Changing from Hipro HP-235ATXAK to Antec PP303X- Rating Question-I'm Stumped

[Scanick]

The max output figure on my Hipro says 235 Watts while my new Antec reports a max output of 160 Watts even though its a 300 Watt Power supply. I know I'm probably missing something fundemental- perhaps related to the switching ability of the Antec. I've searched and searched but can't seem to grasp the reason for the rating differences. I'm running a P3667, 384RAM, DVD, Burner, GeForce2. Would anyone out there dumb it down for me? Thanks! Scot

 

[Howard]

I don't know much about this, but the 300W has to be split into all the different kinds of power wires. So I'm guessing that the 160W is only one type of voltage.

 

[Scanick]

Thats what I'm thinking too. I just can't figure out some of the more hard-core technical terms. Anyone else?

 

[thermite88]

The Hipro and Antec both have 160 watts output for the 5 volts and 3.3 volts total. This is fairly standard for 250-300 W ATX power supplies. The other power were distributed among the 12 volts and all the negative voltage supplies. Most switching power supply has about 70% efficiency.

The 160 watts 5/3.3 volts is very adequate for most systems. You will need to get the higher quality power supply such as the Enermax 450W to get significant more.

 

[Scanick]

Thanks for the help!-Scanick