Underpowered supply. Can I use 2 powersupplies?

[glow_bug]

Hi guys, I have an MSI K7T MB with a duron 800. 20G HD 5400 and CD burner.
Running WIN2k. I get intermittent power downs. I think I may have a bad power supply or at least it is underpowered. (I doubt that it is underpowered. It is suppose to be a 300w PS. But it might be a crappy one.)

To check if this is true, I'm using another power supply to power the floppy,
HD, and CD bruner. Can anyone think of any reason this is a bad idea. I'm only going to be using this setup for a while to see if it is the PS.

Thanks.

GB

 

[puppet]

The one down side that comes to mind would be that by having handed off some of the load to the other PS,.....Will you be able to make a good diagnosis? Some PS require a certain amount of draw in order to function properly. Given what you have listed component wise,it would be hard to accept a 300w PSU couldn't handle that.

You may be right in saying the PS is crappy but what else do you know about that unit. How many amps is it rated for @ 5v.....12v........etc.?? If you can measure the output with a meter that would be better. If not , can you take it to a local shop to test it for you?

 

[Ben]

This may interest you. Modifying Your Case: Add a Second PSU

 

[glow_bug]

Unfortunately, even with the second PS taking some of the load off, I had a power down. I'll try using this rig for a while longer to see if the power downs are at least less frequent. (crossed fingers)

Puppet, I'll look into the the original PS and get it tested. Probably the best thing to do.

Hey Ben, that was a great link. I love that idea. It is much cheaper than getting just one large one. No matter what happens, I think I'll make the mod. It looks cool.

Thanks.

GB

 

[BadThad]

puppet is correct. The thing to do is measure the amps (current)...or buy a better ps. Personnally, I wouldn't spend time on the case mod, LOL.

Good Luck!

 

[Dingas]

Currently, i have a 300 watt PS (made by deer), and it is running a 1.33ghz axia, on an asus a7v133, with a floppy drive, a 20gig 7200 rpm, 46gig 7200 rpm, 2X 60gig 5400 rpm. Yet to have a problem, yes, i have no cd rom hooked up, btw...

 

[fargus]

Here's another take on the two PS configuration.

Link

 

[Ben]

Sweet.

 

[HansHurt]

Ok, fargus I think I'll get started on making my own circuit board, and programming a microprocessor right away