I'm looking into getting a UM790 Pro mini PC, which needs 19V DC power and has a maximum of 120W. I haven't found a ready-made UPS that fits my aim of a portable, self-contained system, so I'm thinking about building one myself. My plan involves using a 120W 24V DC output UPS that will charge batteries and convert the AC input to DC. I'd use a buck converter to drop the voltage from 24V to 19V for the mini PC and another to step down to 5V for my screen. I'll be using two 12V lithium battery packs in series. Are my ideas on the right track? Is it really that straightforward?
2 Answers
I get where you're coming from! But I'm a bit confused. Are you thinking of buying a 24V UPS or are you planning on making one? If you're making it, just remember you'll need sufficient battery management and charging setups too. And, by the way, you mentioned "buck transformer"—you actually want a "buck converter" for this project. Just make sure all your components can handle the power!
If you're set on the DIY route, it could work out! Instead of building this all from scratch, though, you might find a good 19V power supply on Amazon for pretty cheap, around $6.50 for a 6A option. Just throwing it out there if you're open to going that route instead. I feel you – I had the same motivation when I built my DIY audio amp!
Yeah, I totally get that a laptop is easier, but mini PCs offer way better value for what I need. I really want the extra power for my audio recording and production, plus portability is a big deal for me! I’ve been a laptop user for years, but this is the upgrade I’m aiming for.