Power Supplies

[k_rage]

I'm confused about power supplies, and the kind I need for my mobo. I see that my mobo requires a 24-pin psu, but when I look for one, I see that there are 24-pin and 20+4-pin psus. Do I specifically need a 24-pin, or could I go with a 20+4-pin? And also, what would you recommend as far as wattage is concerned, if i'm building a system with an Athlon 64 2.0 Ghz 3200 cpu, (1) 512 mb stick of ddr2 800 memory, a 160gb hdd, a combo drive, and a 128 mb video card? Thanks.

[newbuilder14]

400w should be plenty for your system. Which motherboard are you using? As long as it isn't a 20 pin power supply you will be fine - make sure it is ATX 2.0, though. Fortron Source is a good choice for you: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953

[blue60007]

20+4 basically means it's a 20 pin connector with a snap on 4 pin to make it backwards compatible. It's the same thing as 24 pin (any that say this may not have snap off 4pin connectors.

[flanzig1]

When looking at PSUs, there are a few thing to look for: If the motherboard is a 24 pin main connector, it will also need a seperate 4pin motherboard connector. Read the cable specs for a particular unit: one listed as a 24 pin main plug, still need the 4pin(2x2)/a 20+4 pin may or may not work depending if there is a second 4 pin connector.

[blue60007]

I would think any 24 pin, 20+4, or 20 pin would have the extra 4 pin connector, that's been around for quite a while. Especially with decent quality units.

Keep in mind, some units are now offering an 8 pin connector that snaps apart into the 4 pin connector.

Not to confuse you with more connectors and doodads, but as long as you go with a quality unit like newbuilder linked to you should have everything you need.