Bench power supply from ATX PSU


If you have an old ATX PSU knocking around you can build a tidy 12V, 5V, 3.3V and variable DC lab power supply (to 35V) for electronic projects and wotnot.

My ATX PSU is a Zalman ZM550 Goldrock, but any old ATX supply would do, I think.

Components and circuitry

I used the component list and circuit from video below (all AliExpress) by @Siron_DIY. I’m not really a cat person, but I do like the feline intrusions throughout his videos…and he does some cool stuff!

Points of difference with my design? Just aesthetic really, except for the fuses:

  • Vertical orientation for desk space and different look
  • 3D printed fascia with LED backlights to illuminate voltages.
  • Old Bakelite knobs from a 1930s radio to control voltage and current. Tried to put a bit or Art Deco into the styling/ form of 3D printed fascia (unsuccessfully?)
  • Automotive blade fuses for each supply so a short should blow a fuse and not something important.

Components

Original @Sorin_DIY build:

Additional:

Circuits

Images below are from here and here.

Variable supply

The buck converter has two on board potentiometers which we replace with 1K & 100K ones.

  • 1K on the left-hand side is for current regulation – the constant current (CC) control.
  • 100K on the right-hand side is for voltage regulation – the constant voltage (CV) control
Step-up buck convertor & 1K + 100K potentiometer

Ammeter/ voltimeter

LED backlight

3D files