There’s a moment in every ambitious DIY project—be it a custom 3D printer build, a sprawling LED light installation, or a home-built CNC machine—where you face the critical decision of power. I’ve been there countless times. In my early days, I learned a harsh lesson. I was building a custom motion control rig and, trying to save a few dollars, opted for a generic, no-name power supply unit (PSU). It worked, for a while. Then, mid-operation, a distinct pop echoed in my workshop, followed by the acrid smell of burnt electronics. The cheap PSU didn’t just fail; it took a stepper motor driver board with it, costing me weeks of work and more money than I had tried to save. This experience solidified a core principle for me: the power supply isn’t just a component; it’s the heart of your entire system. An unstable, unreliable, or unsafe PSU will inevitably jeopardize everything connected to it.
- Primary output voltage (vdc): 24
- Output current (a): 14.6
- Maximum output power (w): 350
What to Consider Before Buying an Internal Power Supply
An internal power supply is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for converting the potentially volatile AC power from your wall outlet into the clean, stable DC power your sensitive electronics crave. Its main benefits are reliability, safety, and consistent performance under load, which are non-negotiable for projects that run for hours or days at a time. Without a quality PSU, you risk voltage drops that cause print failures, electrical noise that throws off CNC precision, or catastrophic failures that can damage your equipment and even pose a fire hazard. It’s the unseen, unsung hero that enables your creations to function as intended, day in and day out.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of powering a custom-built system. This includes 3D printer modders upgrading from stock units, CNC hobbyists building their own machines, LED artists creating large-scale installations, and engineers prototyping industrial automation equipment. It is not, however, suitable for those who simply need to power a standard desktop computer. Those users should look for an ATX-style power supply with specific connectors for motherboards and GPUs. Likewise, if you’re just powering a small single-board computer like a Raspberry Pi, a large enclosed PSU like this is complete overkill; a simple wall adapter would be more appropriate.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Enclosed power supplies are designed to be integrated into larger systems. The 1U low-profile design of the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is a significant advantage, allowing it to fit into tight enclosures where vertical space is at a premium. Always measure your intended mounting location and ensure there’s adequate clearance not just for the unit itself, but also for airflow to prevent overheating.
- Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical specification. You must match the PSU’s output to your project’s demand. With 24V and 14.6 Amps, this unit provides 350.4 Watts of continuous power. Tally up the power requirements of all your components (motors, heaters, lights, controllers) and ensure you have at least a 20% overhead to prevent straining the PSU and ensure longevity.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality directly impacts safety and reliability. A perforated metal enclosure, like the one on this MEAN WELL unit, is essential for both physical protection and heat dissipation. Internally, look for signs of quality, such as reputable capacitor brands and proper component securing (potting). A unit tested to withstand vibration, like this one’s 5G rating, is a strong indicator of industrial-grade durability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: “Ease of use” for a component like this means clear labeling and secure connection points. Screw terminals are standard for this category, offering a robust and reliable connection, but they require you to have some basic electrical wiring knowledge. For maintenance, ensure the cooling fan is not obstructed by dust and that all connections remain tight over time.
Keeping these factors in mind, the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see if it meets your project’s needs here.
While the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is an excellent choice for its intended applications, it’s always wise to understand the broader market. For those building high-performance PCs, the requirements are vastly different. For a broader look at top models in that category, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Replacement power supply for Xbox One S (Slim) 1681, fits all Xbox one Slim Version ( From 2016-2017)
- Perfectly fits for xboxonex console power supply and replacement internal power board.
- Internal Power Supply PSU Module Replacement Part for Microsoft Xbox One X Console XB1XPSU XBOX
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Utilitarian Powerhouse
Pulling the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply from its simple cardboard box, the first thing we noticed was its reassuring heft. At over a pound and a half, the unit feels dense and substantial, a far cry from the feather-light, unbranded power bricks that inspire zero confidence. The perforated steel enclosure is all business, designed for durability and airflow, not flashy aesthetics. There are no RGB lights or fancy logos here, just clear, functional labeling. The screw terminal block is well-marked for Line (L), Neutral (N), Ground, and the DC outputs (V+ and V-), leaving no room for ambiguity during installation. A small, recessed switch for selecting between 115V and 230V input is a critical feature for international use, and the small green LED indicator is a simple but welcome confirmation that the unit is powered on. It feels less like a consumer product and more like a piece of industrial equipment, which, for the applications it’s designed for, is exactly what we want to see.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional power stability for sensitive electronics
- Robust, industrial-grade build quality with a durable metal case
- Comprehensive safety features (overload, over-voltage, over-temp)
- Slim 1U low-profile design ideal for custom enclosures
- Reputable brand known for safety and reliability in the industry
Potential Drawbacks
- Cooling fan can be audible when activated under heavy load
- Reports of occasional quality control issues or early failures exist
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the LRS-350-24
A power supply’s true worth is proven not on the workbench, but under sustained, demanding loads over hundreds of hours. To put the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply through its paces, we integrated it into one of the most common and demanding DIY applications: a heavily modified Ender 3 Pro 3D printer. This printer, equipped with an upgraded mainboard, high-flow hotend, and additional cooling fans, represents a dynamic load that can easily cause lesser power supplies to falter. Our testing focused on the three pillars of a great PSU: power stability, thermal management and durability, and practical usability.
Rock-Solid Stability for Demanding Loads: The Core of Performance
The single most important job of a power supply is to deliver clean, unwavering voltage, and in this regard, the LRS-350-24 is a champion. On a 3D printer, voltage fluctuations can be disastrous. A slight dip in voltage to the heated bed can extend heat-up times or cause temperature swings that lead to print warping and poor adhesion. A drop in voltage to the hotend can cause inconsistent extrusion, resulting in weak, ugly prints. During our testing, which included a continuous 36-hour print job, we monitored the 24V rail closely. The output was remarkably stable, holding steady even as the heated bed and hotend cycled on and off, pulling significant current. This performance aligns perfectly with feedback from many users, one of whom called it a “workhorse” for their Ender 3 Pro, and another who relies on these units to power long runs of stage-grade neon LED lights without any flicker. This stability is the direct result of good design and quality components, backed by essential safety features like over-voltage and overload protection. We felt confident that our expensive printer components were safe, allowing us to push the machine to its limits without worrying that its power source would fail.
Built to Last: Industrial-Grade Construction and Thermal Management
The physical construction of the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply inspires confidence. The thick-gauge metal enclosure feels tough, and the unit’s compliance with a 5G vibration test means it’s perfectly at home in an environment with moving gantries and spinning motors, like a CNC machine or 3D printer. This ruggedness is a key reason why we see makers using it in demanding applications like custom OpenBuilds C-beam CNC machines, where it handles long milling sessions without breaking a sweat. A critical element of its durability is its thermal management system. The built-in fan is controlled by an internal thermostat, kicking on only when the load and ambient temperature demand it. During our testing, the fan would cycle on during the initial bed heat-up and then periodically throughout the print. As some users have noted, the fan is not silent; you can certainly hear it. However, we found it to be quieter than the stock PSU fan on our Prusa MK3 and less obtrusive than the printer’s own motion system fans. This active cooling is what allows the unit to operate reliably at up to a high 70°C (158°F) ambient temperature, a critical feature for builds where the PSU is housed within an enclosure. This is a trade-off we gladly accept for long-term reliability.
Installation and Usability: A Tinkerer’s Delight
This is not a plug-and-play device, and that’s by design. The MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is aimed at the builder, the modder, and the tinkerer. Installation requires a basic understanding of AC and DC wiring. The screw terminals provide a secure and highly reliable connection point for mains power (Line, Neutral, Ground) and the 24V DC output. We found the labels clear and the terminals easy to access. Before powering on, it’s crucial to check the input voltage selector switch on the side of the unit and set it correctly for your region (115V or 230V). This is a simple but critical step that can prevent immediate damage to the power supply. Its popularity in the 3D printing community is a huge advantage. As one user upgrading a Prusa i3 MK3 noted, there are numerous custom mounting brackets available on sites like Thingiverse, making physical integration a breeze. We printed one ourselves, and the PSU fit perfectly, aligning with the printer’s frame as if it were a factory part. This community support transforms a simple component into a well-established upgrade path. For those ready to elevate their custom machine’s reliability, the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply provides a professional-grade foundation for your project.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment surrounding the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is overwhelmingly positive, centered on the brand’s reputation. One user stated it perfectly: “You always need to ensure you buy quality PSUs… Poor quality PSUs WILL cause a house fire. Mean Well is a well-respected brand which is known to be both reliable and safely manufactured.” This focus on safety and reliability is the most common reason for purchase. Many users confirm it’s a perfect, drop-in upgrade for popular 3D printers like the Ender 3 Pro and Prusa MK3, often solving issues with flickering screens or unstable heating seen with cheaper stock units. Its use in more industrial settings, such as powering CNC machines and professional LED lighting, further cements its status as a stable and capable workhorse.
However, no product is without its critics. A small but notable number of users have reported receiving dead-on-arrival (DOA) units or experiencing a sudden failure. One user described a unit failing with a “loud firecracker” sound after only a few hours of printing. While these cases appear to be outliers, they are a reminder that even with reputable brands, manufacturing defects can occur. The most common minor complaint is the fan noise, which some find a bit loud, though many others note it’s quieter than their printer’s other fans and only runs intermittently.
How Does It Compare? MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 vs. The Competition
To fully understand where the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply fits, it’s helpful to compare it not just to direct competitors, but to other types of power products. This clarifies its specific purpose and helps you choose the right tool for the job.
1. Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold Modular Power Supply 850W 80Plus Gold ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1
- Mighty ITX Design: As the leading SFX power supply, the V SFX Gold offers a mini design yet powerful for gamers, creators, and professionals
- 90° Durable Cables: Featuring a 90° 12VHPWR PCIe 5.1 connector, for improved electrical durability and safety
- ATX 3.1 Cables: The ATX 3.1 delivers up to 600W power to your GPU
This Cooler Master unit is a high-end, 850W ATX power supply designed specifically for building small form factor (SFF) personal computers. While both are “power supplies,” their applications are mutually exclusive. The V850 SFX provides multiple voltage rails (+12V, +5V, +3.3V) through a complex set of modular cables with standardized connectors for motherboards, CPUs, and high-end graphics cards (including the latest PCIe 5.1 spec). It’s built for gamers and PC enthusiasts. In contrast, the MEAN WELL provides a single, powerful 24V rail via screw terminals for custom electronics. You would choose the Cooler Master to build a gaming PC, and the MEAN WELL to build a 3D printer or CNC machine.
2. AsiaHorse 16AWG PSU Cable Extension Kit
- 【Package List 】1x8Pin(4+4) EPS power cable, 2x8Pin(6+2)PCI-e GPU power cable,1x24-pin ATX motherboard power cable. Compatible with motherboards and CPUs of all brands in the market.
- 【Upgrade Gold-plated Terminal Design】The pcie cable using gold-plated terminals, better conductivity than tinned terminals and can offer quality power distribution, while having low corrosion...
- 【High Quality PSU Cable Extension Kit 】2.8mm diameter cables offer a higher quality finish when compared to standard 3.2mm offerings. The 16awg wires and high-density braiding provide a balance...
This product is not a power supply at all; it is a purely aesthetic accessory. The AsiaHorse kit contains sleeved cable extensions that plug into the existing cables of an ATX power supply (like the Cooler Master above) to provide a cleaner, customized look inside a PC case with a side window. It does not generate or regulate power in any way. It’s an important distinction for beginners: this product is for making your PC look good, whereas the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is a functional component that actually makes your custom project run. There is no scenario where one would be a substitute for the other.
3. iUniker 20W Type-C Power Supply with Switch
- iUniker Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply - USB C Type C power supply specially designed and tested for the Raspberry Pi 4. Compatible with (Pi 4 Model B), 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 8GB Version.
- Raspberry Pi 4B Power Supply with UL Listed Certification - UL Listed. Input: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 0.8A. Output: 5.25V 4A 21W. Cable length: 5ft/1.5m.
- Raspberry Pi 4 Charger with on/off Switch Design - With on/off switch, it's convenient to power on or off your Raspberry Pi 4.
The iUniker power supply highlights the importance of scale. This is a small, 20W wall adapter designed to provide 5V DC power via a USB-C cable, specifically for single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi or Orange Pi. It is a low-power, simple, and safe solution for those specific devices. Comparing it to the MEAN WELL unit is a lesson in matching power to application. The MEAN WELL’s 350W output is nearly 18 times greater and at a much higher voltage (24V vs 5V). Trying to run a 3D printer with the iUniker would be impossible, while using the MEAN WELL for a Raspberry Pi would be massive, dangerous overkill without a separate voltage converter.
Our Final Verdict: Is the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is an exceptional choice for its intended audience. It is a no-frills, industrial-grade component that delivers on its promise of stable, reliable power. Its robust construction, comprehensive safety features, and the backing of a highly respected brand make it the go-to power source for serious hobbyists and builders of custom machinery. While the fan noise may be a consideration for those seeking absolute silence, and the rare possibility of a defective unit exists, these are minor points when weighed against its outstanding performance and safety credentials.
We wholeheartedly recommend this power supply to anyone upgrading a 3D printer, building a CNC machine, or undertaking any DIY electronics project that requires a substantial and trustworthy 24V power source. It is the peace of mind you purchase when you know the very foundation of your project is built to last. If you’ve decided the MEAN WELL LRS-350-24 350.4W 24V Power Supply is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API