How big a power supply do I need

[JonP]

My machine runs an Epox m/b with AMD K6-III 450, Voodoo 3 3000, Creative Live!, 128Mb RAM, Internal Modem.

Living in Australia where it gets quite hot, I put a lot of cooling in the case. I'm wondering whether the 250w power supply that came with my ATX case is going to be adequate and whether I should get a 300w power supply instead.

[S_Klass]

Fans don't draw a whole lot of power, it's your devices such as CD-RWs, CD-ROMS and HDDs
that create the most power draw. How many devices do you have?

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-=S_Klass=- I tweak... therefore I am.

[Hikeon3]

What S_Klass said. Also, if u plan on using any peltiers, you will need more than one psu.

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Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?

[JonP]

Thanks, guys.

Apart from the AGP card and 2 x PCI card I only have 1 CD ROM (Aopen) and 1 Seagate hard drive. On this particular machine I don't intend expanding with any further devices. All other devices such as the zip drive, speakers all have external power supplies so I guess they wouldn't really count. I will probably add an Alpha fan soon so this will draw a little bit more current, but I won't be adding a Peltier.

I just got wondering because I noticed my fan speeds drop marginally when the machine demands higher current. I guess after installing the alpha I could run that Burn-in program. What do you think of trying that? Thanks again

[S_Klass]

Which burn-in program are you referring to? In my humble opinion, you will be fine with the 250W power supply in your case even with the addition of the Alpha HSF. However, I do have a suggestion. If you do have a bit of cash to spend, pick up a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) and that will be even better. You get the benefit of true line conditioning and power failure protection. APC makes single PC UPSs for about $65-100

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-=S_Klass=- I tweak... therefore I am.