"Tomaz Cedilnik" <tcedilnik@ntlworld.no.spam.please.com> wrote in message
news:MlgDh.11059$fa.4855@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
> I'm a bit confused. Looking on dabs.co.uk they cost anything between 15
> and 150 pounds (ok, the top end are those that output 700+, but even
> exactly 500 can cost anything between 20 and 110 pounds).
>
> Seems there is much more to a PSU that the wattage... What do I need to
> look for in a PSU so it will work with my machine? I've got an Athlon XP
> 2000+ (1.67 GHz).
>
> About wattage - it only draws as much power from mains as needed
> considering the components that have to be powered at that moment, doesn't
> it?
> How do I find out what wattage I need?
>
> Tom

its the AMPS you have to look at not the WATTS. In particular the AMPS on
the 12volt rail - remember PSUs supply 12v 5v and 3.3v? well 12v supplies
the CPU, graphics card, HDDs etc ie most of hardware so if you have a fast
graphics card and multiple HDDs you need something along the lines of 32amp
or more on the 12v line. expect to pay £40+ for a decent PSU - you can pay
less but dont be suprised if it dies in 12 months and takes the mobo with
it.