Yet ANOTHER psu question

[Stigs]

Well, to start, I'm a first time builder.

I just received all of my new stuff (it's like Christmas come early), however, as I looked at the specs on my new mobo yesterday, I noticed that it has a 24 pin ATX connector, while the power supply I ordered is only a 20 pin (whoops). So, off to the Internet and forum after forum I go. I've been looking into this, but I keep getting more confused. Here's the dilemna...

I've heard that you can use a 20 pin ATX psu in a 24 pin mobo (provided that it is connected correctly). However, I'm told that it is important that the psu be large enough for it to work, as the 4 extra pins are for more stability. However, what is "large enough". The psu I ordered is unfortunately a relative "no-name". It is rated at 20A on the 12V rail (at least by newegg.com). I looked at the manufacturer's site, but they didn't even have this particular psu on there, and I can't find any reviews...

So here's my new setup:

1. Biostar N4SLI-A9 Mobo (24 pin connector) [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16813138253]
2. PNY Geforce 6600GT Video Card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133129) **not in SLI mode for now, and probably not for a while**
3. AMD Athlon 3200+ Venice Core (won't be oc'ed)
4. 1 GB PC3200 RAM
5. FDD, 120GB HDD, CD-RW
6. Eventually a TV Tuner card + DVD burner.

The critical issue is the PSU: JUST PC 450W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817181107)

Can anyone give me some advice about whether or not to order a new psu (I'm looking at a Fortron 400W with dual 12V rails)?

Also, what is the danger of underpowering this system (if I used the JUST PC psu)? I've heard that it could fry the motherboard as well?

Thanks for any help you can give in advance!

[blue60007]

Ick...ick...a power supply for $10, no way that's going to be anything decent. Don't know if I'd even use this as a backup. If that thing were to die (which I can almost say will happen for certian) it could zap the rest of your components on its way out.

I'd recommend a XClio 450W (~$52).

[barch 88]

Honestly...buy a new PSU. PEROID. *ANTEC* cough cough.

That thing is garbage. It would deffently not work, just like Blue said...if it dies (it will), then it pry will take all your other stuff with it).

[Cricket]

Although it's probably the most important component in a computer the power supply is often the most overlooked. You really don't want to use a cheap power supply with your new rig...spend more and get a good quality one that you know you can trust. There are lots of horror stories of cheap low quality power supplies dying suddenly and killing other components at the same time...something that doesn't happen with good quality power supplies because they have over-voltage protection built in.

Cricket

[myrgo_31]

yea, theres just no way that PSU would work. i dont care if its 150 watts for 10 bucks, it still wouldnt work.

Go to the general hardware discussion link at the main forum page, go to the stickied link about PSU's, and it should give you a big list of good/bad/best PSU's. (best PSU's are bolded).

If you dont feel like doing that, Antec, Enermax and X-Clio are all great, just to name a few.

[Stigs]

Great, thanks guys!