Would my comp be able to add an other hdd ?

[StoneColdWhat]

400w psu, got 3 hdd and dvd burner currently with ATI AIW 9800 128mb, would I be able to run 1 more ? I know it'll be pushing it but if I get a new psu I'll be tempted to get new everything else.

[kadzbiz]

It depends on how compatible the HDD's are for a start. The slowest one determines the speed. Why do you need another one anyway? You can always buy a larger external USB connected HDD and that way your data is portable. That's how I backup everything, and I take it with me any time I'm away from home, just in case something bad happens.....

[redwudz]

If it's really a 400W PS, sure. But some economy PSs are mislabeled. If you have a quality name brand PS like Antec, Seasonic, or similar, there should be enough reserve. I run 8 hard drives in my video server with a 450W PS. But it is rated properly and doesn't put out much heat with 8 drives in place.

One simple way to check your PS is to hold your hand by the output fan when it's under a full load. If it's blowing out hot air, it may not be big enough. Heat is the major killer of PSs. If they run cool, then it's not likely they are overloaded.

[bevills1]

A 400W PS should be sufficient IMO. I run 2 different systems each with 250W PS, 2 HDD, 1 CDROM and 1 DVD burner with no problems on either system. Power problems usually occur on system startup if problems are likely because more power is used for drives to spin up to speed. Worst case scenario would be replacing PS if problems are encountered, but I find 500W or higher PSs free after rebate from various vendors periodically at http://home.bellsouth.net/.

[StoneColdWhat]

bevills1: Really ? I've seen lots of things free after rebate but never a PSU, is that an american site ?

redwudz: I'll try the fan method later on, but how bout my video card also ? It uses a power connector also if I remember correctly.

kadzbiz: just not a fan of externals.

[redwudz]

Depends again on the quality of your PS. From what I have seen, some graphics boards use a lot more power than a hard drive, at least judging from the heat they put out. Like bevills1 said, usually if you overload a PS, you will know it on boot up.

I don't know about free PSs, but I just picked up a Thermaltake W0093RU 500W PS from NewEgg for $45US after a $20 rebate.

[kadzbiz]

Well, I only use my external as a back up. Just a thought tho.

[bevills1]

Correction on my 4/22 post due to my haste resulting in copy and paste incorrect URL. Go to http://bensbargains.net/ to find very good deals on PS as well as many other items.

[bigstusexy]

Power Wise you might be Ok, it depends on the quality of the PSU as stated before. The only real problem comes in connections. Are your current drives IDE or SATA? Sounds like all your connections may be used up as it is and You'll need to purchase a controller card.

[StoneColdWhat]

My psu is MACRON and has both IDE and Sata cables, all my hdd are ide atm.

[bigstusexy]

Never heard of them so I can't comment on quality, did you buy your system from them? So you are out of IDE spaces to put your drives in, less you have a second controller.

It might be prudent to get a Sata controller if you have to buy one.
You'll get somewhat better performance out the drives and you'll be more adequately ready for a system upgrade.

[StoneColdWhat]

nah didnt' buy my system from them I just bought the psu, I think I have 1 more ide, but most drives these days are sata anyways an d I've got plenty of those, I'm just worried about the power.

[bevills1]

FYI check http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4548667 to find 600W PSU free after rebate for those who've never seen PSU free after rebate.

[kush]

Macron should be under the crap that shouldn't be used header...I think I had one of those in my old Fry's BYO box; light as a feather. As others have said, use quality components, you may pay more to start, but think of it this way... They will be better built, generally have far better warranties (5 year, or "lifetime" in the case of the linked Ultra, if you register it online w/ them)...And the topper, you will probably (certainly?) see a FAR better power efficiency with a better PSU than a no-name junk unit (ie: 80+% perhaps vs 65% or less). You may not *need* 600w of power, but it will allow you more leeway for future upgrades, as well as being more likely to hit that sweet spot for the PSU and hit the optimal efficiency rating..Remember, just because it's rated for X watts, doesn't mean it will pull that much, it will only take what your hardware demands (+ the overhead for the inefficiency [heat] of course)
.
The Ultra is not the best unit around, Seasonic is still a better maker (IMO) than Ultra's current OEM -- but it's still a fine PSU, and for the FAR price, you can't beat it . There's a reason why many of the higher rated brands (ie: the newer Antec's, PC Power and Cooling, Corsair, among others) out there are using them (SS) for their OEM source these days after all.. They're (Ultra) not the same blow-my-PC-up (bling over quality power) POS 1st gen (edit - mean to say X Connect)'s that were OEM'd by WinTech (iirc).