Computer Power Requirements

[Kushin]

Hey guys, I'm having a tad of trouble with my computer at the moment. I dont think that my current power supply is enough for my current set up, and its causing my computer to not be able to start. The current PSU has just under 400W and I'm unsure of amps.

My current setup is:-
GeForce FX 5200
80GB HD (Boot)
200GB HD (Data)
CD/DVD
1GB RAM (2 x 256MB, 1x 512MB)

If anyone can give a suggestion as to how much power I'll need, I'd be much appreciative.

PS: If any other info is needed, just ask and I'll try to provide.

 

[Zenode]

I would say 400 is actually enough but if you WANT to be sure go 640 just put a fuckload of fans in your computer

what is actually wrong with it?

 

[Kushin]

I would say 400 is actually enough but if you WANT to be sure go 640 just put a fuckload of fans in your computer

what is actually wrong with it?

The computer is refusing to start, even though it started nicely just about 1 hour or so ago.

 

[7moreDead_v1legacy]

You need too make sure all the 12v rails add up too what you need.

 

[Zenode]

I would say 400 is actually enough but if you WANT to be sure go 640 just put a fuckload of fans in your computer

what is actually wrong with it?

The computer is refusing to start, even though it started nicely just about 1 hour or so ago.

Okay well if you get it to start once then it aint the power supply. is it a new computer?

 

[Kushin]

I would say 400 is actually enough but if you WANT to be sure go 640 just put a fuckload of fans in your computer

what is actually wrong with it?

The computer is refusing to start, even though it started nicely just about 1 hour or so ago.

Okay well if you get it to start once then it aint the power supply. is it a new computer?

Afraid not... in computer terms the thing is antique. I'm trying to keep it on life support till December when I get a new one.

 

[Zacharine]

If the power supply works, the computer starts. If it has short-circuited or lacks capacity, it won't. If the problem is within the power suppy unit, then it's likely shorted out. Check the connections from the power supply to the components and look for burn marks or other signs of shorting out from the components. DO NOT OPEN THE POWER SUPPLY casing unless you're trained for it. The might be some power left in the capacitors of the power supply and touching one could break components or give you a serious snap on the fingers.

EDIT: Also, do you get any power at all from the power unit? Do any fans begin to work, any lights blink, any signs of life at all? Because if the power supply is in fact intact, you'll get all the way to BIOS by disconnecting all your hard-drives. Your computer should state that no operating system was found, but your computer should essentially make it through the first phase of booting up. If removing the hard drives brings it back this far, then you got a busted HD.

 

[Zenode]

I would say 400 is actually enough but if you WANT to be sure go 640 just put a fuckload of fans in your computer

what is actually wrong with it?

The computer is refusing to start, even though it started nicely just about 1 hour or so ago.

Okay well if you get it to start once then it aint the power supply. is it a new computer?

Afraid not... in computer terms the thing is antique. I'm trying to keep it on life support till December when I get a new one.

Sorry to say this bud but when i got a bung computer first i thought ZOMG power supply but it isnt, your hard-drive is fried......sorry, you COULD try getting a cheap arse $60 power supply and seeing if that works but apart from that it is def the hard-drive

 

[Jaygee02]

Saksak is right, give us info on exactly what is going on

 

[7moreDead_v1legacy]

Is there any power going too it at all? Lights coming on fans firing up?

If the HD has gone I doubt it would cause the system to power up

 

[Kushin]

Saksak is right, give us info on exactly what is going on

Gah... Thanks for the advice guys. I swear my computer is so old its now been possessed by C'thulu. The computer is now fine. I just left all power disconnected for a while (since about 20 mins before I started the thread) and now its started up fine.

Though, to answer the question. I heard the fan struggling to start and it did for about 5 seconds then died. And that was the consistent symptom.

 

[Zacharine]

Then you likely have either a short in one of the non-critical circuits (allowing power to some parts) or you have a busted hard drive. Try disconnecting both HDs and then starting the computer up.

If it was a problem with the power supply, the fan would have likely not started at all.

 

[Jaygee02]

Or possibly an overheating issue - is the case pretty dusty?

 

[Firenz]

just for the sake of your PC (if it is quite old) give it a good clean with some kind of airduster and check all the connections in your casing. Even if the PC works fine it's worth doing it every now and then.

 

[megalomania]

Hey guys, I'm having a tad of trouble with my computer at the moment. I dont think that my current power supply is enough for my current set up, and its causing my computer to not be able to start. The current PSU has just under 400W and I'm unsure of amps.

My current setup is:-
GeForce FX 5200
80GB HD (Boot)
200GB HD (Data)
CD/DVD
1GB RAM (2 x 256MB, 1x 512MB)

If anyone can give a suggestion as to how much power I'll need, I'd be much appreciative.

PS: If any other info is needed, just ask and I'll try to provide.

I think you have more than enough power there; it is rare that power supply is limiting performance, you normally just get component failure if there isn't enough power to (for example) adequately cool bits and pieces. Nice article: Power Supply Myths [http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3413&p=1]