Good Quality Pico PSU

[GiancarloCP]

Hello,
I am a normal computer user, after looking reviews to "Good Quality Pico PSU" I found a one technical review here:
http://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/last/pico/index.htm
Just for curiosity, I would like a Chris and other experts opinion about two different approach.
First, the G-unique BTO PSU Archdemon. Similar to the above article, it gets 12VDC input to convert to 5V and 3V.
So the real power falls in the 12V PSU.
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threa ... rder.1983/
Second, the HDPLEX 160W, which gets 19VDC input and have to supply all the three voltages required (12V 5V 3.3V) by a mobo.
https://smallformfactor.net/reviews/pow ... lug-review
And the obvious differences is the Caps (tantalium vs electrolitic). What do you think about them?
Regards.

[exxos]

You can't go on what "specs" are on paper. Only way to know how good they are is to test them and scope the outputs out and see how good they are.

The HDPLEX 160W looks to use WE inductors ( I use them in my PSUs) so looks like a bit of thought has gone into that part at least. Also looks like there may be some rows of SMT ceramic caps on inner layer, can't really tell. First one I seen with a attempt of a heatsink as well. So looks wise, it looks like its a quality build. Though the only truth is scope figures..

[GiancarloCP]

Thanks.
I have a doubt about expected life of this devices. What are the most sensitive components? Will it require a prevent maintenance? I meant replace inductors... i guess.

[exxos]

I have a doubt about expected life of this devices. What are the most sensitive components? Will it require a prevent maintenance? I meant replace inductors... i guess.

Well I can't speak fo stuff that others have designed. How reliable something is can be a very large topic. Though I generally like the use of ceramics caps over electrolytics and tantalum. I went that way with my latest PSU builds. There are pretty tough long term. But of course all the best caps in the world won't help if the circuit design is bad to start with.