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Hi Mark,

Just wanted to be sure that you want what you are asking for. First of all, why are you looking for a power supply, did yours die? Second, the supply size you are looking for is so small by today's standards, like it will barely pull a newer unit if at all. Last, it might be a great idea if you told us the specs to your computer so we could help you more, like motherboard, cpu, video card, drives....that way, we would actually know more about what you need for your unit.
 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
I need a power supply because I want to buy a video card that requires a minimum 250w psu. My computer is an eTower 633ids Motherboard is a TriGem System Board 633 MHz processor Intel Pentium 3 Celeron I have 191mb ram I have the built in video card(Intel(R)82810 graphics controller.
 

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Hi,

First of all, before I put a lot of money in an old case with an older motherboard, I would load the game and see if you can get it to work without changing your power supply.

What you have to decide is if you want just a stopgap measure which is what a 250 watt power supply is. The computers of today that are not too powerful require a bare minimum of 350 watts if a major brand like Antec and Enermax. Most modern units require close to 500 watts. While a power supply of 250 might run this game, you will keep having the same problem as you add things. I think you should look for a bigger power supply so you can expand in the future without having to do this thing twice.

If you just want to skim by with the bare basic, then choose a basic 250 that is not too expensive, because they will probably do the job for this game, but will not permit you to upgrade to maybe other games in the future that require more power.

There is also the issue of AT power supplies and ATX power supplies, so you need to know what you have (I don't know your machine) before you can replace the one you have.

If you buy an enermax or antec of 450 or so, that would be my recommendation. However, that will cost more bucks than taking a chance that the 250 will work. Also, you must know that some power supplies have different connectors than some, so that also is a problem. It may mean more work even if you just buy a smaller power supply. There are also newer supplies with the 24 pin connector instead of the old 20 pin connector, so that also can be an issue you have to deal with.

If you look carefully, you can find a wonderful new case called Antec Sonata II with a 450 watt supply that will carry anything you want to. They are around 120 bucks delivered and you will have close to 100 for a GOOD power supply. Whatever you do, don't buy a no-name supply.

Hope that helps.
 

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ATX is the larger of the two, often measuring about 6"x6"x4" or larger. Mini ATX is much smaller, often 4"x4"x2" and don't go beyond about 300w for total output. Often, OEM builders use these to give us headaches. If you can install a regular ATX then I'd recommend something from Antec or Enermax, as was suggested.

If you actually plan to make anything out of your eMachine then you'll want more than 250 watts.
 

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Hi,

I viewed your power supply and it might or might not work for you. What happens is that many of these companies like Sparkle advertise certain specs, but never meet them.

Mark, what I am saying is that you need to try the one you have and see if it will work with your new game. If it does not, then get something like the Sparkle and see if it works. If not, then RMA it back to them for a stronger one.

Last, but certainly not the least is a statement of my position. I can not in good conscience recommend a Sparkle or other off brand power supply. I am not saying it will not do the job for you, but I value the recommendations I give and I only recommend Antec and/or Enermax (except for an occasional Enlight) for power supplies. When I recommend something, I expect it to be the highest verified quality since I have to stand behind it. I also find it difficult to recommend that you invest in only a 250 watt power supply for a single game that you want to play. A 250 may do the job for you, but I would not like to stake my reputation on that fact.

Basically, maybe someone else with experience using Sparkle power supplies may give you a recommendation. I prefer to await another opinion on this one.
 

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Speaking of powersupplies, I have rigorusly (sp?) tested an Aspire 350Watt powersupply that originally came with an X-Dreamer case then I eventually moved onto the Cooler Master Centurion 5 case as an upgrade, the PSU is still strong as a horse and is getting the job done with my A64 and 6600GT system. I wouldn't count out Aspire PSU's is what I'm trying to say here, cause they last really long and are pretty dependible (Have had mine for over 2 years now).
 
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