Power button

[dav305z]

I'm building a new computer out of the case and PSU from an older Compaq Presario. Everything is in and ready to go, save for this pesky power button.

The PSU does not have its own toggle switch, and instead turned on via this power button. However, the new motherboard I'm using does not have the connector for it.

Is there a place I can buy just the jumper I need, or is there a way to rig the PSU to a toggle switch? I'd hate to have to spend $50-100 on a new PSU over what must be a $0.50 part.

[jer888]

You may want to spend the money on a new psu anyways. Depending on how old it is, and what you're planning to build, it may not be adequate. What are the specs for everything?

[dav305z]

I'm running an AMD 64 X2 dual core with 2 gigs of ram. The PSU has a single fan and a max output of 145 watts.

The Compaq it came from was an old clunker - AMD Atlhon 600mhz.

I know I'd be better off with something new, but I am on a VERY tight budget.

[jgilbreath04]

well unfortunately you might have to wait and get a new power supply anyways because the pc you are upgrading to needs a lot more power than a 145 watts if your connecting anything more that the motherboard. plus I don't think that power supply has the 4pin motherboard connector that you would need to have the motherboard properly powered anyhow...

What other devices do you plan on attaching to your system and we can tell you what power supply would be a good one to purchase.

[Cricket]

Get a standard ATX or ATX 2.0 (whichever your computer requires) to power your new system. Some of the older Compaq power supplies had proprietary wiring at the motherboard power connector. If you have one of those and power the system up you could fry the motherboard.

Cricket

[dav305z]

Eventually I'll be adding a PCI-X video card and some SATA drives. How much power will I need?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by dav305z Eventually I'll be adding a PCI-X video card and some SATA drives. How much power will I need?

It depends on which PCI-Express 16 video card you get. Minimum I would use nowadays is 450 watts but if you're gonna use one of the 8800 NVidea based video cards you'll probably want at least 550 watts.

Cricket

[dav305z]

Alright, thanks for the advice (and for not insulting my incredible ignorance on this subject).

[dav305z]

I bought a new PSU with 500 watts, and it won't power up at all. It's as if the brand new PSU is totally dead.

As a test, I hooked it up to my old Compaq motherboard - it fired right up. Fearing that my new motherboard was fried, I tested it with the old PSU, and that at least powers up.

So now I have a new motherboard and new PSU that for some reason won't play together. Any ideas?

[Chazell29]

Originally Posted by dav305z I bought a new PSU with 500 watts, and it won't power up at all. It's as if the brand new PSU is totally dead. As a test, I hooked it up to my old Compaq motherboard - it fired right up. Fearing that my new motherboard was fried, I tested it with the old PSU, and that at least powers up. So now I have a new motherboard and new PSU that for some reason won't play together. Any ideas?

make sure both the 24pin ATX Power connector is plugged in and the 4 pin auxillary power connector is plugged into your mobo.

What type of PSU is it and what type of mobo?

[dav305z]

Its a Cooler Master 500w PSU and a GeForce6100SM-M mobo.

It looks to me like it has a 20 pin connector and then a 4-pin connector. Both are plugged into the ATX power connecter. What 4-pin auxiliary am I supposed to se in addition to these two?

[Chazell29]

Originally Posted by dav305z Its a Cooler Master 500w PSU and a GeForce6100SM-M mobo.

are both the 24 pin connector connected to the white connection on the mobo and the aux. 4pin connector plugged in?