Case/PSU question

[rivan]

I've got an older machine that I'm looking at upgrading. I understand the power reqs (especially for video) have gone up somewhat since this machine was built. The case is a nice one, toolless with plenty of room, so I'd like to keep it.

The question here is... are all PSUs the same size and mount into the same place? Will I have any issues replacing the existing PSU?

Also, if anyone has any suggestions (opinions or links to suggested reading) on good values for PSUs, I'd be most appreciative. I don't need anything flashy, no LEDs or extreme stuff... just a reliable, inexpensive PSU to run a socket 939 machine with as many as 4 hard drives.

Thanks!

 

[furballi]

Most are of similar size, including the mounting holes. If you have a big case, then look for a PSU will a long cable.

Look for the Enermax Noisetaker or Fortron PSUs betweeen 400 and 500 watts. Expect to pay around 50 to 75 bucks.

 

[Bona Fide]

I vote for the Enermax Noisetaker or OCZ Powerstream series. The major factor to look for is amperage on the 12V rail(s). You're looking at at least 25A for a S939 system with 4 hard drives. 🙂

 

[imported_rod]

Yeah, nearly all PSU's will fit in all cases (excluding those mini cases for home theater etc...).

Just be careful if getting a fanless PSU (Thermaltake and Antec have them). These may not fit into smaller cases, although a decent size case shouldn't have a problem.

RoD

 

[Mrvile]

Well, there are a few exceptions.

If you're looking to replace a micro-ATX PSU (like the ones found in small old HP desktops and SFFs) those will be hard to come by, weak, and expesive.

Also, there are some large server PSUs that are usually a bit longer, so they might not fit in some cases.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Well, there are a few exceptions.

If you're looking to replace a micro-ATX PSU (like the ones found in small old HP desktops and SFFs) those will be hard to come by, weak, and expesive.

Also, there are some large server PSUs that are usually a bit longer, so they might not fit in some cases.

Not really - Fortron MicroATX for $25

However, some companies use special power supplies - I believe Dell and HP are the ones. PC Power & Cooling makes power supplies to fit in dells, but they are expensive.

 

[Zepper]

It is the connector wiring of some Dells that is funky not the chassis size of their PSUs. Most use standard ATX for factor except for some of the tiny cases. OCZ and Zippy have some oversized PSUs but those are mainly 600 Watts and above.

.bh.