query reg. Mercury (AP4300XA) 300-Watt Power Supply

[amaramrahul]

I have recently purchased a new MSI K8NGM2-FID motherboard and Athlon64 3500+ processor. I would like to know if I could use the SMPS which I was using for my previous motherboard (ASUS A7N266-VM) and processor (AthlonXP 2000+). It is 20-pin ATX power supply, 300W with 12 V powe connector outputting 15A. The manual for MSI motherboard recommended 350W power supply with 12 V power connector outputting a minimum of 18 A. I would like to know if this is mandatory condition i.e. whether I can use the current SMPS or should I buy a new one. Also is there any potential harm to the motherboard or processor if I use the current SMPS ?

 

[o1die]

You would just have to try it. I wouldn't use a 300w power supply with any mid range video card. There are plenty of 350-450w power supplies for $35-45 that will give you some peace of mind. I like sparkle (made by fortron fsp). Newegg has a 400w model with large 12cm side fan for around $40.

 

[amaramrahul]

Thanks for the response o1die. I am not using any video card. Actually what I am more concerned is whether there is any possible chance of damage to motherboard or the processor if I use this SMPS?

 

[o1die]

I don't think it will hurt anything to try it.

 

[amaramrahul]

hi o1die, as suggested I have tried it and it is working perfectly. Also I am not using any video cards ... so my guess is 15 A should suffice. My only concern is that in the motherboard manual they have written that the 12V power connector should be of minimum 18A. I just hope the processor doesn't get damaged because of using a 15A power connector. I have sent the same query to MSI technical support team and am awaiting their response .

 

[n7]

It'll be fine most likely.

But if you do ever plan to add a video card, then you'll need something better.

 

[amaramrahul]

Below is the response I got from MSI technical support team for my query. Guess shouldn't be an issue using the old SMPS .

------------------------------------------------------

Dear Rahul,
You can try with your old SMPS and might it works without problem and please
don't worry if it doesn't support then it would not damage anything.

Thanks/Regards,
Technical support - India
Micro-star International
Email: technical@msi-india.com
Visit us at www.msi-india.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Rahul Amaram [mailto:amaramrahul@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 4:21 AM
To: technical@msi-india.com
Subject: query reg. SMPS

Hi,
I have recently purchased a new MSI K8NGM2-FID motherboard and Athlon64
3500+ processor. I would like to know if I could use the SMPS which I
was using for my previous motherboard (ASUS A7N266-VM) and processor
(AthlonXP 2000+). It is 20-pin ATX power supply, 300W with 12 V supply
outputting 15A. The manual for MSI motherboard recommended 350W with 12
V supply outputting a minimum of 18 A. I would like to know if this is
mandatory condition i.e. whether I can use the current SMPS or should
buy a new one. Also is there any potential harm to the motherboard or
processor if I use the current SMPS ?

Regards,
Rahul.