Can my PS handle this upgrade?

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slowpogo

Member
May 7, 2006
102
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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.
 
mpilchfamily

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
3,559
1
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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.
 
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slowpogo

Member
May 7, 2006
102
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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?
 
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dangman4ever

Member
Nov 17, 2006
98
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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.
 
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slowpogo

Member
May 7, 2006
102
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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.
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
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.
 
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slowpogo

Member
May 7, 2006
102
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Thanks for that option also.. my only comment is, who on god's green earth carries their PSU around in a velvet drawstring bag? :p
 
zerocool84

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
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? :p
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.
 
AzN

AzN

Banned
Nov 26, 2001
4,112
2
0
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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