In her latest video, Ms Mad Lemon takes on a critical task in her ongoing Amiga 1200 tower build series: safely adapting a modern ATX power supply to power her beloved Eyetech EZ Tower-based system.
She opens with a firm refusal to trust the original PSU, swapping it for a Corsair CX550—a modern, budget-friendly ATX unit that includes the essential voltage rails: +5V, +12V, and -12V. Despite the unit’s 550W capacity being overkill for an Amiga setup, it’s the lowest she could reasonably source in today’s market. While it’s not modular, she notes the fixed cables are manageable with a bit of planning.
Understanding Load Requirements and Rail Safety
A large part of the video is spent educating viewers about the minimum load requirements of modern PSUs. Ms Mad Lemon references Ian Stedman’s excellent technical breakdown, warning that without enough current draw, voltage rails might spike beyond acceptable tolerances. However, after testing the CX550 under no load and full system load—including hard drives, a CD-R, a Zip drive, and a Gotek—she finds all voltages remain within safe levels.
She stresses caution around the +12V rail, noting a minor but non-alarming voltage variance. Her approach is methodical and grounded, openly acknowledging she’s no expert but has learned enough electronics to safely test and implement solutions. The tone is confident, but she repeatedly reminds viewers to do their own research.
Wiring, Safety, and Implementation
The technical heart of the video lies in wiring the PSU to the Amiga. Using pinouts, Ms Mad Lemon carefully identifies and connects the critical power lines: +5V, +12V, ground, and especially -12V, which is absent in some modern PSUs. She constructs Molex and floppy connectors from the PSU’s existing cable block, even managing to keep things neat with duct tape and zip ties.
The actual Amiga 1200 receives power via its square DIN socket (with -12V to the center pin) and a Molex-based floppy connector for the remaining voltages. She shows everything powering up flawlessly—drives spin up, Zip drive functions, and the Amiga boots cleanly.
A DIY Mindset with a Responsible Message
While her approach to building an Amiga 1200 power supply is hands-on and engaging, Ms Mad Lemon is careful not to portray it as a tutorial. Her disclaimer is crystal clear: this video is a personal journey, not a how-to guide. She wants viewers to learn from her exploration—but also to verify every connection themselves.
This video is a must-watch for Amiga enthusiasts, hardware modders, or anyone considering DIY PSU replacements for vintage systems. You’ll gain insight, ideas, and a healthy dose of Ms Mad Lemon’s entertaining, thoughtful personality.
