Help...power supply problems with new 8KHA+

[MikePGH]

Please HELP! This is my first DIY type installation. I'm installing a new Epox 8kHA+ board with 1.6 AMD chip. I'm replacing the board in my current stock Dell case running with a 500MHz PIII. I've installed the new board and made all the connections but I have a problem with both the power supply and the J2/J3 connections.

First, the power supply in my current Dell system has two separate connectors. One 20PIN with a bunch of yellow/red/black wires and another 6 pin with 3 blue and 3 black wires. The new board doesn't have anywhere to connect the 6pin connector. Do I in fact need a new power supply with only a 20pin connector? What are the "other" wires for?

Second, the J2/J3 connector running from the stock Dell case to control the ON/OFF button, RESET, and all the LED's won't match up with the pins on the new board. The Dell connector has enough pins but they are spaced closer together than the pins on the new board. I jumpered the first two pins on the J3 connector assuming I've closed the circuit for ON/OFF and if I apply main power the PC will immediately turn on. Is this correct? I still don't have power to the board due to what I mentioned in the above paragraph...at least that's what I think. Is using the jumper ok? I can live without the reset or LED's but I'm wondering if there's some sort of adapter???

Any help here will be much appreciated.

 

[mboy]

Without going into the SEVERAL reasons why, GET RID OF THAT DELL CASE!!!! If you even want your computer to barely function at the minimum (or even at all for that matter), go get yourself a nice shiny new case with a 350-400w quality power supply. I recommend the ANtec either sx 635, 840 or 1040(B). Can be had for $130max for the 1040b shipped and is the MOST important part of your upgrade right now. Trust me on this!

 

[RustyNale]

Here's a Link that will let you pick which psu is right for you. The case you have will work fine, you'll definately need to up your power supply to one of the listed ones. AND, don't go with one that's just enough, I'd recommend at least a 400W for future power needs. Yes, they will come with power connectors you won't have any use for ( they're for the P4's ) just tie them out of the way.

*edit* sorry missed the second part of your post. On some cases I've had to shift the wires in the connectors so that they'd work on the mobos (usually with intel boards ). The power switch is easy, all it does is make a momentary connection across the 2 pins to start ( for example: I use alot of enlight cases, the on/off lead is wired to a "3" pin switch, the intel board needs a "2" pin switch. I just carefully removed one of the leads and moved over one slot in the connector to make it a "2" pin switch--the empty slot just sticks out from the pin array.) Same for the reset. If you hook the leads up and don't have any lights lit, just power down, spin them 180 and try again. Hope this helps.

 

[ronein]

like what the two guys ahead of me said.

Get a decent PSU...i do use a 350 watt unit though, but it seems to suit my needs...All PCI slots are full(5), two HDD's, and two CD Roms.

 

[Wind]

U need a new PSU. Even if the connector is right. I doubt tht it will work coz 1.6 Ghz XP need a lot of power tht ur PSU just dun have.

 

[MikePGH]

Thanks guys! I was working with my Dad on this project (KCBoomer234). I ended up buying him an Antec 1035B (350W) case from CompUSA for Christmas (just in time ) This was the ONLY case in town with a 350W power supply. No 400W available nearby and we didn't want to wait for shipment from anywhere as it would have been the middle of next week at the earliest. All I can say is that Antec makes a damn nice case! This thing is solid and very well made plus has plent of power. Tons of room inside to work. Also, the fan setup is nice...the CPU is running at about 35-40C and everything is pretty quiet.

We got everything fired up but had some problems recognizing one of the HD's that was running Win2000 Pro with NTFS. We've since reverted to Win98 (for other reasons) running on the other HD. KCBoomer has made another post on that subject.

Thanks again.