Dear CNET members,
Happy Friday! I hope this newsletter finds everyone well! Just a reminder that the CNET forums are here for you seven days week, open 24 hours. And if you find yourself in need of some tech advice, post your questions there. There are a lot great knowledgeable members and moderators willing to lend you a helping hand! Now let's see if we can address Bill's computer power supply questions.
Bill, a lot of folks came through for you this past week in response to your question about how many watts you need for your PC. However, more importantly, many folks raised the questions as to why your power supply units (or PSUs) keep failing. Because, as you'll see when you read through our members' answers to you, using a 650- or 750-watt PSU is overkill for your P4 system, unless you're running some crazy microwave contraption in your system that we aren't aware of. So the insufficient wattage on the PSU may not be the reason it keeps failing. But to be on the safe side, many members did recommend a site where you can find out what wattage supplies best suits your system.
Your power supplies could be failing because of: poorly manufactured power supplies; deceiving claims of wattage on some PSUs, where wattage doesn't necessarily reflect the amount it actually is producing; poor ventilation for your PC causing overheating; or the possibility of something in your PC hardware, like a short, that is causing your power supply to fail. Please read through all the comments, and I'm sure you'll get some great ideas on how to address your power supply issue. Have a wonderful weekend!
Cheers!
- Lee
Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com
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I have a technical question. I have a home PC that I built.
It is an Intel P4 3GHz with 1GB of RAM. The trouble I am
having is with power supplies. I have been through two PSU's
already and ready to install the third one in two years. I
have been through a 600-watt and now this 750-watt. The
ratings on these seem to act like either of these should have
been enough. I do have some extras on my system like a Webcam
and surround sound, but are these things big eaters of power?
Is there any way to be accurate as to what you do need for
power and then what company builds the best power supply? I
am also thinking of upgrading my PC, so is it a good idea to
get the supply for the next PC or for the one I have now as
both may have different requirements. Any guidance, advice
would be very helpful. Thank you.
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