Power Supply

I am buying a new comp soon with approximatly the following
hardware

1.33 AMD CPU
MSI K-7 Master
512MB DDR ram
40 gig Hard Drive
16X DVD Player
12x10x32 CD-RW
64MB MSI GEFORCE II Pro
Floppy drive
Soundblaster live Value

Every one seems to recomend 400W power supplies but
I find that very few computer places offer power supplies
over 300W
I can buy through my friend from a wholesaler and get a great deal. Low prices and no tax. The problem is they only carry 300W cases. Will there be an issue with 300W on this sytem. I dont want to screw around changing the power supply
myself.

Buy the system through your friend then change the power supply yourself. Changing the the power supply is not difficult.

<font color=green>I miss the smell of leaded gasoline!</font color=green>

how does one change a PSU?

i assume u just unplug all the components, undo a few screws, remove the old, then reverse the procedure for the new?
correct?

Quote from the Hamster: "Why is it that Morons are just smart enough to understand how to breed?"

It's easy. Just four screws on the back of the case in most instances. If you do it with a brand new case it takes just 60 seconds.

By the way, as Kelledin mentioned, always unplug an ATX PSU's power cord before removing system components. This is just in case the system is in <b>standby mode</b>". Everything might look dead but the PSU is still suppling 5-volt standby power.

This <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=283&p=1" target="_new">article</A> will help you change your power supply.

Shut down computer.
Unplug power cord and disconnect from power supply.
Disconnect peripheral equipment.
Open computer case.
Touch unpainted metal surface to dissapate static charge. (Chassis of power supply best surface to touch.)
If components are dusty take time to blow out dust with compressed air.
Begin to disconnect 12V molex connectors from drives. (CD ROM, Floppy, Hard Drive, etc.)
After all drives and other accessories are disconnected unplug main power to motherboard. This molex connector will have a clip retention mechanism to secure it to the motherboard. Lift clip back and rock the molex body back and forth while gently pulling away from motherboard.
After all power cables are disconnected remove the screws securing the power supply to the case chassis.
Slide out old power supply gently while guiding power cables to prevent them from catching on any components within the case.
Now you can install the new power supply by reversing the above steps.
Once the new supply is installed and power cables plugged in recheck everything including pci cards, dimms etc to make sure everything is seated properly before closing the case and reconnecting perpheral equipment.
Next plug in, boot up and have fun.


<font color=green>I miss the smell of leaded gasoline!</font color=green>