Just bought the X850XT...what PSU for my Dell 4600?

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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I pulled the trigger on the x850XT from microcenter and nowI think I'll definitely need a PSU upgrade --- my current one won't even run a 9800 pro.

UPDATE: I installed X850XT on another Dell 4600 and all is good with 250W power supply, so it seems like its a crap shoot.

BUT, I did install the $40 ($30 AR) 430W thermaltake on my main machine and it is nearly dead silent. The two fans really keep it cool too.




I was looking at these from newegg, ideas?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182012

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103062


Any ideas? My prime concern is low noise.
And...I've been out of the game for years, do I need dual 12v?

Thanks
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: DeathBUA
Last time I checked you cant upgrade Dell PSUs :(

Nope - I have replaced many dells with cheapie PSUs, but now I need a decent one.
 

v8envy

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2002
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Long answer: start at http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=844691

Short answer: Buy a Seasonic PS with at least 18 amps on the 12v rail and you're good to go for both noise and power. You won't need multiple 12v rails unless you're going with SLI or crossfire.

Other good choices: PC Power & Cooling, Enermax, Antec, Foxtron, Thermaltake.

PSU makers to avoid: anything ending in 'max'.

For PSUs in the sub-$40 range, I think Fortron is your only choice. Won't be very quiet, cool or efficient, but it's very very very very cheap.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104952

edit: y'know, for $30, the termaltake doesn't look bad either. 18 amps on the 12 volt rail, should be good enough for you.
 

Subwayeatbig

Member
Jan 4, 2006
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You did they didnt use any pripority. How come the time when i got my 4600 people said that you cant change the psu for a dell since its pripority. Hm.... well which psu did u get if you changed it.
 

RelaxTheMind

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 2002
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most manufacts use ATX standard mobos and psus... FRPs (field replaceable parts) are cheaper for both them and the consumers.

Dell computers post 2002 dont use proprietary parts with the exception of case, faceplates and HSFs. Which in most cases do not affect upgrading them.
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
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PC Power & Cooling make PSU's to fit Dell. On thier site, they have a special section just for them. Seek and ye shall find ;)
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: v8envy
Long answer: start at http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=844691

Short answer: Buy a Seasonic PS with at least 18 amps on the 12v rail and you're good to go for both noise and power. You won't need multiple 12v rails unless you're going with SLI or crossfire.

Other good choices: PC Power & Cooling, Enermax, Antec, Foxtron, Thermaltake.

PSU makers to avoid: anything ending in 'max'.

For PSUs in the sub-$40 range, I think Fortron is your only choice. Won't be very quiet, cool or efficient, but it's very very very very cheap.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104952

edit: y'know, for $30, the termaltake doesn't look bad either. 18 amps on the 12 volt rail, should be good enough for you.


Thanks all, I appreciate your time. I have to ask though...should I avoid enermax or consider them? They end in "max" :)

I went with the $30AR thermaltake
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
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You better check with dell, or get the measurments needed before buying. I had the same problem as you, with a Sony OEM PC. So I just bought a case that came with a power supply, and performed a Surgical (pun intended) transplant. That being said, it is possible that any PSU would fit, givin that you are willing to mod. If not I STRONGLY suggest checking the demensions, buying and transplanting case/PSU or going with one made expecially for your case as specified by dell. Anyways, I hope all goes well and that I don't have to come back saying " I told you so". Good luck :)

EDIT: like I said, PC Power & Cooling make PSU's for dell, maybe just check them for referance on demensions?
 

remagavon

Platinum Member
Jun 16, 2003
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I'm surprised you needed a PSU upgrade. I ran a 6800 ultra in a Dell Pentium 4 system that was basically the same as your 4600.
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
You better check with dell, or get the measurments needed before buying. I had the same problem as you, with a Sony OEM PC. So I just bought a case that came with a power supply, and performed a Surgical (pun intended) transplant. That being said, it is possible that any PSU would fit, givin that you are willing to mod. If not I STRONGLY suggest checking the demensions, buying and transplanting case/PSU or going with one made expecially for your case as specified by dell. Anyways, I hope all goes well and that I don't have to come back saying " I told you so". Good luck :)

EDIT: like I said, PC Power & Cooling make PSU's for dell, maybe just check them for referance on demensions?

Like I said, I have swapped out several cheapie standard PSUs in 4600s, and they worked out fine (but I will measure exactly :). The PC Power & Cooling PSUs just aren't an option for me $130 shipped for a PSU is simply out of my league.


UPDATE: The thermaltake will fit.
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: remagavon
I'm surprised you needed a PSU upgrade. I ran a 6800 ultra in a Dell Pentium 4 system that was basically the same as your 4600.

Me too. I believe some models shipped with 250w some with 350W PSUs. Mine has the choker 250W that barely, and I mean barely chugged along with a 9800 pro. The system dimmed the monitor lights whenever I did ANYTHING stressful and the PSU was screaming with a 9800Pro.
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: moonboy403
you better contact dell to see if you can upgrade your psu with another brand


OMFG. I have already replaced many 4600 PSUs - it didn't blow up. And tis outof warranty, so no worries :)
 

RelaxTheMind

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 2002
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Once again... the standard ATX power supplies in Dells can be replaced by a different manufact standard ATX power supply.

trust me... I know this for a fact.
 

kknd1967

Senior member
Jan 11, 2006
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FYI
my Dell 400SC is now loaded with X850XT and I am still using the old stock PSU
I have a P4 2.4G, 2G Ram, 5 HDDs and 3PCI (all optical drives are external firewire)
 

nnnyyy

Diamond Member
Nov 9, 2000
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Originally posted by: RelaxTheMind
Once again... the standard ATX power supplies in Dells can be replaced by a different manufact standard ATX power supply.

trust me... I know this for a fact.

The only thing to watch out for is the PSU cutout on the dell case. It might require the AC plug to be at a certain place or there might not be room for a power switch. Of course, you can always cut the metal yourself if need be.
 

bamacre

Lifer
Jul 1, 2004
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The dell 4600's came with a 9800 pro option, and I have used an X850 XT PE in a dell 4600 with stock PSU with ZERO problems.
 

Greg04

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: bamacre
The dell 4600's came with a 9800 pro option, and I have used an X850 XT PE in a dell 4600 with stock PSU with ZERO problems.

What is the model number of your PS? Is it 250W? My 250 won't power a 9800Pro _ I have 2 DVDRs, 2 HDs + floppy. What's your setup?

 

bamacre

Lifer
Jul 1, 2004
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Originally posted by: Greg04
Originally posted by: bamacre
The dell 4600's came with a 9800 pro option, and I have used an X850 XT PE in a dell 4600 with stock PSU with ZERO problems.

What is the model number of your PS? Is it 250W? My 250 won't power a 9800Pro _ I have 2 DVDRs, 2 HDs + floppy. What's your setup?

Don't have it anymore. Sold it. But the Dell 4600 came with a 9800 pro as an option, not sure why it wouldn't work in your system. Dell rates their psu's by average output rather than max.