power supply for DELL Dimension 4300

[quanttrade99z]

I have a DELL DIMENSION 4300 that I use all the time. I've had it for about 4-5 years or so, and pretty much leave it on ALL of the time.

Anyway, I've been having this problem where the screen goes blank, and the computer is unreponsive. The power light goes AMBER...it is impossible to power down the computer with the power switch...I called Dell...they told me to pull out the power plug in the back. When I started up the computer again, everything was ok.

This has happened about 10 times in the last couple of months. It is super annoying. I researched a bit, and AMBER power light indicates power supply problems.

Dell can sell my their power supply again, but thought I would ask here is anyone can recommend a really good power supply for a DELL DIMENSION 4300, that is left on all the time, and runs important business applications.

Or if you think it is better just to buy the one DELL sells...pls let me know that.

Thanks everyone!
quanttrading

 

[mechBgon]

PC Power & Cooling makes Dell-specific PSUs and they are considered one of the best PSU makers at any price. They've got a Dell PSU selector to help you pick the right one, too. http://www.pcpowercooling.com

What's Dell charge for the replacement unit, by the way?

 

[Silversierra]

I replaced the psu in my dell dimension 2300 with an antec sl350 psu from newegg, about $50. It works great, fits perfect. Not sure if a 4300 is similar though.

 

[quanttrade99z]

Thanks for your help.
Dell charges $49.95.

From PC Power & Cooling it is $134.

Do you think it is worth it to buy the more expensive one? If it will increase reliability, I will buy the better one, but don't want to waste any money.

quanttrading

 

[furballi]

DELL's PSU is not very good. You may want to check Fleabay for a replacement. You may want to get a new PC if the old DELL is too slow for your needs.

 

[mechBgon]

I confirmed from PC P&C's wiring diagram for their recommended power supply that it's definitely one of the ones with the oddball Dell wiring scheme. If I knew that you could re-use the $135 model later in a new system, then maybe it would make sense, but it will not be useful in a new system, not even a new Dell. So maybe the $49 one makes the most sense.

If you equipped the 4300 with a new high-powered video card and other power-draining upgrades, then the extra wattage of the fancy one might be necessary, too.

Hope that helps, welcome to the Forums

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: furballi
DELL's PSU is not very good. You may want to check Fleabay for a replacement. You may want to get a new PC if the old DELL is too slow for your needs.

Dell has excellent psu's. They're more powerful than the specs say. The 250w psu is really closer to 284w. I left mine on for 3 years. the only reason its off now is because I built a new system. I had a BFG 6800oc overclocked further, 2 hds, 2 optical drives, 3 additional case fans, and all pci slots filled with crap. The Dell psu held up fine. In other words get the Dell.

 

[furballi]

A friend has a new DELL 8400. The 80 mm PSU fan is growling at startup after 1 month of use. If DELL charges $50 for the PSU, then the actual value is closer to $25.

As for 250 vs 284, that's noise. A quality 350 watts PSU can be had for less than $35.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: furballi
A friend has a new DELL 8400. The 80 mm PSU fan is growling at startup after 1 month of use. If DELL charges $50 for the PSU, then the actual value is closer to $25.

As for 250 vs 284, that's noise. A quality 350 watts PSU can be had for less than $35.

Not that fits a Dell.