Ult-350p?

[ElectroPulse]

Hello, all!

I'm getting ready to put together a computer for my mom from the parts we've got laying around the house.

Here's what we've got so far:
M4A785TD-M EVO Motherboard (from the Microsft/AMD Ready To Launch Tour Kit I got back in '09)
AMD Athlon II X4 620 (Also from the Ready To Launch Tour)
8gb (2x4gb) of Kingston 1600mhz RAM
Random dvd-rw drive we have lying around
One of two random cases we have lying around

It also appears that the best PSU we've got lying around is a ULT-350P Ultra V Series power supply.

According to what I've read, it shouldn't have a problem running what we're going to have in there. People in the past have said that the Ultra V Series power supplies can run what they're rated for without a problem. The other thing I've been reading about them is that they use old technology (from about '04), and the soldering isn't that great, etc.

My main concern is the possibility of ruining other hardware in the thing... I'm fine with running the PSU into the ground, but don't want it taking the motherboard/anything else with it. We got that computer (pre-built) probably about 8 years ago, and my brother switched computers about 3-4, so it's got a few years on it.

So... Should we go ahead and throw it in there, or drop some money on a newer one? (I really like the idea of putting one together without spending any extra money... So, if it would work without much risk of ruining other hardware, I think we'll just do that).

Thanks!

 

[rolli59]

The risk is always there and gets bigger as it gets older. I had an older Ultra X connect in the closet for two years and did what you are doing built from spare parts but found out that the PSU was failing that is most likely capacitors because it would not start unless multiple presses on the power button. I got a 400watt ANTEC on shell shocker at Newegg for $25 and replaced it. Often you can get Corsairs CX430 for $20+ on deals.

 

[computerparts1]

Drop some money on a newer and better quality psu. It will save you head aches in the long run.

 

[davC]

That is a unit built by Wintech, which I believe are out of business now. Thing is, the 350 rating is rated for peak wattage not continuous. That being said, your setup there doesn't require that much power and would be fine.

One thing though is yes the capacitors it uses will be a mix of Fuhjyyu and GoldLink, which are horrible and fail often. Check for bloated caps. I believe it has a two transistor design for the 5VSB circuit, and if one of the caps on the circuit is bad, you might get a very high reading on the 5VSB

I have the V series 500W PSU, I replaced all of the capacitors and it's a nice, quiet power supply for a 300W system.