Pursuing the Ultimate SFF: Extreme Miniaturization & Modular 48V Power Systems

Hi everyone! I’m a DIY enthusiast based en France. My approach to SFF isn't defined by a single material or style, but by a relentless pursuit of maximum efficiency, simplicity, and extreme miniaturization.

Currently, I’m building a high-performance modular system around an ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I and an Intel Ultra 7 265. The core of my project is a radical rethink of PC power delivery. I am moving away from the bloated 19V/24-pin standard and towards a 48V Power Ecosystem.

By integrating high-efficiency buck modules (Hynetek) with a custom direct-plug DC-ATX solution, I aim to eliminate internal cable clutter and achieve a truly modular, 'clean-slate' architecture. For me, beauty comes from optimized engineering—reducing a system to its most powerful, compact, and logical form.

Looking forward to collaborating with fellow 'power-system rebels' and anyone pushing the boundaries of what a modern Mini-PC can be!"

 

[Phuncz]

Welcome to the forum !

Be sure to read up on the terms and rules of the forum. Mainly for buying and selling or other commercial activity on the forum as the access is limited and the rules are strictly enforced.

As a new user you're probably not able to edit posts or links just yet, so if a substantial error was made, click the Report-button in the post.

Hope to see you around, enjoy the wonderful world of SFF !

 

[46x02]

Those of us who use 19V as an intermediate voltage, that is simply due to the abundance of laptop power supplies.

Where do you intend to get 48V from?

 

[Yqf]

Those of us who use 19V as an intermediate voltage, that is simply due to the abundance of laptop power supplies.

Where do you intend to get 48V from?

While it's true that 48V adapters designed specifically for PCs are still rare, they are far from non-existent. High-quality 48V units already exist in the pro-audio and industrial sectors. In fact, there is already a 300W 48V GaN adapter (from brands like Chenxutong) that proves high-density 48V power delivery is viable and compact.

We are currently in a transitional phase. The skepticism regarding efficiency and VRM heat is valid for 'direct-to-core' conversion, but the industry is moving toward multi-stage delivery (e.g., 48V to 12V intermediate bus) to isolate heat and maximize cable efficiency.

Tech giants like Intel, AMD, and Microsoft are already laying the groundwork for a 48V DC architecture to meet the massive power demands of next-gen AI PCs. As GaN technology matures and the supply chain shifts, 48V will likely transition from a niche 'mod' to a universal standard for high-performance computing.

 

[ignsvn]

Hi everyone! I’m a DIY enthusiast based en France. My approach to SFF isn't defined by a single material or style, but by a relentless pursuit of maximum efficiency, simplicity, and extreme miniaturization.

Currently, I’m building a high-performance modular system around an ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I and an Intel Ultra 7 265. The core of my project is a radical rethink of PC power delivery. I am moving away from the bloated 19V/24-pin standard and towards a 48V Power Ecosystem.

By integrating high-efficiency buck modules (Hynetek) with a custom direct-plug DC-ATX solution, I aim to eliminate internal cable clutter and achieve a truly modular, 'clean-slate' architecture. For me, beauty comes from optimized engineering—reducing a system to its most powerful, compact, and logical form.

Looking forward to collaborating with fellow 'power-system rebels' and anyone pushing the boundaries of what a modern Mini-PC can be!"

Welcome to the forum @Yqf

What you're working on sounds interesting and at the same time challenging, as the voltages common for most of us in the PC industry are probably 12v & 19v.

Anyway, the forum exists because of people like you We don't have a specific section for power supply but feel free to log your progress here https://smallformfactor.net/forum/category/custom-cases-projects/