PS? for Mobo

[JohnBe]

I have this P3, no idea what the mobo is and I want to change the PS.
What is the quick way to know what will be the good PS?

Thanks!

[doctorgonzo]

Is it a homebuilt computer or a brand-name computer? If it is a prebuilt brand-name, you may have to buy one from the manufacturer, since they are proprietary.

What other components do you have? Graphics cards, hard drives, etc.?

If you don't have too much, a good quality 350W-400W will probably be enough.

To get information on your system like the motherboard info, you can use Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

[Cricket]

Is this a home built or name brand computer?

If it's a home built computer this 300 watt Sparkle Power PSU will work fine.

Cricket

[JohnBe]

Thanks!

It has a DVD + CD writer
1 HD, not sure of size. under 200g for sure.
basic video and sound cards.

will 300W be safefly enough?

Also, will all PS ATX models work?
Yes its home built.

Another question, I have this other PC
P4 2,4G
HD 200g + HD 80g
GForce Fx4200
DVD-Writer + CD-Writer
Ps is 350W (High Power)

I've been thinking of adding a new 200g HD to it, can the PS take it? or should I take this Ps and put it in the old P3 and buy a new on for this one?

Unless its risky I wont change just for the pleasure of having a better ps on this one.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by JohnBe Thanks! It has a DVD + CD writer 1 HD, not sure of size. under 200g for sure. basic video and sound cards. will 300W be safefly enough?

Yes.

Originally Posted by JohnBe Also, will all PS ATX models work?

Yes, if they're good quality ATX 1.x power supplies. ATX 2.0 power supplies have a 24 pin motherboard power connector and I don't think you'll want to mess with that.

Originally Posted by JohnBe Another question, I have this other PC P4 2,4G HD 200g + HD 80g GForce Fx4200 DVD-Writer + CD-Writer Ps is 350W (High Power) I've been thinking of adding a new 200g HD to it, can the PS take it?

Yes, if it's a good quality one. What brand is it?

Also, you're going to have to add a PCI IDE controller card unless your motherboard has more than 2 IDE controllers on-board.

Originally Posted by JohnBe or should I take this Ps and put it in the old P3 and buy a new on for this one?

That's an option, but if the current 350 watt PSU is a good quality one you really don't need more than that. If you went with a good quality 400 watt PSU you could add even more hard drives if you wanted to, but the 350 watt PSU should be able to handle everything in there now plus the added hard drive.

Cricket

[JohnBe]

Originally Posted by Cricket Yes.Yes, if they're good quality ATX 1.x power supplies. ATX 2.0 power supplies have a 24 pin motherboard power connector and I don't think you'll want to mess with that.Yes, if it's a good quality one. What brand is it? Also, you're going to have to add a PCI IDE controller card unless your motherboard has more than 2 IDE controllers on-board.That's an option, but if the current 350 watt PSU is a good quality one you really don't need more than that. If you went with a good quality 400 watt PSU you could add even more hard drives if you wanted to, but the 350 watt PSU should be able to handle everything in there now plus the added hard drive. Cricket

Great thanks!

The HD is want to add is a Western digital (with 8 cash), same brand as the other 2 already in.

The mobo of the 2nd computer (which I want to add a 3rd Hd) is a Asus P4PE. Do you know off hand if I will need to add a PCI IDE controller card?

[JohnBe]

Just a quick question on the ATX 1.x and ATX 2.0 24 pins.

I'm guessing the ATX 24 pins are new models, right?
Just curious to know if its possible to NOT use the 24 pins in the event I would want to build a new computer. Are the new mobos mostly available with the 24 pins and do some of them take both (1.x and 2.0)?

[Cricket]

Some of the ATX 2.0 PSUs use a 20 + 4 motherboard power connector where the 4 pin module that can be detached from the 20 pin connector. If you're planning for the future you can look for power supplies that have the "20 + 4" description in the specs.

Cricket