The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Punch all of your hardware into this, and it should give you an idea how much power you currently need. I'd do it for you, but there is more info needed than you provided. It's really simple to use, though.
I don't see what having a power supply that doesn't pump enough juice has to do with killing your computer. Yeah, it might break or run slowly. But it shouldn't permanently damage anything. You know, aside from the fact that using a computer normally is slowly killing it.
Yeah, as long as you're getting the proper voltage per rail your computer should be fine. Your HDD problem could have to do with your IDE/SATA controller... update the BIOS/Mobo drivers?
Yeah, PSU's die eventually... and it's not unheard of that they take at least some of the innards with them. If you have a voltmeter you can test the individual rails running from the PSU... if they're all what they're supposed to be then you're safe... for now.
I don't see what having a power supply that doesn't pump enough juice has to do with killing your computer. Yeah, it might break or run slowly. But it shouldn't permanently damage anything. You know, aside from the fact that using a computer normally is slowly killing it.
When a PSU is pushed to beyond their effective wattage (NOT what they are rated, but less since companies use ideal circumstances for those ratings) the voltage starts to fluctuate and you end up damaging your components.
Why not just order something from www.tigerdirect.ca? If not, then get a brand name PSU at 500w or more (I'm talking something like Enermax - used many of theirs, always solid although the Corsair I'm using now is hella sexy) and just suck up upgrading later.
Alternatively, you could chance that your PSU is gonna fry something expensive inside your case. Something worth more than a new PSU. Up to you, but even if nothing gets damaged, insufficient power supplies make computers unstable.
Posts
Punch all of your hardware into this, and it should give you an idea how much power you currently need. I'd do it for you, but there is more info needed than you provided. It's really simple to use, though.
I think you should be fine.
When a PSU is pushed to beyond their effective wattage (NOT what they are rated, but less since companies use ideal circumstances for those ratings) the voltage starts to fluctuate and you end up damaging your components.
Why not just order something from www.tigerdirect.ca? If not, then get a brand name PSU at 500w or more (I'm talking something like Enermax - used many of theirs, always solid although the Corsair I'm using now is hella sexy) and just suck up upgrading later.
Alternatively, you could chance that your PSU is gonna fry something expensive inside your case. Something worth more than a new PSU. Up to you, but even if nothing gets damaged, insufficient power supplies make computers unstable.