Newbie questions, please help...

[RaynorWolfcastle]

OK, so I'm not exactly a newbie to the forum any more but I'm preparing for my first build and I had a few questions.

1) How do I calculate how much of a power supply I'll need? (ballpark)

2) Do typical power connectors use 3 pins or 4? I'm going to be using an Shuttle AK31
3) Can I buy the screws used to mount drives at the hardware store? Directron charges an extra $1 for the screws and that seems kinda expensive for screws

4) Does the Alpha PAL8045 fit my mobo?

5) Are Antec PS's quiet?

Feel free to answer only 1 or 2 (or all 😀) of these questions if you can 🙂

Thanks in advance
-Ice

PS: Merry Christmas to all

 

[foofoo]

<< 1) How do I calculate how much of a power supply I'll need? (ballpark) >>


for a standard pc (1 cpu, cd-r, flopy, dvd, 1-2 hd, ok video + 2 pci cards) 300W (a good supply) is about right. if you load up on more hd or have it stuffed full of pci or go dual proc, then you might need more.


<< 2) Do typical power connectors use 3 pins or 4? I'm going to be using an ECS K7VTA3 >>


drives (cdrw, dvd, hd, etc) are all 4 pin power. (power cables come from the power supply and there's almost always enough connections) fans are 3 or 4 pin devices depending on the fan


<< 3) Can I buy the screws used to mount drives at the hardware store? Directron charges an extra $1 for the screws and that seems kinda expensive for screws >>


you can if you want, the screws for hds are size 6-32 1/4" long phillips head. but it's easier to just order them. also, you get plenty of them if you order a new case.


<< 4) Does the Alpha PAL8045 fit my mobo? >>


dont know


<< 5) Are Antec PS's quiet? >>


in relative terms, yes

good luck

 

[Wheezer]

As far as the Alpha goes I have the same board and it will not fit. I would recommend a Thermalright SK-6.

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

<< As far as the Alpha goes I have the same board and it will not fit. I would recommend a Thermalright SK-6. >>



AAAAAHHHH crud...
will I still be able to use a Silencer 80mm fan if I use the diagonal fan trick? Will it provide enough airflow?

-Ice