power for athlon XP mobo

[pete [MP]]

hi there,
maybe someone has some info on this?
i am getting myself a new mobo (EPoX EP-8KTA3PRO) and processor, amongst other things (graphix card, HD). I checked the specs for the mobo, and it says it can support anything from a duron 750mhz to an athlonXP 1800+.
Right now, i plan on installing a duron 900mhz processor, until i get more cash and prices drop, which is when i will go for the athlonXP 1800+, or maybe an even faster one, if the mobo will still support it.
my question is, what type of power supply do i need for this? is 300W obligatory? or is this only needed for overclocking? because i checked the AMD recommendations on their website and when it comes to power (for the athlonXP1800), they also have some recommendations of 250W or even 200W power units.
and does my PSU have to be "AMD recommended"? or can it be a no-name one? the connector to the mobo is always the same, no?
also, if i wanted to overclock the athlonXP1800+, would i need more than I would need normally?

last but not least, i saw some PSUs (enermax) which allow you to rev down the fan, so it makes less noise. that most probably means that it will get quite warm-hot inside the case: so when will i know when it gets too hot, since i dont really want to melt my processor, but at the same time im quite sensitive and would like the PSU to be maximally silent...
i know there are especially built PSUs for that, but right now i dont have cash for them, so the enermax(http://www.enermax.com.tw/products/switch-main.htm) looks just right, but im a bit paranoid about things overheating inside and me not finding out until its too late...

any info appreciated...
thanks!
pete

:D

[killem1x1]

If you plan on doing any real overclocking then you will need a good PSU. That does not mean it must be AMD approved to be a good one. I use an off brand 400w now, and have used the same brand in 5-6 systems over the last few months. It is named the POWMAX, and has been very reliable.

[oc jason]

you dont really need a huge PS even in a bigt system, that is said by many and is seen by me as a little hard to swallow. I have a 200watt MAX PS. Running my system, and so afar it stable all the time. That is 200watt mAX meaning that it usually pushes about 150watts or so all the time, and my chip takes 90 watts alone. Still my case may be one in a million, so id stay away from anything under 350watts, and dont go by AMD approved list. just read here and get what we get

Enermax, Sparkle, Antec, Future power, POWMAX.

[Sonny]

The thing to check with PSUs are if the voltages remain at acceptable levels. Never accept one that dips below its rating. The manufacturers allow a ±.25V which is really not acceptable when you start to really demand performance from your system. Going over it is much better. Have them test it with a multimeter during load on a similar system, same MoBo, just to be safe & not have to deal with that variable when it comes time to O/C. Watch out for the 5V rail & if you have to test as much as you can do it. I got an Enermax 431W for my system & tested a few of them before I let go of my hard earned money.

[PsYko420]

Eh,
Amds are power hungry (nuthin wrong with that though) I'd say at least 300w for the xp1800+ if you don't oc it...
If you oc it well 350w at least.
The duron you have more freedom but I don't suggest getting a 200-250w psu for the duron if your definetly gonna buy that xp then you'll end up having to buy another 300-350w psu and have a 200-250w just sitting around. So save your money get the Duron and a 350w psu. Then wait till you have enough and get that 1800+ you know you want to we all know you want to.

[pete [MP]]

thanks for all the replies!
i think ill get myself that enermax one which i linked to above.
so thanks fo the feedback,
piotr