Two power supplies in one machine
I have two hard disks which I would like to use. When I bought the second one I didn't realize that my power supply only had one hard disk cable.
Is there any way I can still use my second one, like a connector or something? If not, I have a newer one (900W) that I haven't used, but a friend said that it's too powerful for the use of my computer and might cause some damage.
Any solutions?
- Mainboard : Asus P5LD2-SE
- Processor : Intel Pentium D 945 @ 3400 MHz
- Video Card : NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT
- Hard Disk : ST3250820AS (250GB)
- Physical Memory : 1536 MB
- Monitor Type : Samsung SyncMaster - 17 inches
- Network Card : RTL8168/8111 PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
- DVD-ROM Drive : TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-H652D ATA Device
- Operating System : Windows 7 Ultimate.
Motherboards can't be damaged by having a "too strong" power supply, the PSU only delivers the energy that your components draw.
A 900W rating means that's the maximum that this particular PSU can deliver, but if your components have a combined draw of 300W, that's all they get.
For using one power cable for two disks, you may use what's called Internal Power Supply Cable Splitter or Power Supply Y Cable from your local electronics shop. However, ensure that your PSU is up to the task.
It's pretty much impossible to damage the computer with an over-wattage PSU, but it could be inefficient. Most power supplies run at different efficiencies depending on load. Depending on how your 900W PSU is designed, it could be VERY inefficient, seeing as a 350W seems to be working right now.
Don't worry about damaging the computer, though. Every computer PSU is regulated to well within acceptable voltage, regardless of load.