Motherboards, Processors and Recommended Power Supplies?

powerlord asks: "I am in the process of putting together an Athlon based system. While opening up the Motherboard (FIC-SD11) and processor boxes, I was shocked to find a list of 'Recomended Power Suplies ... void of warranty...'. I always assumed that if it was an ATX power supply it should be fine. Is there something special about an FIC and Athlon that make them more 'touchy' than other motherboards and processors? Is this just a legal disclaimer to limit themselves from being sued if the product is used in a way they didn't intend (running from a car adapter)? Is this the start of a new disturbing trend... buy what we've tested with or we won't honor our warranties? "

Comments

Athlon

[Mr.Mustard]

My understanding of this issue is that the Athlon needs a highly consistant power supply and the recommended supplies are the ones that have been tested and work. This is documented on amd's homepage in the athlon processor section under "Recommended Power Supplies". Or, to quote from that page:

To ensure reliable operation of AMD Athlon(TM) Processor-based systems, an AMD-recommended 250W or larger ATX 2.01 power supply is required for the majority of system configurations. Recommendations are based on the ability of a supply to provide the power sequencing and current requirements of AMD Athlon systems. The current supplied on the +5VDC power rail as well as the combined current supplied by the +5-VDC and +3.3-VDC power rails has been tested on the supplies listed below.

When selecting a power supply for your system, please refer to the following list of power supplies that have been evaluated and are recommended by AMD for use with AMD Athlon processors. The following power supplies are recommended for their capability to supply appropriate power on both the +5-VDC and +3.3-VDC power rails. In addition, this list is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all power supplies that support AMD Athlon processors.