In my PC I just noticed that my PSU says max output 250W. I've upgraded my graphics card, added a new hard drive, 512MB pc133 ram, and a DVD burner. According to this http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/Power_Supply_Calculator.php?cmd=INTEL It all adds up to 385W (If everything was using peak power). I really need some advice on what to do. How much is my PC using right now? What will happen if it goes over my psu's capacity? I play a lot of games like Counterstrike and other fps games. I haven't played any games since installing the new hard drive before today and it seemed slower than usual but still playable. I currently have a 2.6 P4 processor, 1GB ram, geforce 5200 128MB, 120GB hard drive, 160GB hard drive, dvd drive and a dvdrw drive.
Have a look here at praetors guide to PSU's http://www.computerforum.com/showthread.php?t=10764 Very comprehensive and very good, not the wattage that is important, but the current capabilitites for individual rail supplies. Especially for the 12V rail as this is the main one for your HD motors and optical device motors. It depends on the capability of your rails on whether you're exceeding the specs of the PSU or not, but generally you should be using something like 350/400 watts which generically (in standard PSU terms) will prvide you with ample current required for a standard setup. As you have 4 optical devices aswell as a P4, then I would consider an upgrade................... Hope this helps...........
so my +12V capacity is 14A, which seems low...very low. Upgrading would be difficult right now so how urgent is this. I dont see how having not enough power could fry my hardware, but what problems could i expect or look for? My PSU is a Hipro ATX 250W.
Difficult say what symptoms you may encounter, because it depends what starts to fail within the PSU. The main thing that could damage/fry your hardware is if AC (ripple)gets onto the supply rails. PSU's provide regulated DC supplies, and that is what the electronics work from. If AC gets on the rails then this would be bad. This can be common with older PSU's, this is the only component that supplies the PC with power, so if that part starts to fail then memory/motherboard and possibly CPU go splat. You may get random shutdowns/freezing issues/increase in temperatures and other sporadic faults, especially if you are using the full capacity of your system, like encoding/games playing etc. Also the more devices you have connected to one rail (ie 12v), then the rail will actually start to drop slightly (being overloaded), this inturn stresses out the PSU components, and would eventually lead to the rail being dead - thus meaning your HD/CD etc would fail to operate. The philosphy is usually, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it is working ok for now thats ok, but would put some cash to one side for a future upgrade, the prices on praetors guide or generic prices, and you will probably be able to find something suitable a little cheaper, unless you are looking to be a power user then a standard 400 watt will do you fine. Hope this helps....................
If the PSU was unable to handle my pc would it just shut off or could my pc be damaged if that happened?
If your PSU was in fully working condition, then you would get random shut downs, devices not working correctly, temperature increases, and possible permanent PSU damage. Although the above is not a given, you may experience other sporadic issues. Some symptoms may have other possible causes, so the key is prevention rather than cure in some cases. And thats where trouble shooting comes in when you do come across problems.
I finally started having some freezes while playing World of Warcraft. I guess its time to upgrade. So I found a good psu from newegg for $35 that should work alright. Just want to check to make sure its fine. I don't know if I need a certain type of psu for my mobo so advice is welcome. Thanks
can get either a 20 or 24pin atx psu to fit your board or can get an adapter to fit between the board & psu. get about a 450watt psu.
check out this power supply- coolermaster RS-450-ACLY http://www.buypcdirect.com/product.asp?pf_id=psu-cm-rs-450-acly very good reviews, also has a $30 rebate available http://www.microcenter.com/rebates/rebate_show.phtml?id=20555 , bringing the total price down to under $20, normally $80-$90.
