Powerbank 20000 Summary

Building a portable mini PC:

• Cost Considerations:

  • Consider costs carefully before starting the project to avoid running out of money.
  • "Make a spreadsheet of costs before you start, make sure to include all the item costs, shipping, taxes..."

• Battery Life Calculation:

  • For a 20000mAh power bank (74Wh), battery life ranges from 1 to 2 hours depending on power consumption.
  • Dividing the battery Whr by expected power consumption gives an estimated battery life.

• Battery Efficiency:

  • Powerbanks are 80-90% efficient, so a 20Ah power bank practically provides 60Wh to 67Wh.

• Power Consumption:

  • The minisforum EM780 (7840u) can draw between 20W idle/light web browsing and 50W when playing games.
  • A system with a 7840hs CPU would likely draw more power.
  • Consider using a CPU with lower power consumption to maximize battery life.

• Alternative Recommendations:

  • Consider using Raspberry Pi for longer battery life, especially if you can tolerate Linux.
  • Anker powerbanks are recommended for their longevity and value for money.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:

  • Customizable setup tailored to personal preferences.
  • Potential for extended battery life by using multiple power banks.

• Cons:

  • Cost may end up higher than expected.
  • Clunky setup requiring separate components (battery, PC, display, mouse/keyboard).
  • Less practical and efficient than a laptop for most users.

Additional Recommendations and Insights:

• Consider Efficient CPUs:

  • Look for a CPU with lower power draw to optimize battery life.
  • Using a 15-watt CPU is suggested for better efficiency.

• Consider Practicality:

  • Building a portable mini PC may be more for fun than achieving a compact and cost-effective solution compared to a laptop.

• Battery Replacement:

  • Plan to carry multiple 100Whr batteries for extended battery life, especially for travel.

• Product Recommendations:

  • Anker powerbanks are highly recommended for their durability and performance.
  • Avoid wireless charging power banks due to inefficiency and heating issues.

• Research:

  • Conduct thorough research on power consumption of components and conversion between mAh and Wh for accurate battery life estimations.

In conclusion, while building a portable mini PC can be a fun project, it may not be the most practical or cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a laptop, especially due to power consumption considerations and efficiency issues with components like power banks.