[CGFX.us]

So, how advisable is this? The Octane2 in question (Xbow 1.4, V8 gfx, 1xR14000) used to have a Cherokee PS which got borked, but I've discovered there is no impediment to loading up an earlier PS. I've also started it up for short (emphasis on short) periods of time.

My question is really how safe is this? Could regular, intended usage potentially ruin the Lucent PS?

[Raion]

It's likely that in a lightly loaded system it could work, but I don't know if there's some kind of hardware lockout that will prevent the V8 from firing up. In any case, the real damage possible is to the power supply itself from over current.

Lucent PSUs are not very reliable beasts, so I'd frankly advise against it lest you break the entire unit.

[weblacky]

I bought heavily loaded (but early model Mainboards) Octanes (1G) that had high-end graphics and their PSUs were a mix. My guess is they started with the older lucent's then as they died, SGI replaced them with Cherokees. So I agree that a lesser PSU CAN run an Octane with newer Octane2 graphics at least...but I do know that the PSU is a stated requirement for being a "true" Octane2 (along with XBOW revision and mainboard revission).

But I think Raion is right, you likely CAN but you are overdriving the lesser PSU (which is just as old or older than the one that broke) so be aware. However your system isn't max loaded, so you're not drawing the most your system could ever be configured to draw.

I'd say it's your choice, I doubt there is any more danger of Octane damage when a lucent goes out then a Cherokee goes out. Their PSUs are advanced enough to have good OCP and OVP.

Would I leave it that way...no.