weak PSU?

Inazma · 02-June-04, 05:18 AM

how do i know if my power supply is too weak for my setup?
I'm using a 400W PSU to power my computer... it will run most of what i have on my machine, but after connecting my 2 lights, slot cooler, and SuperPanel(fan controller, temp. monitor), i get a really nasty beeping. at first i thought it was a memory problem(as this has happened before), but after unplugging those 3, my computer doesn't beep.

that's basically all that i see is wrong. the computer will get all the way into windows, but i get the beep. when i turn the lights on also, it seems that my monitor freezes... is this common?

my old machine and PSU had no problem. 350W powered everything... but I'm guessing since this motherboard is way more advanced than my old one, it probably uses up more power?

thanks again

stereomod · 02-June-04, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inazma


	how do i know if my power supply is too weak for my setup? I'm using a 400W PSU to power my computer... it will run most of what i have on my machine, but after connecting my 2 lights, slot cooler, and SuperPanel(fan controller, temp. monitor), i get a really nasty beeping. at first i thought it was a memory problem(as this has happened before), but after unplugging those 3, my computer doesn't beep. that's basically all that i see is wrong. the computer will get all the way into windows, but i get the beep. when i turn the lights on also, it seems that my monitor freezes... is this common? my old machine and PSU had no problem. 350W powered everything... but I'm guessing since this motherboard is way more advanced than my old one, it probably uses up more power? thanks again

heh yeah you hit the nail on the head with that one i know my psu's and that sound like a classic case of power drain you might want to up to an antec 550 watt or have two psu's in the computer

aaronrkelly · 02-June-04, 01:24 PM

The watt rating on a PSU means *NOTHING* - what really means something is who its made by. A quality PSU from a good manufacturer such as ANTEC is what you need. An ANTEC 350 watt PSU will spank a cheapy 500 watt PSU any day of the week. I personally use a Allied 450 watt PSU and get along great with it. Just as anything there are always a few lesser known brands that are just as good as the big boys - but stay away from the really crap brands. If it looks generic it prolly is. Drop $50 on a good PSU and watch your troubles go away.

Kage · 02-June-04, 02:32 PM

The AMP ratings are what matters actually, and how stable and exact the voltage is. Usually the good name PSU's have a ton of amps and clean voltage, although these "crappy name" PSU's are lacking in amps and clean voltage (either too high/low, or just constantly fluctuating unsafely).

Don't add another PSU, no offense stereomod. They take up more room and are horribly inefficient compared to just buying a new good one. Unless you have a full tower with tons of space to spare, it won't be worth it.

02-June-04, 05:18 AM		#1 (permalink)
Inazma Apex Techie Lite	weak PSU? how do i know if my power supply is too weak for my setup? I'm using a 400W PSU to power my computer... it will run most of what i have on my machine, but after connecting my 2 lights, slot cooler, and SuperPanel(fan controller, temp. monitor), i get a really nasty beeping. at first i thought it was a memory problem(as this has happened before), but after unplugging those 3, my computer doesn't beep. that's basically all that i see is wrong. the computer will get all the way into windows, but i get the beep. when i turn the lights on also, it seems that my monitor freezes... is this common? my old machine and PSU had no problem. 350W powered everything... but I'm guessing since this motherboard is way more advanced than my old one, it probably uses up more power? thanks again

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02-June-04, 01:24 PM		#3 (permalink)
aaronrkelly Apex Tech God	The watt rating on a PSU means NOTHING - what really means something is who its made by. A quality PSU from a good manufacturer such as ANTEC is what you need. An ANTEC 350 watt PSU will spank a cheapy 500 watt PSU any day of the week. I personally use a Allied 450 watt PSU and get along great with it. Just as anything there are always a few lesser known brands that are just as good as the big boys - but stay away from the really crap brands. If it looks generic it prolly is. Drop $50 on a good PSU and watch your troubles go away.

02-June-04, 02:32 PM		#4 (permalink)
Kage Lokie's Personal WU-Hoe	The AMP ratings are what matters actually, and how stable and exact the voltage is. Usually the good name PSU's have a ton of amps and clean voltage, although these "crappy name" PSU's are lacking in amps and clean voltage (either too high/low, or just constantly fluctuating unsafely). Don't add another PSU, no offense stereomod. They take up more room and are horribly inefficient compared to just buying a new good one. Unless you have a full tower with tons of space to spare, it won't be worth it.