older p4 psu usable?

[oron]

I just bought this really awesome case from a used computer store that I'm taking apart and redesigning/modding. It came with a pretty nice PSU rated at 300w. It has a sticker saying "Pentium 4 and AMD recommended" The case was built (or built for) Asus.

I'm building a new AMD64 machine and am wondering if I can just use this PSU. I've heard that SATA drives has special power inputs - do I need a special PSU if I'm going to have SATA drives (which I am)?

Also, is 300w going to be enough?

THanks

 

[Mr5oh]

The whole watts thing could be compared to the mhz myth. The PSU watts rating really isn't the most important thing. It depends more on what kind of amps the thing is rated at.

Most SATA drives have both a "SATA style" power connector and a "standard style" power connector, you can use either, as there is no adavantage to using one over the other, so this really isn't important.

Look at the side and post the ratings and we can tell you if it is going to be able to handle it or not. It should have different amp ratings on the 3.3, 5, and 12.

If you got a decent 300 watt it should be enough, otherwise you may wanto get another.

What kind of video card are you planning on using in this new computer?

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[Crashman]

It might have enough power, it might not. Your SATA drives might have the older 4-pin molex power connectors as well as the newer SATA power headers, or they might not. The board might come with 4-pin to SATA power adapters, or it might not. Look into the drive (see if it has the choice to use the older power connector) and board (if the drive can't take the 4-pin connector, see if the board comes with adapters).

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[oron]

What does a SATA power connector look like?

Here are the specs for the PSU:

+3.3v: 20a
+5v: 30a
+12v: 10a

+5 & +3.3 combined load 160w
total output is 300w max

It's a "L&C Model: LC-A300ATX"

 

[Mr5oh]

The SATA connector is flat, maybe 3/16" tall 1/2" wide. Looks very different from any standard power connector.

As for your PSU you better look for a newer one. On this board I think I am the only person who tries to defend generic PSUs, but at 10amps on the 12+ line, it just really doesn't have enough power for something like a standard A64 system. The 3.3 and 5 are ok though.

Better start looking for a new PSU for your new system. I would recommend Fortron of Sparkle.

Of course if your budget is tight, you can could just look at a newer generic, as most newer generic PSU are more powerful.



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[oron]

How about this one?

270527 Sparkle Power FSP350-60PN 350 Watts ATX12V Switching Power Supply w/SATA Connector Retail $49.00 @ zipzoomfly