do i need new psu?

[peterhoang2002]

hi, ive been using the same psu for like 4 years now but it doesnt seem to provide enough power anymore.

after installin 4 cathods tubs (2 dual cathode kits), i seem to be having trouble. If i turn the cathodes on using the switch while the computer is on, the hard drive makes this noise which sounds like it stop or spinned slowly then spins fast again. its like a wirling noise and this happens when i flip the switch.

now, if i were to flip the switch while windows was loading or shutting the comp down, the comp would freeze and the screen wouldnt change.

is this because my psu isnt providing enough power?

specs:
XP2400+ @ 2.10ghz
albatron kx600 pro
2x512mb (1x 2700 + 1x 3200) @335? mhz
nec 4x dvd burner
16x dvd-rom
2 led fans
x-dreamer II case (6 very bright blue leds, lcd not on)
2x netgear lan cards
us robotics 56k modem
sound blaster ???
gf4 mx 440 8x
500 watt psu; says CompUSA on the box but not sure if that is the brand

 

[FirehawkNS]

I will love to find an answer to this. I have a 550 watt power supply with over 30amps on all the rails and my computer does the same thing when turning on my one cathode tube. Same results as yours. I bought this new one thinking the same thing, but both my old and new one did it!!

 

[BossNoodleKaboodle]

wow thats really strange. ive got three computers with cold cathodes and ive never heard that sound before. bump for ice czars answer

 

[peterhoang2002]

anyone know if a new psu will solve this problem?

 

[FirehawkNS]

I bought a new PSU (the highest output one I could fine at that) and it didn't cure it

 

[peterhoang2002]

what psu did u buy? make and model?

 

[peterhoang2002]

ahh. i was able to find a solution to my own problem...

apparently the cathodes draw more power than usually when starting up. having a total a 4 tubes starting up all at the same time worsens it. what i did since my power supply had 2 wires with 3 molex connectors on each was... instead of having the cathodes powered by the same wire as the hard drive, i switch it so it was power on the same wire with only my dvd drive which doesnt draw the same amount of power all the time (more when its burning a cd and reading a cd then when its sitting still)