Power supply replacement

Glad the forum is back online.

Got a computer with AMD 2500 Barton processor, Asus NForce board, NVidea Nforce2 Ultra 400 + MCP, Radeon 9800 pro video card, and M-audo 2496 sound card. Have DVD RW and a IDE hard drive. 2 DDR RAm total 1 GB. Have a 120 mm fan. I may be using another 2 PCI card and a couple USB ports.

The current Antec SL350S power supply failed and was wondering if I can replace with Antec SL300S power supply.

Checking eXtreme power supply calculator seems to be okay with ~250W requirement, but they stress it's the total amperage on the +12V, +5V, and +3.3V rails that is most important. Why is that and how do I calculate.

The amperages for the 2 Antec PSU at the different voltage rails are:

Rail 12V 5V 3.3V
350W 16 35 28
300W 19 30 20

Is the 300W model adequate for my use?

 

In all honesty Subgeeky, I wouldn't replace a 350W with a 300W! And no, I really don't think a 300W will do. If you have to change PSUs anyway, you may as well get one with sufficient power for now and for future add-ons, like you said, 2 PCI cards and extra USB ports. I would consider something in the range of 550W+ and maybe with modular cabling. The latter, of course, isn't really needed, but it sure does help with 'cable clutter' in the case. I like Antec PSUs, but there are plenty of other good quality ones out there reasonably priced. For example; http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010320058 50001516&name=Antec Again, I would not advise going with a 300W PSU. Good luck and let us know how it works out!! BTW, I'm running 2 of the Antec BP550's and have not had a problem out of either, and they are quiet, even with 120 fan it comes with. The price isn't bad either!!

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

I just picked this one up last week when it was on sale ($59). The same PSU Stubby runs. It is more than enough for what you need, it has 2 PCI-E plugs and has very good amperage output, modular. I am very happy with it, even the regular price doesn't seem to bad to me.

 

Antec does make great supplies I'm suprised yours failed. I have at least 5 of them and all are still going strong. I don't know where you are but my local stores like OfficeMax Best Buy Circuit City and Staples all carry the basic antec supplies. The 350 basic is what your probably looking for and the 500basic would allow you to expand your system if you wanted. Because they're basic supplies, there nothing special, but they're Antec and thats enough for me. I use them myself and there not too expensive, especially if you catch them on sale. Not on sale, the 350watt goes for $40 US and the 500watt for $50 at Officemax.

 

$59.00!!!:cry In my humble opinion, you didn't buy that PSU...you stole it!!! That was really an excellent price and let me guess...it came with free shipping too? On second thought, don't answer that because IF it did come with free shipping I'll just end up hating you even more!!:-D Seriously, glad you got a good deal on it and, ya gotta admit, Newegg does come up with some really great buys!

 

Stubby, sorry you don't like me anymore...

Yes, I had a promo code and it was free shipping. I got the PS and 2 gig of ram for a total of $119.

 

I'd think I'll shop around or swap the Radeon video card to another machine with a 430 W max PSU that has Nvidia GeForce FX5200 video card (that shouldn't demand as much power).

 

Well Subgeeky, whatever you decide, I hope it works out for you! Good Luck!!

 

Hey guys, my power supply went wonky and I was wondering how I find out which one to buy? Also, should I just get the same or a "better" one?

Edit: Um...duh. I looked on the side of it. Still curious if I can upgrade...
Its an austin power supply dr-b300atx.