PSU up to the task?

[altitude2k]

This morning I turned on my PC to the tune of a loud pop, promptly followed by the upstairs ring main tripping out.

On taking my PC side off there was a burning smell, and in taking out my PSU it smells like it's coming from there. Now, I'm pretty sure that this is the problem and that it will need replacing although I would like to check with another PSU first. The problem that I have is that the only supply I have in the house (or available to try anywhere, at the moment) is only 300w. I'm very skeptical about using this to test my system, but was just looking for a second (or more) opinion.

If you could have a quick look at my system spec and let me know that would be great, cheers.

[awm]

If its a good 300W PSU take out the graphics card and see if it boots. Or you could test the first PSU out of the case. To do that use google and short out two pins. Ground and power on I believe.

[chuckskull]

300w will be enough to boot. If you have any problems, remove the PCI-e power connector. (the card will reduce it's clocks to compensate) and lose all the unneeded drives. Wouldn't recommend it for anything other than just testing though.

[FatalSaviour]

Hi Altitude.

It really depends on whether or not it's a good quality PSU...I wouldn't trust some of that nice hardware with any old PSU, but I would recommend taking out at least the Raptor HD first to test.

As it's a 6600GT, it won't have a 6-pin PCIe connector, but as the PCIe spec calls for a 75W max load, I wouldn't worry too much about this.

Actually, ignore above, http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp is a fairly useful little tool, which should help you.
I would disconnect any unnecessary hardware still, ie. the Raptor, maybe 1 stick of RAM, the Audigy etc, and see if it boots, then reconnect individual items if you think one of them might be causing problems too.

[altitude2k]

Thanks for the help. I gave it a go without any of my drives connected and it booted, so thankfully my PC was safe. I went out and replaced it with one of those Hiper 580w badboys, which is something I really wish I'd done a long time ago.

[awm]

Very good news. I'm sure you are very .