[nvolex]

I am building a PC for the first time. I'm not very familiar with the electrical aspects of it. I have an old 300W PSU. I just got a brand new Intel DG965WH motherboard with integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3000, 6 USBs, 1 Firewire, 1 PCI-e x16 slot, etc. etc. and i'm puttin in an Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.83GHz with 1066FSB and 2MB cache. I was just wondering if the PSU would be sufficient because I have no idea what would or could go wrong if it is insufficient. Note also that I will be using a DVD-ROM drive on this machine as well as a Western Digital Caviar 120GB Ultra ATA drive, so they will also require power as well as a case fan. I can't seem to find the proper documentation regarding these electrical specifics. I'm probably going about this all wrong but any help is appreciated.

 

[griffinspc]

You'll want quality and there are some good units that are in the $50 to $100 range. Brands could be ThermalTake, Antec, Enermax and some others. You'll want 450 to 600 watts.

 

[griffinspc]

Take a look here: http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=58&name=Power-Supplies

 

[nvolex]

even as a temporary solution u wouldnt recommend it? see my problem for the time being is that im at a shortage on cash. i really didnt want to wait but if it will damage the parts then i guess i'll have to

 

[griffinspc]

You're correct, I wouldn't use the old PSU. If it were to fail you could wipe out the motherboard, ram, processor, etc. It doesn't happen every time but enough that I'd never hook up the old one myself.

 

[nvolex]

ok thanks

 

[griffinspc]

My ThermalTake PurePower 500 Watt was $69.00 with a $30.00 rebate which actually came through pretty quickly so in effect a real nice safe PSU for around $40.00. Look around but try very hard to resist putting that old supply in your new system.

 

[crjdriver]

One more thing. The old ps is most likely a 20pin unit. Your board is a 24pin power connector.
Look at it this way. You spent quite a bit of money for your parts. Trying to use an adapter and an underpowered power supply is just asking for problems.