[XxFadedxX]

Hi, I want to buy a Terabyte internal Hard drive for my computer but I do not know if the power supply can handle it.
1)Is there a program or way to check the power resources so that I can see?
2)Also, is there a program or way to turn on/off an internal hard drive so it doesn't waste resources while the computer is running?
3)And finally, if I decide to buy an enclosure for it, what should I look for when choosing?

I run Vista Ultimate 32bit and Ubuntu 9.04.
Thank you for reading my questions.

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Hard drives typically don't draw more than 20 watts or so, but can demand a bit more with first spinning up. If you have not added hardware since new, you are probably alright. But if your current PSU is already supporting more RAM, and especially a new graphics card, it is probably time to upgrade the PSU. See my canned text below for sizing up a new one.

I don't know of any program that will allow you to power down individual drives.

I have never been happy with enclosures - perhaps it is because they have all been USB, and I have never been happy with USB. Hopefully 3.0 will fix that. So I would look for an eSATA enclosure. Hopefully your computer has an eSATA port. If not, you can buy a card, or try USB.

***

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

• Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
• Efficiency,
• Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).

[Digerati]

Hard drives typically don't draw more than 20 watts or so, but can demand a bit more with first spinning up. If you have not added hardware since new, you are probably alright. But if your current PSU is already supporting more RAM, and especially a new graphics card, it is probably time to upgrade the PSU. See my canned text below for sizing up a new one.

I don't know of any program that will allow you to power down individual drives.

I have never been happy with enclosures - perhaps it is because they have all been USB, and I have never been happy with USB. Hopefully 3.0 will fix that. So I would look for an eSATA enclosure. Hopefully your computer has an eSATA port. If not, you can buy a card, or try USB.

***

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

• Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
• Efficiency,
• Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).

[XxFadedxX]

Thanks so much!