K, sort of a unique situation here... I bought a very slimline HTPC case that came with a power supply. The power supply is very small and compact -- about half the size of a conventional power supply.
The power supply that came with the case was DOA. I didn't bother sending it back for a replacement, because an overwhelming number of the reviews basically said that the supply was DOA for them as well or died within a couple months.
Anyway, I replaced the power supply that came with the case with a normal sized power supply. The only way it will fit in the case is with the fan on the power supply facing the lid of the case. It's pretty close to being flush against the top of the case. There's very little room for ventilation.
This is a 500 watt power supply, and the case only has one hard drive and no accessory cards (not even a video card). Therefore, the supply will never be pushed close to its limit. Also, the machine will be used for very light tasks, so it won't be doing anything heavy duty.
What's the worst case scenario? Instability? I know this probably sounds ridiculously naive, but I just want to make sure there's no a chance for like a fire hazard or something. Better safe than sorry, right...? I assume the worst-case scenario is overheating / instability. I know there's built-in protection with CPU's, where they'll shut down if they get too hot. Do PSU's have any similar safeguards?
The power supply that came with the case was DOA. I didn't bother sending it back for a replacement, because an overwhelming number of the reviews basically said that the supply was DOA for them as well or died within a couple months.
Anyway, I replaced the power supply that came with the case with a normal sized power supply. The only way it will fit in the case is with the fan on the power supply facing the lid of the case. It's pretty close to being flush against the top of the case. There's very little room for ventilation.
This is a 500 watt power supply, and the case only has one hard drive and no accessory cards (not even a video card). Therefore, the supply will never be pushed close to its limit. Also, the machine will be used for very light tasks, so it won't be doing anything heavy duty.
What's the worst case scenario? Instability? I know this probably sounds ridiculously naive, but I just want to make sure there's no a chance for like a fire hazard or something. Better safe than sorry, right...? I assume the worst-case scenario is overheating / instability. I know there's built-in protection with CPU's, where they'll shut down if they get too hot. Do PSU's have any similar safeguards?
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