Is 250W enough for a Duron/K7T Pro system?

[NinthKey]

I'm finally upgrading my K6-3 system to a Duron system. Here's what my final setup would look like (components from K6-3 system marked with an asterisk):

Duron 650 MHz (w/ standard 3-wire cooling fan)
Microstar K7T Pro MS-6330 ATX mamaboard
*256MB PC100 SDRAM
*6.4GB IDE hard drive (running Win98)
3dfx Voodoo3 3000 AGP
*SB Live
*3Com Ethernet card (connected to outboard cable modem)
*generic CD-ROM drive (24x Max)
*HP 7200i CD-RW drive (4x/2x)

Since my current system is crammed in a Baby AT case, I need to get a new ATX case. What I need to know is this: will this case -- http://shop.store.yahoo.com/thechipmerchant/41555-0.html -- be enough to power the system, or should I spend the money on something more expensive with a 300W power supply -- http://shop.store.yahoo.com/thechipmerchant/41505-0.html? Keep in mind that I don't plan to overclock this system and I don't have any really special cooling needs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pdo]

Look at my sig and decide for yourself..

 

[NinthKey]

Okay, I can use 250W now. But let's say I want to upgrade to a T-bird down the road. Would I have to get a new power supply then? I'd be willing to spend a little more now if it means I could save a few bucks later...

Or am I just answering my own question without all the info?

 

[jakinney]

I'm using an InWin A500 with a 235W power supply, and I've had no problems. Here's my setup:

Abit KT7-RAID
AMD Thunderbird 800 Mhz (oc'd to 950 Mhz)
128 MB Mushkin PC133 CAS2 Memory
(2) 20.4 GB Maxtor 7200 rpm ATA/100 Hard Disk Drives
VisionTek GeForce 2 MX 32 MB
SoundBlaster Live Value
Toshiba 48x
SMC EtherPower 10/100 10Base4
InWin A500
Alpha PAL 6035

justin

 

[Impact55]

make sure it's a quality PS.

 

[SimonSays]

their are many factors that will consitute if 250W is enough or not.
HS/Fan on CPU
motherboard
cooling process(watercooling)

 

[cdrakejr]

While many people seem to use less than 300W power supplies without problems, they also usually have high quality power supplies. I just don't feel that the few dollars saved are worth the potential problems.
Several articles have pointed out that when people are having problems with stability, the power supply is one of the last things they think about.
I couldn't figure out what the shipping is on the two cases you linked to. I always am put off by companies that aren't up front with shipping charges. Don't feel you should have to go through the check-out process to find out how much the total cost is.
:disgust:

Since you want to leave yourself a margin of safety for future upgrades, I suggest taking a look at the Antec KS282. If you do a search of the forum you'll find many references to Antec. Many people rave about the SX830/1030, but they are also more expensive than the KS282. All three come with the same 300W power supply, PP303X. Unless you need the extra drive bays, the KS282 is an excellent choice. I've built two systems now with it and have no regrets or complaints.
Bought both of mine at MyChaseShop.
They have the lowest price I know of, $58.85 with free shipping if you register on the site (without registration, the shipping is still only $3.50).

Here is a review of the case: Antec KS282

Shipping for cases is often high, so be sure you factor that in when comparing. What starts out as a bargain may not end up that way.
Good luck.

 

[hans007]

i ran a 1 ghz/ athlon classic, which draws a lot more power than durons, 65watts max dissipation on a pretty loaded system on a 250 watt. It was an antec 250 watt though

 

[moolman]

Let's just end the discussion here, get the dang 300 watt, you can't go wrong. If you must then go with the 250watt, do you need the 300, maybe not, do you want to risk it, maybe not.

Alex