How do you know your PSU is being pushed to hard?

Hi all,

I've been reading around quite abit recently and I keep seeing threads suggesting people need a 400W+ PSU. My questions are -

1) How do you know what you need?
2) How do you tell if you are overstreaching your current one?

I'm interested because I opened up my box the other day and found my cheapass PC has a 200W PSU... is this enough?

I'm running -

AMD Athlon 2400
768 MB RAM
40GB HD (Windows + other core programs)
120GB HD (Games + media)
DVD + CD/RW combi
NVIDIA GeForce 5200 FX 128MB Video Card
+ assorted media card reader, floppy drive etc

I'm also in the middle of upgrading some parts including -

NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB (unless you tell me something better suited)
SoundBlaster Audigy 2
Wireless Network card (probably doesn't use much but thought I'd include it)

I've also had error messages in the past saying that my USB card was being shut down for exceeding its power limits, is this because I'm a skin-flint and bought cheap hardware (and should therefore buy a new USB card) or is this becuase my PSU is already over streched?

Assuming my PSU is too weak for any more what Wattage should I get?

Thanks all.

Orb

 

i don't game or do anything but surf, but i use 400-600 watt supplies in my computers i build.
i suggest you need to go 400 or more.

 

Thanks for the quick response Kjanz. Just interested, what happens to an underpowered PC?

Anything to look out for or is it just a general performance drop-off?

 

Here is a neat Wattage Caculator... Acording it it you need a new PS, so take it for what its worth. http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

 

OK. So my PSU is totally inadequate... (no real surprise there then).

Do I need to be careful about the size physical of a new PSU of are they all the same?

My case is a mini tower and although I plan on changing case some time soon (more internal drive bays needed). I don't know quite what to yet.. Is there a risk that a new PSU won't fit in? If so I'll measure my current PSU and phone before I buy to check.

 

I just put a bigger one in my kid's for the same reason, I kept adding things and before I put the second HDD in thought it would be good to upgrade (it was a 250 Watter). They are not all the same, some manufacturers require a specific type or size (Dell is one from what I read these boards). So I measured mine for size and went shopping. Check your makers site for info or FAQ's. I Got a great deal thur newegg with free shipping for a 420 Watt unit.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll be getting the tape measure out later then... ;-)