PC hardware forum: 350Watt Graphic Card in 300W Power supply ?

My answer is NO, DON'T DO THAT.

Overtaxing a power supply is shaky ground and at least here not very expensive to fix. See those 500+ Watt PSUs at geeks.com. I use the 680W units since there is no need to go lower and the PC will use what it needs so the extra is just headroom. We want a lot.

Bob

The power supply supplies... power. If you push it then a few things can happen. Unless you get out an oscilloscope you can't see this going on.

1. The motherboard and other capacitors work harder.

The power supply can have more ripple on it since you are at or over it's capacity. The other capacitors on motherboard and other place now get more ripple and age faster.

2. If the power fails it's unclear what happens next.

I've had power supplies (overloaded ones) that just refuse to start one day. Some owners have had them self destruct and when they did the motherboard and cards receive a spike or over voltage and the machine's contents (even hard disks) have been lost. Since the power supply is some 20 bucks these people were not happy at losing the entire machine over such a cheap part.

This is all your choice. It is not something I'll do.

Bob

All I noted was the aging. Please tell me what was damaged?

Bob

Sorry but I'm missing what the question is. Only you can tell us if you have noticed a performance issue.

Bob

Run, don't walk and get a larger and decent name compatible PSU. While, it may be running now it will sooner or later be kaput.

As for the 1394 not working, be sure to recheck your work on the video install and didn't upset any other cabling or harness for 1394 operation and/or the bios shows it enabled. If need be, re-install the driver.

tada -----Willy

See http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10163_7-6224085-1.html?tag=viddet

This is not hard to do and power supplies are plentiful cheap and geeks.com and newegg.com

Bob

Please someone answer the questons in Post no.7 and no.11

A decent PSU will cost abit, but fall for truly cheapo ones. I just brought a Logisys 575W at Geeks.com for $40, not to include s/h fee. There are those out there in the $25 or less range, but don't count on them. More pricey ones will be expensive but they do deliver the goods. Also, be sure to buy that will fit and meet the physical limits of your case. If you have a std. generic case, you'll do fine. if you have a Dell or similar be sure to ask if it will fit. Now, to install is pretty much a straight-forward install, take notes if you like but overall its easy.

Check www.newegg.com www.geels.com and www.tigerdirect.com for psu pricing or any other source.

tada -----Willy

I'm also planning on getting a 150w video card and using it with a 300w power supply. I also am buying a stick of ram as well. I don't have enough to get a new power supply but am planning on buying one a month or so after getting the card.

Could I get away with this?