Greg, MPJA sells an LM317 board with heat sink, multi-turn pot, connectors, et,c, for $2.95. I can't build one that cheap!
http://www.mpja.com/Adjustable-DC-Voltage-Regulator-Module-LM317/productinfo/31800%20PS/I would usually opt for the LM350 since I can get over 4 amps out of one with a 12 volt source from a PC supply.
The boost board in my pic was a 30300 PS that cost $5.95, was LM2577 based. They don't seem to sell that one anymore, but came up with one for a buck less:
http://www.mpja.com/XL6009-Adj-5-35V-DC_DC-Boost-Converter/productinfo/31397%20PS/I limit my boost regulator adjustment to 30V because the mini DVM can't handle more than that.
http://www.mpja.com/Mini-3-Digit-LED-Battery-meter-Input-Powered-Blue/productinfo/19599%20MEI guess the main point is that, with a computer PS as your front end, there are many options for additional outputs.
http://www.mpja.com/DC_DC-Converters/products/42/0/1/Joe
