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MaxHeap

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 28, 2012
52
0
Missouri
I bought a 2006 Mac Mini for $25 without a power supply. I read that it can run off 12v? How can I directly hook up 12v and run the Mac Mini without one of the very expensive 110w supplies (I'm wanting to directly hook up an ATX supply to the mini)?
 

DeltaMac

macrumors G5
Jul 30, 2003
13,460
4,407
Delaware

MaxHeap

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 28, 2012
52
0
Missouri
The power supply can be found for less than "very expensive"
http://www.impactcomputers.com/661-...loxKpka_T9HzRU6iN7bBLTPv0NuLD4Mc2saArW88P8HAQ
Using another supply is possible, I suppose. The tricky part will be the power connector plug. It's a little unusual.
And, I don't remember seeing the pin-out for that connector.
According to this - the adapter is 18.5vdc, although I suppose part of the output is going to be 12vdc.


I should have said expensive relative to the machine. I don't mind having to solder some leads to the internals if thats what it takes.
 

DeltaMac

macrumors G5
Jul 30, 2003
13,460
4,407
Delaware
OK
But, you purchased an incomplete system, completing it with a cobbled-up connection may not be easy.
...
Have you found a source for the pin out? (Maybe you will be more successful that I have been)
 

MaxHeap

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 28, 2012
52
0
Missouri
OK
But, you purchased an incomplete system, completing it with a cobbled-up connection may not be easy.
...
Have you found a source for the pin out? (Maybe you will be more successful that I have been)

I broke down and bought a power supply. I'm probably going to figure out the pinouts and eventually post for someone else.
 

blouis79

macrumors member
Jun 7, 2005
93
1
Hi MaxHeap,
have you figured out the pinout ?
if so please mail it to me @ bart.koens@gmail.com

thanks in advance ;)

see this
http://www.blisstonia.com/eolson/notes/kensingtonmacmini.php
says iSense resistor should be 3.3k ohms

better version here:
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/17368-mac-mini-isense-circuit/
says iSense ressitor should be 2.2k ohms




There are plenty of 18.5V 120W 6.5A laptop power supplies about, so a little adapter box with old cable and connections for iSense circuit should work.
 
Last edited:
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