Running Amplifier off of Computer.

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

I have heard its possible to run a car audio amplifier off of a desktop. What does it require? i have the amp,computer, and wires. I also understand its not the best idea, but it will be used for a short period of time but what do i do???? step by step instructions haha!

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[bernser1er 10+ year member]

do you mean running the amp off the computer power supply?

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

yes i believe that is what i mean.

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

i am just bored and have a little 5 channel amp sitting around and a kind of old computer. Would i run a HU off of the same supply? if not, what would i use as the source, the actual computer or something that has RCA outputs?

 

[bones22 5,000+ posts]

there are several amps that have been in production that are "chip amps" in short they use power supplies from computers

 

[geowick07 10+ year member]

+12 volt wire to switch to + on amplifier.

Ground on power supply to ground on amplifier.

As for source: iPod, HU powered off power supply, MP3 player. Anything that you can hook up via RCA's. Out of source, into amplifier.

geo

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

+12 volt wire to switch to + on amplifier.Ground on power supply to ground on amplifier.

As for source: iPod, HU powered off power supply, MP3 player. Anything that you can hook up via RCA's. Out of source, into amplifier.

geo

is there a color code?

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

i see red, black, and yellow. Is red possitive, black ground, and yellow a remote?

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

bump, im trying to work on it asap.

EDIT: so its YELLOW= 12v power

BLACK= ground

RED= 5v..... can this be a "remote"

 

[budahbuddy803 10+ year member]

so after doing a tiny bit more reading, will i be able to use the computer that i tap into?

 

[bustaplz 10+ year member]

probably not. Most power supplies don't even produce enough current to power up an amp. Honestly, you should probably stay away from this project unless you are very confident in your knowledge of electricity and/or computers. And for god's sake, don't open the case of the power supply while plugged in or unplugged. The caps in there can easily discharge with enough current to kill you.

 

[Ferendon 10+ year member]

Kill You