini, Dac and two HD's. 

[Gopher]

jtwarce,

How difficult was the build?  Could you speculate how it would be for someone with 0 DIY background?

I just came across an interesting link on audiogon for a DIY DC convertor for the mini: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/mac-mini-external-dc-power-supply-mod-diy-kit-dcmacmini--4

[jtwrace]

jtwarce,

How difficult was the build?  Could you speculate how it would be for someone with 0 DIY background?

I just came across an interesting link on audiogon for a DIY DC convertor for the mini: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/mac-mini-external-dc-power-supply-mod-diy-kit-dcmacmini--4

Just depends on how much pain you want to go through.  If you have someone close to you it would help too.  Of course you have 35k+ AC members that will help.   

Of course you will need to know how to solder and some basics...

[srb]

Of course you have 35k+ AC members that will help.   

35K- AC members that will help.  Of the current 35,281 members, 1,347 are "vinyl only" zealots who regard your foray into digital music as an inane ineffectual exercise in futility.   

Steve

[JohnR]

And 19,872 are spammers.

[JohnR]

Anyway, back on topic I wasn't aware that people were removing the internal power supply. Here's a great step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-Mac-Mini-Mid-2011-Power-Supply/6440/1

The audiogon link doesn't provide much, I'm not seeing where the $75 goes.