A power supply is an easy replacement. The only thing that might make it 
more of a job is if there are other components blocking the access. They 
would then require removal and reinstallation. You should be able to get 
a good power supply in the 450W to 500W range for about $50. I notice a 
couple of power supplies at newegg for slightly less than $50 with top 
ratings from numerous users. Yes - more is OK until a lot more is 
wasting money. Also, you want to leave room for future upgrades that 
might require more power than at present.

There are power splitters. I've never had a problem using them though I 
try to use splitters between  a higher power user and a lower power user 
OR put several very low power users (fans) on one line using a couple of 
splitters.

Tom Mayer

Andrew J. Rozsa wrote:
> Thank you, Tom. This is my first homebuilt so I still have some rough 
> spots. In the past, I have had to replace almost everything, at one 
> time or another, but never a PS. Hence my ignorance, although I have 
> started reading about them as much as I can. I know now that some of 
> the better rated PSs are over  $100 and I am pretty sure I don't want 
> to go there. It would be an overkill. Maybe for my future superbox 
> creation. ;-)
>
> Are you saying that "more is OK?" I used the calculator at eXtreme 
> Power http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp and came up 
> with 434W. I thought if I get a nice quiet PS that shows stable 
> voltage output in the 450W range I ought to be OK.Tom's Hardware 
> recommends Antec, Fortron And Zalman. 
> <http://www.tomshardware.com/2003/06/09/high_power_for_power_users/page19.html>. 
> I think I will look at these 3 brands.
>
> What do you do if the new PS has fewer connectors than you need? Are 
> there any power connector splitters and are they safe to use?
>
> I think I'll buy another slot fan. I am not going to argue with MWave 
> over $5.
>
> Thanks for the reply, Tom. Appreciate it.
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
> At 1/15/2007 09:22 AM, Tom wrote:
> >Your Power Supply question will likely get a number of responses.
> >Although there are many sources, I normally buy power supplies through
> >www.newegg.com because they are reliable and have a wide range of power
> >supplies. Don't limit yourself to only 450W as there may be a higher
> >powered or better PS for less cost due to some promotional pricing. As
> >to make, Antec has served me well although there are other good brands.
> >Most recent PS's will work with multiple power needs directly or through
> >included adapters. You can try to match your current specs.
> >
> >My slot fan is on whenever the computer is on. There are adapters
> >available to change from male to female or female to male. If there were
> >directions with your fan, do they have any hint as to the cause of your
> >apparent problem? The fan could be defective.
> >
> >Tom Mayer
> >
> >Andrew J. Rozsa wrote:
> >> 1. I come to believe that my system's PS is suspect. I would like to
> >> replace it. How does one figure out which PS to get? What determines
> >> what specific model one buys: size of the case (desktop), type of the
> >> MB (mine is an 865), etc.? Do all PSs come with the same number of
> >> connectors? Any preferences? Since I may have to leave the box open
> >> for a while, I'd like one with a quiet fan.
> >>
> >> What's inside the box now is a:
> >>
> >> Powmax
> >> ATX Switching PS
> >> Model No. LP-8800D
> >>
> >> It's a 400W model and it's ATX 2.03 and ATX12V 1.1 compliant, whatever
> >> that means. I would like to go up a notch to a 450W.
> >>
> >> If there is primer on PSs, please point me in the right direction.
> >>
> >> 2. The slot fan I got has two power plugs: a male and a female. I
> >> connected the female to a connector from the PS. Nothing happens. Do
> >> these things start spinning if the temperature goes to certain level
> >> or am I supposed to find a second connector for the male plug,
> >> although I don't see any free ones?
> >>
> >> I will be grateful for your help.
> >>
> >> Andrew
> >>
> >>
> >
> >

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