Have I change my PSU?

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Mirko

Hello
I'm Mirko, from Italy. My computer is configured in this way:

MB Asus P4P800
Pentium4 2600/800
512mb ram
GeForce Fx5200
Sound Blaster 128
HDD1: 20GB 5400RPM
HDD2: 6GB 5400RPM

The PSU is a 300W CWT. The values of the PSU are the following:

+3.3 I don't remember... (maybe 15A)
+5 -> 30A
+12 -> 15A

Actually, the system is stable. In the future, my intention is to buy a new
video card such as a GF FX5800 or more, and probably a new S-ATA hard disk.
The question is very simple: have I to change my PSU with a stronger power
or not?
I know, it's an hard question, but for me is important also only one reply
to valuate my situation...

Thanks in advance and sorry for my nasty English.. :-)
Mirko
 
Mirko said:
Hello
I'm Mirko, from Italy. My computer is configured in this way:

MB Asus P4P800
Pentium4 2600/800
512mb ram
GeForce Fx5200
Sound Blaster 128
HDD1: 20GB 5400RPM
HDD2: 6GB 5400RPM

The PSU is a 300W CWT. The values of the PSU are the following:

+3.3 I don't remember... (maybe 15A)
+5 -> 30A
+12 -> 15A

Actually, the system is stable. In the future, my intention is to buy
a new video card such as a GF FX5800 or more, and probably a new
S-ATA hard disk. The question is very simple: have I to change my PSU
with a stronger power or not?
I know, it's an hard question, but for me is important also only one
reply to valuate my situation...

Thanks in advance and sorry for my nasty English.. :-)
Click to expand...

Your English isn't nasty Mirko, it's pretty good.

I would recommend getting a larger PSU before you add your new graphics card
and HDD, especially if you intend to leave your existing HDDs in as well.
 
Any power supply that is not sufficient will report too much
load before that load becomes too great. Using the 3.5 digit
multimeter (a necessary tool) that is sold in most hardware
and electronics stores, then monitor each power supply voltage
(especially voltage on red, yellow, and orange wires). First
measure when system powers up. Then repeat those voltage
measurements with system running virtually every peripheral
simultaneously (ie burn a CD while downloading from the
Internet and reading directory files from floppy - all at the
same time). Voltages should never drop to lowest quarter in
this chart:
Voltage Wire color Minimum Maximum
+5 V Red 4.75 V 5.25 V
+12 V Yellow 11.4 V 12.6 V
-12 V Blue -11.4 V -12.6 V

Most serious systems designed by engineers use only 200 watt
supplies. 200 watts is more than enough for most every
system. But then an engineer's power supply is properly
designed; it really does output 200 watts. Many 300 watt
supplies do not even output 300 watts (and other problems)
only because they are sold on price - specifications (facts)
be damned. Instead of using a 3.5 digit multimeter, many
computer builders instead wildly speculate that a system
requires more than 300 watts. And so many builders will
recommend a 400 watt supply only because they did not use the
meter; did not learn.

Most systems, including yours, never require more than 300
watts. But we don't know if your 300 watt supply really does
provide 300 watts. Test using the 3.5 digit multimeter. Do
not use motherboard voltage monitor which is only valid to
detect voltage changes. Use something that accurately reports
voltages - a 3.5 digit meter.

This is explained in greater detail in another newsgroup
discussion in alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt entitled "Power
Supply" on 5 Feb 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/32j4g
 
Yeah, it sounds to me like you'll be wanting to upgrade to at least a
400 watt power supply.
 
Hello
I'm Mirko, from Italy. My computer is configured in this way:

MB Asus P4P800
Pentium4 2600/800
512mb ram
GeForce Fx5200
Sound Blaster 128
HDD1: 20GB 5400RPM
HDD2: 6GB 5400RPM

The PSU is a 300W CWT. The values of the PSU are the following:

+3.3 I don't remember... (maybe 15A)
+5 -> 30A
+12 -> 15A

Actually, the system is stable. In the future, my intention is to buy a new
video card such as a GF FX5800 or more, and probably a new S-ATA hard disk.
The question is very simple: have I to change my PSU with a stronger power
or not?
Click to expand...

I would.

Here's a list that may help you decide...

http://www.formfactors.org/searchcategories.asp


Have a nice week...

Trent

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
 
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