Power Supplies

[Rob52240]

My power supply failed this morning and I replaced it with a spare from a slightly older machine.  The replacement is about 100W less than what I had in this computer originally, does anyone know what I can expect to happen should this prove to be inadequate?

[clerick]

horrible frame rate.  Joystick spiking issues.  In other words, bad bad stuff.

[Noir]

unexpected computer reboots, difficulties to power the computer up.

OR

I could go perfectly smooth. I'd rather have a good 400W than a crappy 500W

[Rob52240]

Good, I think I'll be ok then.  So far all is running well and I did order both machines with better power supplies than the company I buy from suggested.  Although I haven't plugged in my joystick or pedals yet, wish me luck.

[guncrasher]

if it is inadequacy you can mess up your system.  go to newegg and see the ps calculator.

semp

[Chalenge]

Why not just post every detail of your system? CPU GPU RAM MB CD/DVD-ROM HD/HDs and so on until you have listed every device including fans that actually plug into your PSU? The we can give you relevant information.

Cheap or inadequate PSUs can cause anything from data loss to complete and catastrophic destruction of your hardware.

[TequilaChaser]

Why not just post every detail of your system? CPU GPU RAM MB CD/DVD-ROM HD/HDs and so on until you have listed every device including fans that actually plug into your PSU? The we can give you relevant information.

Cheap or inadequate PSUs can cause anything from data loss to complete and catastrophic destruction of your hardware.

as Chalenge pointed out........ if the PSU you are currently using is not adequate, it can lead to problems down the road

regardless if 

So far all is running well

at the present time


hope this helps


TC

[BaldEagl]

My power supply failed this morning and I replaced it with a spare from a slightly older machine.  The replacement is about 100W less than what I had in this computer originally, does anyone know what I can expect to happen should this prove to be inadequate?

If only low frame rates and power on difficulties were all.  It could fry your video card, motherboard or other critical components and do so without warning.  Without knowing what's in your system no one can tell you.

[Stellaris]

Power supplies are an unsexy and usually overlooked component, but it pays to buy quality.  Also be aware that they do age with time.  In the spring I started having random reboot problems which I blamed on the slow deterioration of my overclocked and watercooled, four year old E6400 dual core.  I finally learned (after replacing every other component in the system save the case) that the issue was my 600W PSU.  It was a quality box with ample headroom when I bought it, but it had slowly devolved to the point where it wasn't quite up to the job any longer.  All the voltages LOOKED good on Speefan but the problem wasn't fixed until I got a new PSU.  I now run an 850W, high quality unit.  I seriously considered a 1Kw unit.

So as has been pointed out, it's impossible to give any realistic advice without knowing the details of your system, but in general I would not recommend replacing a failing power supply with an older, lower rated model.  Even if the new (by which I mean older) unit is of much higher quality than the old (by which I mean newer) one, you are just asking for trouble.  And as BoldEagl points out, that trouble can include the destruction of any or all of your hardware.  No issue if your machine isn't mission critical, but if you can't afford to lose it (or your data), google for a PSU calculator and work out how much you need.  Then add fifty watts, and buy the highest quality you can get.

Cheers!

Paul

[Rob52240]

I just ordered a new one with a bit more capacity than what I had before and made sure it had enough of the connectors I need
'