Can you have too much Power? (supply-wise)

dokkktor · Post by **dokkktor** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 11:47 pm

What happens if you have too powerful of a power supply?
I have heard some off-hand remarks about this but nothing definitive.

I have a 300W deer, but I am getting the infinite loop error with my Geforce2 Ti 64MB and AMD setup. (I am solving the problem by getting a Radeon)

I want to upgrade my power supply, and I found a good deal on a 600W. IS this too much?
Can it cause problems? If so, what are they?

I am running:
1.2 Athlon with retail hsf
KT7A-RAID
512 RAM
2X30GB IBM in RAID
Geforce2 Ti 64MB
MS Natural with USB outputs
MS INtellimouse explorer
USB Scanner
Printer with its own power supply ( can use USB)
Acoustic edge Sound card
DVD/CD drive
48X burner
3 case fans

Nothing really power hungry, but it adds up.

I will eventually be going to
P4 - 2G
DDR
Radeon 9500 128MB
so i will need more power later, but how much?

any info is appreciated, as well as links to where i can get the info.

thanks

RubberDuckie · Post by **RubberDuckie** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 11:51 pm

never too much power...

all PS have overcurrent protection

PreDatoR · Post by **PreDatoR** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 11:51 pm

Is it overkill - YES!
Cause problems - NO!

The components in the PC will only use as much power as they need. Just because its a 600W PSU doesn't mean all 600W's are being pumped into your hardware.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 11:47 am

Just means there's more available current if required, but you won't be using it all.

I wouldn't waste my money on a 600 watter unless you're building a giant 10 drive array or something.

350 is adequate, 450 is better for power users and gamers.

chottoED · Post by **chottoED** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 11:59 am

600w..... <drool>

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 12:50 pm

You can have too much power if you try too hard to not spend money getting it. Personally, I would go for a lower rated power supply from a good mfr. before I went for a higher rated supply made by "Flaming Galaxy Tiger" or "Happy Tech Song." I suspect that now that power supply wattage is becoming important, a lot of rating "inflation" is going on out there. A really cheap high power supply probably will cause more problems than it solves...

The technology hasn't changed and there are a lot more sub $30 high watt PS'es now than there were a year ago.

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 1:20 pm

and I thought "Flaming Galaxy Tigers" were actually rebadged "One Hand Clapping" power supplies!

seriously, wattage is becoming a real issue and quality does count - even some brand name power supplies don't get it done - there was a recent article at TOMs HW (yes he is an ingrate) that showed a lot of them higher watt rated ones weren't even close - as if OCZ went into the power supply business

i am going to try ab build a 2x300W power setup using the liteon server ps from directron - I want to get my 5 v rail indestructible on my nforce box