Thanks and I did my numbers:

I'm thinking a P4 9xx CPU and it draws around 100w alone, new display cards
(ATI x series) also draws a lot of power. More than 1 web site said hard
disks draws 25w so I use that in my calculation to be on the safe side.
Plus RAM, DVD-RW, fans, and USB devices that might connect to the machine
every now and then. Each of those costs little but they add up. 350w might
not be sufficient all the time. In addition, I don't trust the PSU will
produce 350w as claimed by the manufacturer.

In the meanwhile, thank you for everyone's help in this.

Best regards.

"Ian Stirling" wrote in message
...
lee wrote:
Hi,

Over the years, I've kept a few ATX power supply from old computers.
Now,
I'm thinking about upgrading my computer and add more hard disks. The
problem is the current power supply might not be able to support so many
hard disks running at the same time. Instead of buying a new, more
powerful
power supply, I am planning to use one old piece (350w) to serve the
motherboard, CD, and 3 hard disks, then another power supply (350w too)
to

Do the numbers.
Only 8 should not be a problem, if it's a real 350W.

15W * 8 = only 120W.
Add another 100W for the motherboard, and you're pretty much fine.

Also.
You'll want to do the numbers on life cycle cost.
Yes, you may have 3 80G drives spare, that you can stick into a system.
If you're going to be leaving them on (which increases drive life), then
in some places, you'll pay for a new 240G drive in a couple of years.