power supply for athlon XP

[AvatarD]

I have a friend who wants to put a new mobo and processor into his computer before college. I told him to go with a new Athlon XP and MSI KT3 Ultra, but later I found out that he currently only has a microATX board, in a midtower case with a 250 watt powersupply. I said to just buy an ATX case, but he wants to find a microATX board and use the processor. But will 250 P/S even be enough for a XP2100+??? I doubt it, but he doesn't believe me. Any comments??

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[jar5tyle]

I doubt it. Most people will say to go with at least a 350 watt. I'm running on a 300 watt, perfectly stable. Who knows, some people have different luck, but I'm doubting he will be able to run it with a 250 watt.

 

[CubicZirconia]

On the contrary, I'd say he'll be fine. Most people reccomend 300/350, but that doesnt mean its needed. Personally, I've run xp systems on both 200 and 215 watt psu's. Its definately possible.

 

[AvatarD]

Thanks a lot. I'm still gonna recommend going with a new case and power supply, only because I think using a miniATX is kinda stupid. Especially if he wants it to last 4 years.

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[BuddyAtBzboyz]

Well you never know in a few years more people may be using microatx and miniatx and even miniITX. Cause eventually all this stuff gets better. I don't know if the 250 will work though cause by the sounds of it it is an oem machine and they usually have horrible powersupplies

 

[Ausm]

I ran my Athlon XP's on power Supplies Ranging from 300W to 400 Watts

Ausm

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

Yeah I use a 300W one but if you have a good quality 250W it should work.

 

[Boonesmi]

if its a highly integrated motherboard (onboard video/sound/etc) then there is a real good chance his current powersupply will work fine

but start adding video cards/etc it might have problems

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

I would say yes as long as its not a bottom of the barrel 250W. I Know a few people running full systems on 250W ps.