Power supplies...

[joesquared]

Hello everyone, just wanted some info on power supplies.

A friend of mine claims that his PSU, in his ancient 350MHz computer can also be used to power the hi-end computer systems some of you have, and most of us want or plan on building.

From what I've read, heard, etc. most people recommend at least 350W for systems over 1GHz.

Then you've got more hardcore users with faster procesors, more hi-tech components, etc. that are getting 400-450W.

Now, we're not sure how much wattage he has...but I think it's safe to assume that he does not have a 350W PSU in his ancient system.

So what's the deal? Do the hi-end systems, especially ones that are overclocked actually need the extra wattage? Let's dispell some of these myths.

Thanks.

[coleslaw]

Yes, it is true. If you are doing some extreme overclocking and/or if you have multiple hard drives and optical drives, you will need a larger power supply.

I am assuming that the power supply your friend has is most likely 250W, which would not keep up with today's high-end systems.

350W is a good recommendation for systems over 1GHz. Pentium-4 compatible power supplies are on the market, which also means that they are compatible with Athlon Thunderbirds and above as well.

[sho.gun]

Yes, power supplies for today's computers are a step up in wattage compared to 1 or 2 years ago. Having a higher wattage power supply allows for better stability, room to overclock if you need to in the future, and additional add ons in the computer. If you plan to mod your case you'll need the extra wattage for the fans, lights, etc. that you're putting in. I'd have to say that 350 would be probably a minimum number for a PS, I'm gonna get the Enermax 431w for mine.

[joesquared]

Right, right.

He kept saying "Things have changed, but power supplies haven't." Newbie...:rolleyes:

But let's say he doesn't overclock, but still, he'll be building a 1Ghz+ system, that 250 won't hold, will it?

Also, isn't it true that if you have a bigger monitor that's nicer, it needs more power, same with high-end sound cards, vid cards, etc.? I know the monitors and speaker systems, etc. have their own power supply, but system power/resources are drained from the PSU.

[joesquared]

He's still in denial..."it could be 300"

Come on, 350MHz system...he got it quite a while ago. Did they even have 350W PSU's back then?

Some people just can't accept that they are wrong. :rolleyes:

[sho.gun]

My bet is that he does have a 250w PS. Shiz.. even I'm on a 250w PS right now and I'm on a P3 800. I know that if your power supply is a bit short on wattage, your machine can sometimes lock up and other weird things can happen, so using a 250 watt on anything over 1ghz could be pushing it. Why don't you just tell him to open up his case and read what his PS sticker says.

[joesquared]

That's what I'm thinking. But when did 350W PSU's come out? I'm 99.9% sure his is NOT 350W, he just can't admit that he's wrong.

[joe52985]

i have a 200 watt in my old p2 400, his is most likly 200 or 250. Open up his case and look, what other componenets does he have, is it a server? or really powerful otherwise if it is he may be right or he might have put another one in, the only sure way is to go look

[joesquared]

No, he does not have any power components. Just a 350Mhz, has some extra RAM in there, I think it's a 6GB HD, etc. Basic computer. If you've got 200W on your 400, then he probably has the same in his 350Mhz. Thanks for the info everyone.

[philgolian]

speaking of psu's, anybody heard about enermax not having warrantys on their psu's. HardOCP had a computer fried and cant get a refund. thats just disturbing for as popular as they are

[joe52985]

heh, hardocp has a way of burning things ;) maybe it was the circumstances under which it fried, i can remember a nice athlon keychain or two

[spigidygak]

I say since your friend is being stubborn, let him learn the hardway. Hehe, tell him you'll give him fiddy dollas if he can get a P4/Athlon 1GHz+ machine with few drives and what not running on his old ps. Hehe, get the fire extinguisher ready :D.

[joesquared]

Originally posted by spigidygak
I say since your friend is being stubborn, let him learn the hardway. Hehe, tell him you'll give him fiddy dollas if he can get a P4/Athlon 1GHz+ machine with few drives and what not running on his old ps. Hehe, get the fire extinguisher ready :D.

LOL, just might...:D :heh:

[SonyGuy]

It was last year that someone told me the 1Ghz and over CPU's required a larger power supply. I have gone through a few, not blowing them up, just upgrading. Right now I am at 450 watts. It's a dandy ps, just a little noisy with the fan. I guess you learn to tune it out though. I have ordered a 650 watt ps though. Can't wait to put that one in... hehe:D

[sho.gun]

Originally posted by SonyGuy
It was last year that someone told me the 1Ghz and over CPU's required a larger power supply. I have gone through a few, not blowing them up, just upgrading. Right now I am at 450 watts. It's a dandy ps, just a little noisy with the fan. I guess you learn to tune it out though. I have ordered a 650 watt ps though. Can't wait to put that one in... hehe:D

650?! You have a microwave in there or something??

[joesquared]

Hahaha, that's crazy, 650? Didn't know those existed.

[joe52985]

sounds like compensation for a small....











hard drive

[sho.gun]

Originally posted by joe52985
sounds like compensation for a small....











hard drive

Or for a small....



Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!
:P

[Heihachi]

I got an Inwin Full Tower w/ 300 watt back in the days of pentium 2. I was running a 450mhz system. Upgraded to a 1.4 Athlong T-bird. Works fine and dandy so far!

[attgig]

Originally posted by Heihachi
I got an Inwin Full Tower w/ 300 watt back in the days of pentium 2. I was running a 450mhz system. Upgraded to a 1.4 Athlong T-bird. Works fine and dandy so far!

wow, impressive..
I have the same inwin full tower, but got a stinkin 230 watt power supply w/ it..
junks..
i got the enermax 350 now...pretty solid.

[SonyGuy]

Ok guys... enough with the jokes:rolleyes: I have a 450 watt power supply, and I got a little mixed up on the 650 part. I got battery backup and power supply mixed up. The back up is an APC and it's 650. So.... :P :P

[xsiled2]

just buy 2 300w psu's and ur fine :D

[Heihachi]

I have a small wee. I think cuz i'm fat... oh crap.. did i just type that... eh... shames for the weak