145W mATX PSU

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by koolshot, 29 Apr 2002.

  1. koolshot

    koolshot What's a Dremel?

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    Hi all,

    I was just wondering if a 145W mATX PSU is enough for:

    1. ATX motherboard with Antlon.
    2. Seagate Barracuda 7200rpm 40GB
    3. AGP card
    4. CDRW
    5. floppy

    plus
    1. CPU fan
    2. GPU fan
    3. 2 x casing fan (maybe 1 more for the HDD?)

    I know mATX PSU are usually build for mATX boards, just wondering if this will be too much for the PSU.

    Thanks in advance!
     
    koolshot, 29 Apr 2002
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  2. IsaacSibson

    IsaacSibson Banned

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    The Athlon could be a problem.

    micro-ATX boards typically do not run powerful CPUs (normally Celerons and Durons), and often have integrated graphics/sound/network.

    I think you'd be seriously pushing it. If you can't afford an Enermax or something, then look at Chieftec's 340W PSU, which is under £40. This PSU is electrically very capable, but doesn't have the same fans and noise control as the enermax PSUs.
     
    IsaacSibson, 29 Apr 2002
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  3. koolshot

    koolshot What's a Dremel?

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    I'm more concerned about size as I'm planning a custom case.

    I will try to get a ATX with integrated sound and network.

    So it boils down to the extra AGP only?

    Mabe something like this:
    http://english.aopen.com.tw/products/baresystem/a345.htm

    This system comes with 180W PSU, but I can only find 145W PSUs in the local shops.

    I probably will not be using too many USB devices, maybe just the mouse and occasional link to my digi cam.

    Is there some formula I can go with to do some calculation?
    e.g. the total max power consumption of the individual devices < power provided by the PSU?
     
    koolshot, 29 Apr 2002
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  4. IsaacSibson

    IsaacSibson Banned

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    The processor is a big problem, because Athlons demand large amounts of current, which less capable PSUs can't easily supply.

    You don't mention what Athlon it is that you want to use, but they can use anything from 40W (Tbird 700) to 72W (Tbird 1400/XP2100+) at full load. Powerful AGP cards (Geforce1, GF2 Pro/ultra/Ti, GF3, GF4Ti, Radeon 8500, etc) also consume a lot of power. 7200RPM hard disks are power-hungry, as are CD-RW drives.

    That Aopen system you link does not take standard PCI and AGP cards, since the back-plate is a non-standard height.

    The calculation you mention is correct, but you must also take care about not exceeding current ratings on PSU lines.
     
    IsaacSibson, 29 Apr 2002
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  5. koolshot

    koolshot What's a Dremel?

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    Thanks Isaac.

    I've found a 300w psu for matx. but I may decide to go with a matx motherboard.

    Thanks for your help.
     
    koolshot, 30 Apr 2002
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  6. danielctull

    danielctull What's a Dremel?

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    where did you find the 300W MATX PSU? i'm looking to build a computer with the specs im my signature. the lian li pc-42 is an matx case and such needs a matx psu, but all i've been able to find is a 180W matx psu.
     
    danielctull, 30 Apr 2002
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