Commander X16

I saw the concept art, that the motherboard will utilize a 20 pin ATX connector for the PSU. 

1) nowadays it is hard to get an "old" ATX PSU. Why it is not utilizing the more common 24pin version, available from the shelves? Or the newer PSUs will be compatible (granted by the connector design)

2) Do you think the eg. PicoPSU 80W will do the job? It could make the machine cooler and more silent with an external power brick.

  How much power does the system require ( with some basic expansion, like memory)? 

THX!

I don't have definitive answers, but I expect the X16 will (by far) not draw enough power to need any kind of active cooling.

So a PicoPSU should work fine, I guess.

It's going to ship installed in the custom case with a PSU. No need to search for one!

I'm betting it will draw around 30-40 watts. 

The problem is that all of the current draw is likely to be on the 5V rail, and each rail is distinct in a PC power supply - so with the PicoPSU-80, you don't get 80 watts on the 5V rail. You get 30 watts (6A at 5V). 

I'd look for a larger power supply. If you need a PicoPSU, then look at the 160. Or go for a traditional power supply in a slightly larger form factor. 

Of course, the final result may be very different than I'm thinking... but I'd still expect the largest power consumption to be on the 5V rail.

 

 

We don't have the final power draw figures as yet, but the plan is to ship without a cooling fan being necessary. Again that is not final, but is the hope. Crucially I have allowed space in the case to add a standard fan should you expand to where that is necessary. The fan can connect to the PSU directly and there is a place for the cable too.

The current PSU we are using (photos coming soon) is 180W. This isn't because we need it (though we can't rule out the community's expansion needs) but is the smallest that is available which is also compatible with the board and case. Expansion needs also therefore benefit in future. We could have gone with an external PSU and a smaller case, but I'm not a fan of the external bricks and we love the idea of machines like the Apple ][ where the PSU is enclosed and you just plug in and go. Also again, a little spare space in the case allows for community expansions, mods and hacks. Also some other thing(s) I can't mention yet (nothing to get too excited about).

The Picos have some small issues, they were discussed, but we opted for the more solid solution.

It is also much better to maintain .. most likely you will be able to replace a standard PSU even in years down the road. If it is a brick (like the C64 one) at best with multiple voltages, you will get into trouble purchasing off the shelf items.