What would happen if I do this?

[Superman]

My situation is this: My computer's power supply just died tonight. I used this other computer's supply to test it. Now, my computer had a 350 Watt Antec, and this one has one that's 250 Watts. What happens if I put this 250 Watt supply in my computer and try to run it?

[Ace Pace]

Instability, you won't want to run anything intensive.

[Superman]

Ok. So when I buy my replacement later today, should I get something like a 450 Watt supply? Is it generally better to have more wattage?

[Ace Pace]

It is generally better to have more wattage but remember two things:

1) Don't buy cheap, if you see a 500W PSU for 20$, don't even think, drop it. Buy from solid brands such as Antec, Thermeltake, OCZ, HEC(?), they generally cost more but they are solid.

2) Don't overbuy, a budget PC does not need 500W.

[Superman]

It is generally better to have more wattage but remember two things:

1) Don't buy cheap, if you see a 500W PSU for 20$, don't even think, drop it. Buy from solid brands such as Antec, Thermeltake, OCZ, HEC(?), they generally cost more but they are solid.

2) Don't overbuy, a budget PC does not need 500W.

Thanks. I'll head to Fry's later and get a new Antec.

[Tolya]

Wattage is not generally as important as power output stability.

For example: my uncle has some crappy low price 350 Watt power box - and when he checked the voltages on various components it turned out that the voltage is fluctuating - and instead of (for example) 3.3V he had 3.12V. That's bad.

I got a 350Watt Chieftec and voltage outputs are as stable as they can get.

350W should be just fine if your comp is fairly standart one.

And if you put 250W the worst thing you can experience is having your computer turn off in the middle of something (for most of us it's games which put stress on power output)