When it comes to powering up a desktop PC, AA batteries probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But, what if I told you that a YouTuber named ScuffedBits experimented with using AA batteries to power a desktop PC?
I’ve seen some wild experiments in my time, but this one takes the cake. ScuffedBits, a popular YouTuber known for his experiments with unusual power sources, set out to see if AA batteries could be used to power a desktop PC. And, yeah, it’s not a simple task, but let’s dive into the details.
The YouTuber’s Experiment
That’s a lot to ask from AA batteries, no matter the brand, but it actually worked. ScuffedBits replaced the power supply of a desktop PC with a pack of AA batteries – a bold move, to say the least. We’ll explore the outcome of this experiment and what it means for the future of PC power.
The Setup
The PC used in the experiment was an entry-level desktop with an Intel CPU, two RAM modules, and a SATA SSD attached to a motherboard. It’s a pretty standard setup, but one that’s still capable of running most modern games, albeit at lower graphics settings. To make things work, ScuffedBits replaced the PC’s power supply with a custom setup using AA batteries.
Powering the Beast
To power the PC, the batteries needed to supply enough juice to run not only the PC itself but also a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. That’s a lot of power, especially considering the AA batteries are designed to power small devices like flashlights and toys. But, as we’ve seen before, AA batteries can be used for more than just powering small gadgets.
Getting It to Work
Getting the AA batteries to power the PC wasn’t easy. ScuffedBits had to make many adjustments to the setup, including using a custom power board to connect the batteries to the PC’s motherboard. He also had to add a lot of extra wiring to get everything connected properly. It’s not exactly a plug-and-play solution, but it worked.
A Long-Enough Run
To test the setup, ScuffedBits needed to run the PC for a long enough time to complete one level of a game. He chose a game that’s relatively easy to complete quickly, but still challenging enough to test the system’s limits. And, after some trial and error, he was able to get the PC running for a full level without any issues. It’s not the most impressive feat, but it shows that, with enough effort, AA batteries can be used to power a desktop PC.
The YouTuber’s many attempts to power the PC with AA batteries show just how difficult it is to do so.
From 8 to 56: The AA Battery Saga Continues
The PC initially came with a 450-watt Corsair CX430 power supply unit (PSU), which would normally be more than enough to power all the components. That being said, the PSU’s job is to convert the higher-voltage wall power to low-voltage power for the PC’s components, which is a clever trick, if you ask me. Now, ScuffedBits removed the PSU from the PC and replaced it with a cheap cable. The cable plugged into the motherboard and connected to the 3D-printed battery holders, which held all those AA batteries in place.
I have to admit, the setup looked a bit like a Rube Goldberg machine at this point. But hey, it worked! Well, sort of. The YouTuber kept increasing the number of AA batteries, from 8 to 56, and finally managed to get the PC to do something – albeit briefly.
The Experiment May Have Worked, But…
We’ve established that using AA batteries as a power source for PCs is possible, but not exactly efficient. The experiment showed that with enough batteries and some creative tweaking, you can get a PC up and running. However, as soon as you try to do something more intense, like running a game, the whole thing comes crashing down. It’s not just the sheer number of batteries that’s the issue – it’s the power requirements of modern PCs. Even with 56 AA batteries, the setup couldn’t handle an entry-level graphics card. That’s a clear indication that AA batteries just aren’t cut out for the task.
And let’s be real, who needs a desktop PC that’s powered by AA batteries? Laptops exist, and they’re designed to be portable and efficient. If you need to power a PC on the go, a laptop is the way to go. And if you’re looking for a desktop PC, you can stick with a traditional power supply.
In the end, this experiment may have worked, but it’s a reminder of the limitations of using AA batteries as a power source. It’s a fun thought experiment, but not exactly a practical solution. So, if you’re looking to power a PC, stick with what works – a good old-fashioned power supply.
