Skyreach 4 Mini Build + Mophie XXL Feasibility?

[Cipher]

Hello Meat Wagons,

I recently purchased the NFC Skyreach 4 Mini and plan to build it according to the specs recommended by Josh (listed below). This will be my first build although I do have low/medium level knowledge of computer components.

Just wondering if anyone can confirm or comment on whether it will be possible to power the build with the Mophie powerstation USB-C XXL (link below). Seems to me like I can connect this Mophie device to the ASUS Z270i STRIX Motherboard via the USB-C port. The intention is to have power when I am writing code on-the-go. Although when I game or do process intensive tasks I will of course connect to the wall via the recommended power brick (Dell 330PM111).

Basically is it possible? If not, then why? If yes but it is sketchy, then why is that the case. Replies will be appreciated to this noob inquiry.

Build Specs Plan:

CPU Intel Core i7-7700
GPU GeForce GTX 1060 Mini 6GB
Motherboard ASUS Z270i STRIX
RAM G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GB DDR4 (Will probably get 32GB, not sure which model though)
Storage Samsung 960 EVO M.2 512GB (Will probably get something better)
CPU Cooler Noctua NH L9i
PSU HDPLEX 400w DC-DC PSU and DA330PM111

Mophie powerstation USB-C XXL: http://www.mophie.com/shop/universal-batteries/powerstation-USBC-XXL?a92=12

 

[|||]

No, the power circuitry on the board is not designed to function like that.

You could still potentially use a battery; you just need to know the voltage and pair it with a compatible DC-DC unit to get the appropriate voltage break-outs, power circuitry, etc. Check out a couple of the VR backpack projects posted for ideas.

https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/ono3-pelican-1430-to-s4-portable-vr-workstation.423/
https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/backpack-vr-gaming-rig-step-1-planning.1087/

 

[Josh | NFC]

Hello, Cipher!

Thank you for supporting the MINI project. I really appreciate it!

Your build looks great (and I'm not sure what is not better already about the 960 NVME drive) and my only recommendation to you is you probably will be fine with the cheapest 32GB model available to you since you won't be overclocking.

To answer your question regarding the power pack. Nope. Two reasons:

1. It does not have the capacity to power your system. It can output 30w, but your system will draw about 170 on average.
2. The USB C port on the motherboard is just a connector type for USB 3.1. It does not input power. It can output power, but not input.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kmpkt]

Currently there are no battery systems on the market that will power a system like yours in a satisfactory manner. The closest you're going to get is a Paul C. Buff Vagabond or Vagabond Mini:

https://www.paulcbuff.com/Portable-Power/vagabond-mini-lithium.html
The heavier unit will provide 120W of power and at approximately 160 Wh of power would only keep you going for 80 minutes at peak draw. If you knew your draw would be low, then I presume you could run off the Paul C Buff unit comfortably.

If you're really hardcore you could rig up your own power system using a wide input DC-DC supply and Bosch power tool batteries. Two 6.3 Ah Bosch Core battery packs would give you about an hour and a half of power at 160W, all within spec.

Not that I would know anything about making a portable PC power supply using these batteries

 

[Josh | NFC]

Currently there are no battery systems on the market that will power a system like yours in a satisfactory manner. The closest you're going to get is a Paul C. Buff Vagabond or Vagabond Mini:

https://www.paulcbuff.com/Portable-Power/vagabond-mini-lithium.html
The heavier unit will provide 120W of power and at approximately 160 Wh of power would only keep you going for 80 minutes at peak draw. If you knew your draw would be low, then I presume you could run off the Paul C Buff unit comfortably.

If you're really hardcore you could rig up your own power system using a wide input DC-DC supply and Bosch power tool batteries. Two 6.3 Ah Bosch Core battery packs would give you about an hour and a half of power at 160W, all within spec.

Not that I would know anything about making a portable PC power supply using these batteries

Wanna stick this in here, but I have been using the Vagabond Mini for years. Absolute workhorse and I highly recommend!