Can you add a 300 watt power supply to a computer that currently runs a 185 watt power supply without damaging anything?

Answer 1

Absolutely. As Long As All The Hook-Up's Are Correct ; (i.e. Main to mommyboard). You Won't Damage Anything. It May Improve Performance. 320 Watt's Will "Source" More Current, If Needed, To The Applicable Load's. The Load's Will Only "Drain" As Much Current As They Need. In Other Word's, Voltage Is Identical (+12, -12, +5, -5, +3.3 and so on..) The Heavier Duty Supply Will NOT "Force" Any More Voltage Or Current To The Mommyboard, Or Yer CD/DVD, HDD And What-Not. Again, The Device's That "Need To See" Their Particular Current Requirement's, Will ONLY USE What They Need. If Everything Else Is Identical (main power connector to mom, check yer color codes!) , You Ain't Gonna "Smoke It". Probably Run Cooler Too. Clear Enough? :)

Katalloverme, 40 Year's Electronic's Tech.

Answer 2

In a word,yes. However, you must be sure that the motherboard connectors on the new one match those of the old one. Some newer power supplies have connectors that work on either older motherboards or newer ones, but you have to shop-around to find one that does if you have an older motherboard. If in doubt, take the old power supply with you when you go shopping and compare the connectors before you buy the new one.

I have done what you propose to do and it worked fine until the 300 watt supply quit - apparently it was not well made!

Good luck.