Power Supply Questions

[philaphan80]

I'm experiencing some power supply issues in a recently-home-built
computer. Because of this, I'm looking into purchasing a better PSU
with a higher amp rating. However, I'm a newbie when it comes to power
specifications and dimensions.

I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX
case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an
ATX case. But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power
into my MATX machine.

My questions are:

1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case?

2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and
an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?)
I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the
MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case.

Thanks in advance!

 

[KC Computers]

I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX

case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an
ATX case. But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power
into my MATX machine.
1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case?

That depends on the size of your MATX case and existing power supply.
What make and model is your case? What are the dimensions of your power
supply?

2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and
an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?)
I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the
MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case.

Yes, it is safe to use an ATX PS with an MATX motherboard. There
is no risk of damaging anything.

 

[JAD]

I have seen a cube with a ATX PSU in it (on it?).....NOT pretty. Even
though the fan seemed to pull more air the case was rather warm. Most of the
matx's that I have seen had comparable amperage as an ATX PSU. I don't see a
'frying' happening. I never really looked at the connector to the MB, There
have been a couple of standard changes as of late.


The BTX PSU's look rather smaller' than an ATX standard....maybe that
would be a better choice. Again there is that connector question.

 

[David Maynard]

I'm experiencing some power supply issues in a recently-home-built
computer. Because of this, I'm looking into purchasing a better PSU
with a higher amp rating. However, I'm a newbie when it comes to power
specifications and dimensions.

I already *know* a Micro-ATX (MATX) motherboard can fit into an ATX
case. I've also heard (case by case) that an MATX PSU can fit into an
ATX case.

Yes, of course. Generically speaking this falls into the category of "small
things fit inside larger boxes."

But I have the opposite problem... I need to get more power
into my MATX machine.

My questions are:

1. Can an ATX PSU fit into an MATX case?

Generally no, depending. If the mATX case is 'large' for a mATX case then
it might. Or, if you don't put things that interfere with it in the case
then it might.

A mATX PSU is shorter than an ATX PSU and that allows the mATX case to have
a shorter depth. In a 'tower' style mATX case the PSU is located behind the
5.25 inch bays and if you don't put a CD player up there, or find a really
short one, then you could cram an ATX PSU into it. But you can't count on
that as a universal condition and many mATX cases are laid out differently.

2. Regardless of the case they're in, is it safe to run an ATX PSU and
an MATX motherboard together? (Or will the larger PSU fry the board?)

No problem.

I ask because my Plan B might be to install the new ATX PSU *and* the
MATX motherboard into a new ATX mid-tower case.

I've got two like that.

 

[Andy]

ENERMAX EG285SX-VB(W)SFM 270W Power Supply
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103453
http://www.enermax.com.tw/products_page.php?Tid=1&gon=229&Gid=18&Gid2=23

 

[philaphan80]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I've ordered a new power supply to test
my situation. If worse comes to worst, I'll just "house" it outside
the case for a few weeks to test it thoroughly. Then, if it works,
I'll worry about a new case.

Thanks again!

 

[philaphan80]

Update.....

Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I
highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU.
Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even
includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or
cube cases!! See below for details.)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-detailsInactive.asp?Sku=ULT31588

(Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It
says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in
different colors. Look in the same category for more product
listings.)

As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the
motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on
possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big
deal.

The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the
"modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed!
(Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the
moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're
looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case.

(FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail.
The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one
of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7
and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9
- 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.)

Thank you, everyone, for your help!

 

[Timbertea]

Update.....

Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I
highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU.
Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even
includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or
cube cases!! See below for details.)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-detailsInactive.asp?Sku=ULT31588

(Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It
says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in
different colors. Look in the same category for more product
listings.)

As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the
motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on
possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big
deal.

The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the
"modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed!
(Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the
moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're
looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case.

(FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail.
The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one
of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7
and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9
- 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.)

Thank you, everyone, for your help!

That isn't a bad supply. I kind of like the modular design (not that I
mind tucking cables away - I generally use velcro straps from the local
fabric store & a dab of polyeurathane glue to make them stick to where I
want to mount them to the case). What if the efficiency rating on those?

 

[philaphan80]

Not sure. I'm no expert when it comes to power supplies. If you're
looking for something on the label, though, let me know and I can look
it up for you. (It's still outside the case, so that would be no
problem.)

 

[Bob M]

Update.....

Got the new power supply yesterday and installed it last night. I
highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new, high-power PSU.
Modular cables, 2 *very* quiet fans (can hardly hear them!).... even
includes SATA cables! (Important Note: Not recommended for MATX or
cube cases!! See below for details.)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-detailsInactive.asp?Sku=ULT31588

(Apparently, I got lucky and got it for $50 on a clearance deal. It
says it's out of stock now, but the same exact model is available in
different colors. Look in the same category for more product
listings.)

As you predicted, the PSU fit into the case, but was too big for the
motherboard connector cord *and* CD drives to fit. I was planning on
possibly moving everything into an ATX case anyway, so that's no big
deal.

The part that surprised me was, because of the thickness of the
"modular" motherboard cable, the HDD/FDD chamber had to be removed!
(Yes, my mound of metal and spaghetti wiring is quite a mess at the
moment. But it's not permanent, so I don't mind.) So if you're
looking to get this PSU, make sure you have a full-sized ATX case.

(FYI.... My original problem was a low amp rating on the +12V rail.
The new amp rating of 34 made a significant adjustment to the old one
of 15. It was running low before at an average range of 11.6 - 11.7
and dropping below 11.4 occasionally. It's now sitting pretty at 11.9
- 12.1 and not fluctuating at all.)

Thank you, everyone, for your help!

Pretty cool. I've never heard of that brand before. Can't be all bad
though. The picture shows the exact same case that I have. <g>

Bob