[Ham-Computers] RE: Computer shutting itself down - follow-up

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

BTW, might I ask brand of power supply they sent?  And, do you know if it's a standard ATX size?

The reason I ask is that not all power supplies are built alike.  Much like in the audio amplifier world, 500 watts is not always 500 watts.  Often, a bulk of the total power (in watts) will only be available on one of the power rails (PC power supplies have +12, +5, +3.3, -5, and -12 volt outputs).  Also, the +3.3v output is often cascaded from the +5v rail and the "combined" output can't exceed what the +5v rail can supply.  For example, I've seen labels that state "combined +5 and +3.3v is 135 watts MAX" on "400 Watt" power supply.  The remaining 265 watts are only available via the remaining +12, -5, and -12 volt rails (of which the -5 and -12 are often spec'd at less than a couple amps each).

I personally prefer PC Power and Cooling power supplies - the first company that really put an emphasis on high-quality PC power supplies.  A good alternative is Antec's "True Power" and "NeoHE" line.  The NeoHE gains points due to it's efficiency - the 430W unit I have is measures 98% efficiency on a power meter - the PPC 400W in another system is 74% efficient (which is typical for most power supplies).  For more generic applications (e.g. lower cost), "Sparkle Power" is a good choice (despite the name) as well as Antec's "Smart Power" line.

If it's a "Gateway" branded power supply, let's hope that the name carries some weight.  Gateway itself doesn't manufacture anything, so you'll have to look at the label for the specs.  Taking a quick guess, I'll bet that it's a lower cost generic that "fits the bill".  If it's a standard ATX form-factor power supply and you have an option to return it (since it doesn't quite "fit" your application), do so and check Newegg's inventory for an alternative.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O




-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 4:30 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Computer shutting itself down - follow-up


    It has only gotten worse. I ordered the 500-watt power supply on Saturday, and surprisingly enough it showed up today. The down side is that it doesn't fit the computer. The motherboard has a 20-pin connector 
and this new power supply has 24.

    The genius at Gateway that I spoke to, after 20 minutes, finally came to the conclusion that it wouldn't work! Thank goodness I called!

    Customer Service informed me that they no longer support this machine. Huh? It's under warranty until next February! No matter - they gave me a phone number for a company that carries their out-of-date parts.

    Called them. The largest power supply they have is 300 watts. 50 more than I have now, and it's $80!

    I'm on the verge of keeping this 500-watt supply and jury-rigging it into the case. At least I can use it to power everything but the motherboard, and use the supply that's in the case to power the motherboard.

    I'd also tell you my feelings about Gateway at this point, but it would only get me banned.

Thanks, all
73
Dave
KB3MOW