PSU Requirements for GigaByte EP43-UD3L

[timu]

hi, im new here.Plz help me someone. I want to change my MB with GigaByte EP43-UD3L. I have a PSU that has 350 watt. But the manual says it require 500 watt PSU. Do I have to upgrade my PSU. Right now its very costly for me. Right now im using - Intel Quad Core Q9400 2.6GHz, MSI P-35 Neo, Gigabyte ATI Radeon HD 5570, DDR 2 8GB RAM, Asus DVD Writer, Creative SB X-Fi SoundCard, Samsung HD103SJ ATA, Samsung HD502Hi ATA, LG E2240 Monitor, CanonScan Lide 100 Scanner, PSU - Chieftec GPS-350EB-101 A (350 watt),1 chasis fan that attached to MB. If i replace the MB to GigaByte, will it damage my system? PLEASE HELP....

[wazza300]

you might be ok aslong as you DONT overclock,but 350w is pushing things,a 500w would be more suitable/safe to use

[profJim]

What is the brand and model name of your current psu?
How old is your psu?
Can you provide a link to your power supply's specifications from the manufacturer's website?
If it's a high quality psu, you might be able to get by for a while as Wazza said.
If your power supply fails, it might damage some or all of your hardware!!

Many lower end power supplies cannot put out their "rated" power.
For long term reliability, you should never run any power supply higher than 80% of its true rated power output.

[timu]

sorry, can't find this model in manufacture's website.but i uploaded a pic, hope it will help. thanks for ur opinion...

[Conners]

I have a PSU that has 350 watt. But the manual says it require 500 watt PSU. Do I have to upgrade my PSU.

I think you answered your own question. As what brand, wattage you choose is up to you...

[profJim]

Chieftec Power Supply Units Roundup - X-bit labs reviewed 10 Chieftec power supplies in 2009.
The good news is the 400 watt psu didn't have any problems.
The bad news is it looks like the retail cost is or was about $20 (USD) which makes it a low end power supply.

HardwareSecrets has tested several low end name brand and generic power supplies over the years. Some of these burned or exploded when too much current was drawn by the psu. A good quality psu will shut down immediately when there are any problems. A voltage surge from the wall outlet can result in hardware damage if the psu uses cheap components or if it doesn't have adequate built in safety circuits.

Will your 350 watt Chieftec power your current system? Probably, as long as you don't overclock or upgrade your video card.
Will it be safe and reliable? I don't know.
Do I recommend using your current psu? No.
If your psu is 3 or more years old, there is a greater risk that your current power supply will fail and possibly damage your computer hardware.
If the psu motherboard cable uses a 24-pin or 20+4-pin connector, this is OK; if it only has a 20-pin connector, DO NOT USE YOUR PSU!!

I know that computer hardware often costs more in other countries which makes buying a higher quality power supply even more expensive than here in America.

Good luck and I hope your system works out OK.