[split] 250W? In 2008?

[Bobingabout]

For example, I can perfectly fine install a 250 watt power supply unit into a 2008 computer - the connectors and standards are all the same

just to be a smart arse, you're wrong there.

1. a 2008 PC would use ATX2, using a 24 pin connector, a 250W PSU would either be AT, which is only a pair of 6 pin connectors, or a crap ATX, which is a 20 pin connector
2. a 2008 PC would likely also require a "CPU Power" connector, which is actually more of a chipset power connector, which is a 4, or 8 pin connector that provides extra 12V lines.
3. a 2008 PC would also likely be using a SATA drive, so would require a SATA power connector, instead of a molex power connector.
4. a 2008 PC might be using a powerful PCIe graphics card, which would require a 6, or 8 pin PCIe-Graphics power connector

this is just the ones i can think of off the top of my head.

but i do grant you the original idea, because all voltage lines of the ATX2 all exist on ATX, though, to make it connect, you'd have to do some modding.

if anything, it actually re-inforces your point that its a stupid idea to try and use an old 250W power supply to power your brand new 2008 PC.