My 250w power supply on my home PC crapped out. Would it behoove me to replace it with a higher wattage, or does that make any difference? Many 400-700w units are selling for the same price as a 250w one on places like Pricewatch for instance, which is why I ask. TIA!

It'll work the same, you'll just have spare juice on the side..

Yep as Jason said....it will work the same....and some video cards require that extra go-go juice.
I would do it....

If it ran fine with 250W, go ahead and save your money and get a 300 or 350W. 700 sounds a bit extreme.

Also the higher wattage PS will put out more heat. Depending on your case this may not be beneficial to the parts inside.

Stepping up 100w shouldn't make much more heat at all. Maybe a few degrees ambient. As long as you have some cooling fans, youre cool.

True, but I was referring more to the 400-700 watt power supplies

Dont go over 100 extra watts. Your pc has that specific battery for a reason. Also depends on how many devices you got on your computer, which drain power.

Ya, I can imagine a 700w chugging some serious heat.

ok, here is my two cents here,lol.....i agree with "rogue" that your system will generate more heat, but adding more fans will compensate for the heat issue. it all depends on how much you upgraded or want to. adding components , IDE devices or high-end video/sound cards can be good but always keep in-mind certain aspects, like power supply, and heat......gotta get the heat out!!!!


Ride on, everyone!

Urban Cowboy