Server PSU Hack - HP DPS-800GB A, 12VDC 1000W

[Mads Barnkob]

A guide on how to make the, HP DPS-800GB Rev. A, server power supply run outside of its server enclosure.

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A simple bridge between pin 31 and 34 is required and it is important to NOT drill holes through the GND and +12VDC output pads, this will risk short-circuiting the output as its a 4-layer PCB.

[Fumeaux]

This kind of trick works with most computer PSUs. As a tutorial here is one for an ATX PSU:

On proprietary PSUs, it will probably be harder to figure out what contacts to jump.

[Mads Barnkob]

On proprietary PSUs, it will probably be harder to figure out what contacts to jump.

I got another PSU video coming where I show how to attack a unknown server/other PSU that has control contact points.

[rikkitikkitavi]

There is a multitude of info on the Web about how to start, modify and use server supplies for various uses.
Most importantly the pinout. Armed with patience and a multimeter and some test clips and resistors it is doable.
I failed with a Cisco 48V 4,8kW unit though, probably because there was some proprietary communication via I2C with the motherboard for the rack. (it was a 200+ PoE unit)

But the HP/Dell and similar server brands are mostly just plug and pray.

I saw even a dude who used an ESP-120(51V 3kW)  to power a DIY class D PA amplifier system. Makes sense actually.
A 7 kg  PSU and a few kilos of amps, and voila 2,5kW of power @120BPM.

The 48V units mostly have isolated outputs, ie floating , as they are positively grounded in the chassis. They are used in  a central power rack  feeding all the racks of CPU/HDD units via backplane in the cabinet. The ESP 120 is a beast


The 12V units are grounded to PE via the negative, as normal, but that can be remedied for series connection for higher voltage.

They all represent nice loads on the outlet plug, soft start and hig PF.

[stefunk]

Is there a way to limit current from that kind of charger?