A recent article on Slashdot got me thinking about power distribution for computers. For a project, I need to construct a cluster of a half-dozen machines in a single large enclosure. Rather than having a dedicated PSU for each motherboard, I would like to have a single, giant “super-PSU” which can provide enough current for all of them. I have a feeling that this would be more efficient. (The PSU only needs to power the motherboards and perhaps a couple fans. There are no HDs in this setup.)
Unfortunately blades aren’t really an option for this thing. What would happen if I just tried hooking a few motherboards up in parallell? If it doesn’t work I’m sure it would at least make for a cool explosion.
An ATX plug has 20 wires, that’s a lot of splicing and a lot of potential bad connections. Plus, I’m not sure how well it would work anway. ATX motherboards provide some feedback to the power supply (PWK-OK and 3.3v sense lines). These would probably be hosed up if you tried to power multiple motherboards.
I looked around and didn’t see ANY ATX Y-Adapters for sale, and if it were possible to use one, I’m pretty sure they would make it.
I stand partially corrected, it may be possible to do it. Here’s a review of a power supply where the guy tried to run two motherboards. He did notice some interesting effects though, even with just two motherboards.
It isn’t practical or economical. PC power supplies are commodity items, very cheap due to high production volumes and competition. A regulated power supply needs to be physically close to the device that it powers for proper voltage regulation. The wires between the power supply and load should not be lengthened.
Best you’d be able to do without going with blades is to try to find small power supplies, such as the ones from older e-Machines, if they have the right plugs for your motherboards. Which I doubt they will.
Next option, if size is paramount is to go with six “Shuttle” PCs - these are the shoebox-sized things that are readily portable.