Power Supply question- new system.

[brucek]

I am about to build a new AMD system incorporating an ASUS A8N-SLI nVidia nForce4 motherboard. I currently have an older P4 system, and am hoping to migrate the new system into my existing case (ATX).My question regards power supply. My existing power supply is a Dynapower DP-400AT 400Watt, with a sticker "Pentium 4 Ready, Intel 12 volts". The plug into the current motherboard appears to have about 16-18 pins, with an additional 4-pin plug into another socket on the board. I certainly have no objections to paying $22-25 for a new p/s unit, and it appears easy to install into an ATX case with 4 screws. But looking at the current p/s units available from an on-line supplier, I see:"400 Watts output, exceeding Intel Pentium 4's minimum power supply wattage requirement of 300 watts by a whopping 100 watts. Works with Intel's Pentium 4 systems. Works with AMD's Athlon/Thunderbird/Duron systems"Sounds just the same. I might buy a new one anyway, just to be sure- but is there any special p/s type for the mainboard that I'm ordering? (AMD CPU).Thanks- Bruce.

[kjb]

I have the same motherboard, and you'll want to make sure it has a 24 pin main connector like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023) one. I think you'll also find in the motherboard manual that 500w is their minimum recommendation for SLI.

[brucek]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.I'm looking at the ASUS site. What chipset version drivers are you using? Also:"Realtek ALC850 Driver V5.10.0.5870 for Windows 2000/XP(WHQL)/2003 and Windows 64bit XP(WHQL)/2003."I know the AC97 is the sound chip, but what's the ALC850? Thanks- Bruce.

[kjb]

Dunno...I just grabbed the newest ones from their site after I built it and I'm not on that computer right now.The Realtek ALC850 is an 8 channel audio chipset.

[brucek]

Thanks.

[Guest]

Brucek...Check out this power supply from Outpost or Fry's (if you live near a store).Ultra X2 550w Silver PS: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4591447Their website: http://www.ultraproducts.com/Check it out, it actually cheaper then Antec, Thermaltake, Etc...also nicer looker and I luv those modular cables...

[brucek]

Thanks- looks cool, I'll go look at it.Bruce.

[Guest]

Made a slight mistake, here is the right link to the suggested power suppy...it's $99.99 at Fry's Link: http://www.ultraproducts.com/product_detai...7&productID=407>Thanks- looks cool, I'll go look at it.>>Bruce.>>

[brucek]

Thanks again :)Bruce.

[Guest navav2002]

I may be a little late...But you will indeed need to at least get yourself a 20pin to 24pin adapter if you have decided NOT to get a new powersupply...Your new motherboard will require a 24pin plug for the main EATX Power as well as the other 4 pin power you referred too...You can buy an adapter ($5 or $10)...But a new Ultra-X Connect should come equipped with the 24pin plug...You may double check that the new power supply is "SLI Compatable" or specifically states "24 pin plug" or something to that effect...I have a Ultra-X Connect power supply...It has worked well for me...So I could recommend it...Should do fine...Good luck on the Upgrade!!Happy Holidays!!

[brucek]

Thanks Chuck. I do now have a new PSU, and it does have a 24-pin connector. I figured the safer route was better! :)Happy holidays!Bruce.