In the process of planning a APU build with picoPSU and currently looking into the DC-power connectors capable of at least 90 W. Ideally with docking capabilities to keep the desk surface clean:
Barral Jack and KYCON KPPX-4P
Probably the goto for most people is the barrel jack. They go as high as 10A (120W@12V). PSU between 10-15A often uses the KYCON KPPX-4P.
Pro: Commonly available.
Cons: Trustworthy PSUs can be difficult to find on a budget and some barrel jacks are low quality which could end in an electrical fire.
USB-C PD
Allows up to 100W.
Pro: Docking capable. Futureproof, off-the-shelf devboard could be repurposed.
Cons: Expensive, "difficult" to buy trustworthy PSUs, not user-friendly (incompatibilities likely causing frustration).
opinion: Clusterfuck. Avoid.
Microsoft Surface connector
Best known for the Surface Tablets but the interesting option are from the Surface Book: upto 120W@15V
Pro: Docking capable, excellent magnetic connector.
Cons: 15V, requires custom breakout board, not sure if the pinout is public.
opinion: Interesting option if pinout is public. Could be my choice.
Apple iMac
Known from the 24" Apple iMacs.
Pro: Magnetic connector.
cons: Expensive, not sure if you can buy the connector as a replacement part in China.
opinion: Cost prohibitive.
Lenovo slim tip
Due to the popularity of Lenovo Laptops, you might already own them and as ThinkPads are business devices there is a steady stream of PSUs hitting the secondary market. Wattage can be as high as 230W while most PSUs are 65W or 95W.
Pro: Cheap, proven reliability and rigidity, docking capable (OneLink pinout known).
Cons: 20V, no of the shelf picoPSU monitoring the sense pins (required to prevent user error/overloading the PSU). OneLink is limited in its functionality (e.g. 1440p@60Hz limit).
opinion: Low cost but outdated docking option. At the moment my choice.
Did I forget an option or commercially available product?
Barral Jack and KYCON KPPX-4P
Probably the goto for most people is the barrel jack. They go as high as 10A (120W@12V). PSU between 10-15A often uses the KYCON KPPX-4P.
Pro: Commonly available.
Cons: Trustworthy PSUs can be difficult to find on a budget and some barrel jacks are low quality which could end in an electrical fire.
USB-C PD
Allows up to 100W.
Pro: Docking capable. Futureproof, off-the-shelf devboard could be repurposed.
Cons: Expensive, "difficult" to buy trustworthy PSUs, not user-friendly (incompatibilities likely causing frustration).
opinion: Clusterfuck. Avoid.
Microsoft Surface connector
Best known for the Surface Tablets but the interesting option are from the Surface Book: upto 120W@15V
Pro: Docking capable, excellent magnetic connector.
Cons: 15V, requires custom breakout board, not sure if the pinout is public.
opinion: Interesting option if pinout is public. Could be my choice.
Apple iMac
Known from the 24" Apple iMacs.
Pro: Magnetic connector.
cons: Expensive, not sure if you can buy the connector as a replacement part in China.
opinion: Cost prohibitive.
Lenovo slim tip
Due to the popularity of Lenovo Laptops, you might already own them and as ThinkPads are business devices there is a steady stream of PSUs hitting the secondary market. Wattage can be as high as 230W while most PSUs are 65W or 95W.
Pro: Cheap, proven reliability and rigidity, docking capable (OneLink pinout known).
Cons: 20V, no of the shelf picoPSU monitoring the sense pins (required to prevent user error/overloading the PSU). OneLink is limited in its functionality (e.g. 1440p@60Hz limit).
opinion: Low cost but outdated docking option. At the moment my choice.
Did I forget an option or commercially available product?
