New Member - Upgrading and Power Issue for GC HELP!

[muppetts]

Dear All,
I am a complete Noob to anything that happens inside a computer! I bought a shop compiled system (A64 3000, 160HD, 1gig Mem, FX5700 256).

I am now attempting to learn what goes on inside and have discovered my lowly 5700 is grinding to a halt in many of my favorite graphic intensive games. So I have decided to upgrade it to a 6800GT 256MB AGP.

I have discovered that I need to know what my MB takes, done it is AGP

Second I have discovered that I need to confirm what power supply I have. This is proving more difficult, before I start going inside my casing I wanted to ask what exactly I am looking for (a sticker or brand, and what do the numbers mean etc) and where to look. Can I get this information without having to go into the case (a diagnostic tool?).

I am abit worried about venturing into my casing but I have been advised I will save money doing it myself and that the process is very easy (easier said than done when you know as little as me!).

Is there anything else I need to check or change?

I have been through all the documentation for my system and it has squat detail on what is inside and I had to get a diagnostic tool to discover what was on my MB (Everest).

Since I have stared my quest I asked various people and seem to spend more time recieving answers along the lines of 'why are you such a dumb noob, get lost'. Which is why I have searched and found anandtech as the replies appear to be much more mature!

Everytime I learn something about my PC, it seems I learn just another way to damage it!

Thank you for your time and patience
Chris

 

[Jeff7181]

The power supply should have a sticker easily visible when you take the side cover off the case.

Basically for a 6800GT you want to have at least a 400 watt PSU. That's just a generic rule though. The most important part is to look at the amperage on the +12 volt rail. A modern system needs AT LEAST 20 amps. This is assuming it's a quality power supply that can actually deliver that much constantly.

I'm using an Antec TruePower 550 now. I had two TruePower 430's fail in my system. If I had more time to select one, I would have bought a PC Power and Cooling unit since they're built extremely well. I would suggest this PSU for your rig. It's a bit pricey on the surface, but when you look at the specifications, you'll see that it's rated at 410 watts, which is what it can put out constantly... and it peaks at 450. Most manufactuers label a PSU like that a 450 watt PSU.

Also PC Power and Cooling power supplies have the best voltage regulation of any PSU manufacturer I've seen. All the rails are kept within 1% of the specification. Most PSU's are 3% for the 3.3 and 5V rails and 5% for the 12V rail.

 

[muppetts]

My approx max power needs are 323W (http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/)
This is a maximum need with a 6800GT and all my devices maxed out.

My current power supply is:

http://www.delta.com.tw/product/ps/sps/desktop/download/pdf/DPS-350PB-2.pdf

47Hz - 63Hz
Output Max Power 350W

+12v /18A
+5v /30A
+3.3 /28A

+5v & 3.3v Total output cannot exceed 210W
+5v & 3.3v + 12v Total output cannot exceed 340W

I guess the questions are: 1. is Delta Electronics a good brand? 2. Will this power supply handle my new card? 3. is my current supply likely to meldown or cause extreme heat that could damage other devices?

Any comments or help welcome!

Thank you Jeff for your answer and link!