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Power Supply Questions
I'm experiencing some power supply issues in a recently-home-built
computer. Because of this, I'm looking into purchasing a better PSU with a higher amp rating. However, I'm a newbie when it comes to power specifications and dimensions. I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an ATX case. But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power into my MATX machine. My questions a 1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case? 2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?) I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case. Thanks in advance! |
#2
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I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX
case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an ATX case. But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power into my MATX machine. 1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case? That depends on the size of your MATX case and existing power supply. What make and model is your case? What are the dimensions of your power supply? 2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?) I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case. Yes, it is safe to use an ATX PS with an MATX motherboard. There is no risk of damaging anything. --- Kevin Chalker, Owner (KC COMPUTERS) E-mail: Web: www.kc-computers.com Internet dealer since 1991!!! See WWW.RESELLERRATINGS.COM!!! |
#3
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I have seen a cube with a ATX PSU in it (on it?).....NOT pretty. Even
though the fan seemed to pull more air the case was rather warm. Most of the matx's that I have seen had comparable amperage as an ATX PSU. I don't see a 'frying' happening. I never really looked at the connector to the MB, There have been a couple of standard changes as of late. The BTX PSU's look rather smaller' than an ATX standard....maybe that would be a better choice. Again there is that connector question. wrote in message oups.com... I'm experiencing some power supply issues in a recently-home-built computer. Because of this, I'm looking into purchasing a better PSU with a higher amp rating. However, I'm a newbie when it comes to power specifications and dimensions. I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an ATX case. But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power into my MATX machine. My questions a 1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case? 2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?) I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case. Thanks in advance! |
#4
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#6
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Thanks for everyone's replies. I've ordered a new power supply to test
my situation. If worse comes to worst, I'll just "house" it outside the case for a few weeks to test it thoroughly. Then, if it works, I'll worry about a new case. Thanks again! |
#7
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Update.....
Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU. Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or cube cases!! See below for details.) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?Sku=ULT31588 (Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in different colors. Look in the same category for more product listings.) As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big deal. The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the "modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed! (Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case. (FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail. The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7 and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9 - 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.) Thank you, everyone, for your help! |
#8
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wrote:
Update..... Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU. Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or cube cases!! See below for details.) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?Sku=ULT31588 (Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in different colors. Look in the same category for more product listings.) As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big deal. The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the "modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed! (Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case. (FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail. The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7 and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9 - 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.) Thank you, everyone, for your help! That isn't a bad supply. I kind of like the modular design (not that I mind tucking cables away - I generally use velcro straps from the local fabric store & a dab of polyeurathane glue to make them stick to where I want to mount them to the case). What if the efficiency rating on those? |
#9
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Not sure. I'm no expert when it comes to power supplies. If you're
looking for something on the label, though, let me know and I can look it up for you. (It's still outside the case, so that would be no problem.) |
#10
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wrote:
Update..... Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU. Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or cube cases!! See below for details.) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?Sku=ULT31588 (Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in different colors. Look in the same category for more product listings.) As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big deal. The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the "modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed! (Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case. (FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail. The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7 and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9 - 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.) Thank you, everyone, for your help! Pretty cool. I've never heard of that brand before. Can't be all bad though. The picture shows the exact same case that I have. g Bob |
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