Cheap Computers and Parts

Notes we've taken concerning the Power Supply:

• Case does not come with a PSU
• # of SATA power connections needed: 2 (hard drive and CD/DVD drive)
• # of PCI-Express power connections needed: 0 (for video cards if needed)
• # of Floppy power connections needed: 1 (if you purchased a floppy drive)
• ATX Power Connectors: 1x 24-Pin Connector
• PC Power Connectors: 1x 12v 4-Pin Connector

Step 1: What to Look For

Most Power Supplies will have a 20/24 Pin connector (this may also appear as 20+4 Pin or 24 Pin) and a 12v 4 Pin connector but there are a few other essential connectors to look for:

• SATA connectors (For Hard drive(s) and CD/DVD-ROM(s))
• Peripheral Connectors (Also for our Hard drive(s), CD/DVD-ROM(s), some case fans and possibly other hardware)
• 1x FDD Connector (For a Floppy Disk Drive if needed)
• At least 1x PCI-E Connector (If we ever want to add a Video Card that needs a power connector)

Step 2: Finding a PSU

Computer Hardware --> Power Supplies --> Wattage (300w and up)

-Order by "lowest price"

The power supply isn't something you want to cut back on. It's nice to find a cheap PSU but if you get one that's truly "cheap" you run the risk of damaging your computer. Sometimes they start smoking, they can melt the motherboard connection or worse. Always read the reviews on power supplies. It's not a bad idea to pay a few more dollars for one that has great reviews than to get one that will fry your motherboard or catch on fire.

APEX AL-A400 ATX 400W Power Supply - $24.99

• Is at least 300W
• Has 1x 20+4 ATX Power Connector
• Has 1x 12v 4-Pin PC Power Connector
• Has 3x Peripheral Connectors
• Has 2x SATA Connectors
• Has 1x Floppy Connector

This PSU has great reviews and is fairly inexpensive. 400w is more than enough for what we need.

Next Lesson:

The hard part is over, it's time to move on to Lesson 17: How to Find a Cheap LCD Monitor.