Need some recomendations

[GeneC]

I'm in the process of building a new system, I get almost all the components in and I go to plug the power supply into the MB which is an ABIT fatality, only to find that I have a 20 pin connector on the PSU in the case and the MB needs a 24 pin connection. All I'm installing is the video card, a DVD burner and hard drive. Everything else like the NIC and the audio are built into the MB. Would it be ok to run this system with a 360w PSU or should I start looking for a larger PSU?? I know it would probably be SAFER with a larger PSU but time and funds are an issue here.

Thanks
Gene

[Cricket]

Don't run that system with an improper power supply. You need a true ATX 2.0 power supply with the 24 pin motherboard power connector.

:) Cricket

[GeneC]

Thanks Cricket. I assumed as much. I'm looking on pricewatch now for the proper PSU.

Sincerely
Gene

[Cricket]

Make sure you get a good quality power supply. See this thread (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195) for more info.

:) Cricket

[doubledragon5]

Remember post your psu choice before making a buy.. I would hate to see you spend your money on a poor quality one just to sent it back.. Neve skimp on money for a poor psu choice..

[bd1886]

Decent power supplies can be had for good prices. Antecs can be a super good value.(Same with Sparkle.)

[LeftyAce]

Right, but bad ones can be had for even better prices :-) Better to post his choice just in case.

[GeneC]

Ok here's what I'm currently looking at to try and keep costs down. I didn't see this one listed on the earlier thread in either the good or the bad columns.

This Hercules H-600-24 600W power supply unit provides power of 600 watts, it's fully compatible with ATX.

Features/Specifications:

* General Features:
* 600 watts of RAW TOTAL POWER!
* Dual fans
* One (1) 14-inch 20/24 pin ATX power connector
* One (1) 14-inch 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
* Six (6) large 14-inch 4-pin Molex power connectors
* One (1) Molex power to SATA connector
* One (1) small 14-inch floppy power connector
* AC input 115 VAC or 230 VAC
* 50/60Hz
* High efficiency
* Value-priced
* Over current protection
* Short circuit protection
* 100% full load burn-in

* Power Specifications:
* 115V
* +3.3V, 45A
* +5V, 42A
* +12V, 22A
* -5V, 0.5A
* -12V, 0.8A
* +5Vsb, 3A

* Unit Dimensions:
* 3.25 x 6 x 5.5-inches (H x W x D, Approximate)

* Regulatory Approvals:
* FCC
* TUV
* CE

Package Includes:

* 600-Watt Dual Fan 20+4 Pin ATX Power Supply
* Power cord

Additional Information:

* Notes:
* Model: H-600-24

* Product Requirements:
* ATX case
* ATX motherboard
* Available power outlet

What do you think??

Gene

[Cricket]

Never heard of that brand before. How much does it cost.

Something to remember...total claimed wattage output isn't as important as the quality of the power going to the computer. 600 watts of "dirty" power isn't as good as 450 watts of "clean" power.

:) Cricket

[GeneC]

True, Very True.

[Cricket]

True, Very True.Since you seem to agree I hope it's safe to assume you won't be buying the $20 Hercules H-600-24 600W power supply...you actually considered powering your ABIT Fatality motherboard with a $20 power supply?

:) Cricket

[Freakitchen]

Looking at the specs of that unit, it looks a very typical ATX 1 unit retro-fitted with the 24-pin connector to attempt ATX 2 compliance.

ATX2 units provide lots of amps over the +12v rails - the Corsair 520w unit, for instance, has three +12v rails with 18amps on each - yours has one with 22 in total. Conversely, it has plenty of amps on the +5v rail - now largely unnecessary on ATX 2 based systems (the Corsair has only 24A). Bottom line - you won't regret buying the Corsair. The PSU is a hugely important component.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001&Tpk=corsair%2b520w

[Cricket]

Looking at the specs of that unit, it looks a very typical ATX 1 unit retro-fitted with the 24-pin connector to attempt ATX 2 compliance.
I Googled it and came up with this (http://www.eaglebit.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EB-460-00178&Click=14)...it's a piece of junk.

:) Cricket