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Can my PS handle this upgrade?

S

slowpogo

Member
Hello, long time no post. I have an old Pentium 4 system that I'm going to replace. Its PS went out 2.5 years ago and I replaced it with the Blue Storm 500w, which was supposedly pretty good at the time.

Now I'm hoping to jump to a quad core system:

Phenom 9600 cpu (95W)
Biostar mobo with 4 gigs PC800 RAM
MSI Radeon 4670 video card (does not use extra power connection)
also two hard drives, two dvd burners, sound card and wireless ethernet card, would be using a few USB ports for keyboard, mouse
case runs 4 x 80mm fans

Can the Blue Storm 500w handle this?

ALSO...almost all the motherboards I've looked at use an 8-pin cpu power connector. My PS just has a 4-pin connector. Is this a problem, or is there an adapter I would need?

any help appreciated, thanks much.
 
The 4 pin P4 connector should be fine and the PSU should have enough power to support the system. But considering the age of the PSU i would suggest replacing the PSU. If you don't have the money for it now you can wait and still be fine. But it would be a good idea to replace it soon.
 
2.5 years and already time to think about a new PSU? The rest is good news, but that surprises me. My previous one went almost 5 years with no sign of trouble, and that was a cheapo.

You say the 4-pin cpu connector should be fine...so how do I know which quadrant of the 8-pin receptacle to plug it into?
 
Well modern computer hardware does require more quality power in addition to more power than some of their older brethren. Also, most modern PC hardware draws power from the +12V rail. Considering that the amperage on the +12V rail on the Blue Storm was somewhat small in the first place, by now, it'll barely be able to support that system. So I concur with mpilchfamily

As for where to install that 4Pin on the 8Pin, the mobo manual should tell your OR there should be a cover on the 8Pin connection on the motherboard. You plug in the 4Pin into the uncovered portion of the 8Pin connection.
 
OK, I see more clearly now. Then, can someone recommend a PSU that will suit my needs as stated above? It doesn't need to be the most ultra-quiet expensive one out there...the more inexpensive the better.

My needs will probably not change much. I will use this PC basically as-is for as many years as I can squeeze out of it; I can see possibly adding another USB device, webcam or something like that..and just maybe upgrading the video card in a few years.
 
That would do it. If you want more muscle for possible future upgrades, the 650TX from Corsair is $95 - $35MIR = $60 at newgegg.

Either way it'll work for what you have.
 
Thanks for that option also.. my only comment is, who on god's green earth carries their PSU around in a velvet drawstring bag? 😛
 
Originally posted by: slowpogo
Thanks for that option also.. my only comment is, who on god's green earth carries their PSU around in a velvet drawstring bag? 😛
Click to expand...

lol yea but hey it's snazzy. I just got the 650tx and damn it's quiet. I cannot hear it at idle. The only downside is the MASSIVE amount of connectors/cables. I am having a hard time organizing all the excess cables in my Antec 900.
 
FSP does make quality power supplies like a tank and much bigger company than Antec far as power supply goes. Bluestorm has 30A on 12V rails. I think you would be good upto 4850 honestly.

If you have a good one it can last upto 10 years. I have generic 350 that has worked for 6 years and still going strong.
 
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