PSU question

[2nd1stXP]

I have a question for you guys. What really uses the +3.3 line? I recently lost board and wonder if the psu is related. I hadn't had any problems untill now...
I have a Macron Power 350w supply
+3.3 = 14A
I have been comparing this to other models and it seems really low.
I have:
2x cd drives
3x harddrives
4x case fans
XP 1600+
Geforce 3 ti 200 videocard
1x floppy

Do I need to upgrade my psu?
My voltages on several of the lines were low but w/in the limits....
It was stable...

 

[LiLithTecH]

What uses the +3.3v line?

Motherboard's onboard devices/chipset
AGP Video
PCI Sound
PCI NIC

The PSU is probably sufficient for your setup.
Typical components and voltage drawn:

1. IDE Hard drive = 25w-30w
   CDRom Drive = 15w
   CDRW Drive = 18w-20w
   Floppy Drive = 4w
   AGP Video = 10w
   Memory (128 mb) = 10w
   System Fan = 3w
   CPU Fan = 3w
   USB Devices = 2.5w
   
   So in your case:
   IDE Hard drive = 28w(avg) x 3 = 84w
   CDRom Drive = 15w x 2 = 30w
   Floppy Drive = 4w
   AGP Video = 10w
   Memory (128 mb) = 10w
   System Fan = 3w x 4 = 12w
   CPU Fan = 3w
   
   Sub-Total = 153w
   add your AMD 1600+ +80w
   Total = 233w

System makers generally follow the rule of CPU + 80% of total other component voltage
to determine the size of a PSU for a particular system.

It not unusual for voltage regulators on motherboards to fail,
mostly damaging CPU's and the support chipsets.

You may want to check the line voltage where your PC is plugged in also.

 

[2nd1stXP]

Cool, thanks!