Mike Bilow wrote:
>
> Drives use by far more instantaneous current to spin up then they
need to
> run in active idle mode. A big, modern IDE drive can consume
about 2.0A
[Excellent analysis trimmed]
Nowadays I think the "danger" comes from two sources. First is
poor PS quality, and the second is the increased power demands of
other components.
Cheap PS' will not be able to hold the voltage constant under an
instantaneous load. Even the best can't, but its a measure of
how "stiff" the PS is if it can maintain a stable +5V line, under
sudden load. Dips on this line (and others) can affect the entire
system.
Secondly, processors and video cards can suck power. I have 2
overclocked Celerons running at 522 MHz, EACH with its own Alpha
cooler + 60x20mm fan. I have an 80mm case fan in the bottom of
the case, with a 60x20mm fan mounted in the top. Completing
the package is a Voodoo3 card with a "slot exhauster" fan.
I also have a 100BaseT NIC, internal ISA modem and vintage SB16,
plus an AHA2940 for my CDRW (internal).
I'm using the 235W ATX PS that came with the case.
Where you _can_ run into trouble is with a PS loaded to a good
percentage of its capacity, THEN hit with an instantaneous load.
Suddenly your +5V line can bounce around, which can cause memory
errors, CPU errors, etc.
--
Edward Schernau http://www.schernau.com
Network Architect mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Rational Computing Providence, RI, USA
