HDD and Power Supplies

[NetNessie]

I'll be brief,

I recently got a new HDD (WD Caviar SE 160gb if it matters). Either way, my computer has a 240w power supply, which is running pretty much all the standard hardware, video card, cdrom, floppy etc. (its a compaq system, so its obviously crap)

When I first got my HDD and installed it, my floppy drive in particular started making wierd noises. The HDD died a few weeks later. Since then I received a replacement, which I have not installed as of yet.

My main cause for concern is whether my 240w powersupply is enough to power a second hard disk, and whether it was the cause of the failure of the first?

If it is, should I just pick up a 300w or 350w and be done with it?

[Steve]

I personally wouldn't have a system with anything lower than a 420w Enermax. The PSU is the most important part of the computer and most people over look it or buy crap PSUs.

I'd say you need something higher and more reliable if you're going to stick another hard drive in there. Also, does your video card require direct power from the PSU? (Do you plug the PSU into the vid card).

[NetNessie]

The video card is not connected to the PSU directly.

(also, I just realised this is in the totally wrong forum. Sorry about that, if someone wants to move it over I'd appreciate it.)

[tony]

What is your CPU and video card? It would give us a better indication if the powersupply will be enough.

[NetNessie]

tony said:
What is your CPU and video card? It would give us a better indication if the powersupply will be enough.



NVIDIA Ge-Force2 MX400
Intel Pentium 4 (1.7ghz)
(possible a prescott - something that churns out heat)

[Jeff]

A hard drive sucks 25 watts of juice from your power supply. The most demanding component would either be your CPU or graphics card, depending on which one you have. My Athlon 64 sucks 90-100 watts, and my Radeon X800 Pro sucks about 100 watts (there abouts. Don't know the actual amount). Anyways, the point is, if you're gonna have a computer, you need to make sure that's it's got a big PSU in it. Don't buy brands like MaxPower (for example) or some no name brand you've probably never even heard of. Get yourself an Antec or Enermax PSU. Quality power supplies will last a long time. Don't go for the deals here. Good reviews, and my 480W Antec has given me no problems what so ever. I'm currently using about 325 watts or so if I had everything plugged in.

[tony]

I'd say that powersupply would be sufficient. That CPU isnt too much of a power hog (its about 65W) and the MX cards use very little power. Tacking on another 12-13W for the extra harddrive shouldnt cause any problems.

If you had a high-er end P4 and a power-hungry video card, then you'd run into problems. You shouldnt with the setup you currently have.

[Inanimate Carbon Rod]

Go to a local retailer buy a new name brand hard drive 350watt+ if it fixes your problems GREAT, if not return it. Simple.

[NetNessie]

[QUOTE]
Inanimate Carbon Rod said:
Go to a local retailer buy a new name brand hard drive 350watt+ if it fixes your problems GREAT, if not return it. Simple. [/quote

Well, its not a problem. I just dont want my new HDD to die within a week because its lacking power. I think I will go pick up a 350w and make life easier.