350w or 430w PSU?

[Leros]

I am helping a friend upgrade his HP a1340n, we are adding an x850 Pro and a new PSU. We need the parts fast so we can only go to CompUSA. Which give us these two options:

Antec 350w TruePower:
- (10A + 15A) Dual 12v rail
- rear mounted fan (inside the case)

Antec 430w TruePower:
- (17A + 17 A) Dual 12v rail
- bottom mounted fan

The problem is, the HP computer mounts the PSU upside down, so on the 430w the fan would be facing the top of the case with a small gap in between. The 350w PSU does not have this problem.

Would the 350w be sufficent? The Extreme PSU calculator said 277w. But it also said that high power graphics cards need at least 26A on the 12v rail, which the 350w does not offer (10A + 15A).

Does the 430w fan facing up not work? I'm guessing not.

Also, if I try the 350w and it is not powerful enough, can it damage his computer?

 

[Leros]

bump

 

[jackschmittusa]

The vid card does not require 26A itself, that is for the whole system. Maybe the 350w will do; and it will not likely hurt the system if it falls short. I would not recommend mouting the other psu upside down as it will over heat and drop power output like a rock.

Get the 450 and hack on the case.

 

[Leros]

HP tech support seems to think that the generic brand 300w psu will be enough. So the Antec 350w PSU should be good. Not sure if I can trust HP though.