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Case power capacity?

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10 replies

by ngen255

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Hello. My computer case right now is an Aopen KF-45A ATX 250w Mid-Tower Case. Apparently, I am in need of more wattage...but I was wondering, would it be possible to put in a 400w power supply into this case? I don't know if there is some sort of "cap" to the amount of power a case can hold

10 replies

by thechas

Most ATX cases will accept ANY ATX power supply.

Many of the higher wattage power supplies have a second fan. Just make sure that there is airflow to the extra fan.

Chas

by djent

Although your case may accept a 400 watt PS it also needs enough air flow/ cooling capacity. As a general rule compact cases do not allow airflow for high wattage hardware. There are plenty of cases on the market designed for this purpose that cost slightly more then the power supply would.

by thechas

Many of the higher output power supplies have an extra fan, and / or additional cooling vents.

If the fan or vents are on the bottom of the power supply, make sure that the case does not have a shelf or other feature that blocks the vents.

If the fan is on the front of the supply, make sure that there is enough clearance between the fan and your CD drives.

Chas

by otl

All the above answers are correct ! The only cap for the case is that you have adequate ventilation (by not blocking the fan input or output).

Basically if it fits and the case and is not partially or fully blocking a fan it is ok ! Cases are rated by the power supply they enclose. Same goes for A/C circuit breaker boxes, same housing goes for a 100A box as a 200A box and housing looks the same although 200A has 1.5 to 2 times the number of breaker openings available.

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