Power supply in new Dell...

[GimpyFuzznut]

I ordered a Dell Dimension 8250 a couple of a weeks ago (couldn't passup on the free 120 GB, 256 ram, shipping) but after checking out on indepth specs on their webpage, I found out it only comes with a 250 watt power supply.

http://www.dell.com/ca/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_3_dimen_8250.htm#tabtop

My system is going to be configured with a Radeon 9700 TX (the underclocked 9700) and I read somewhere that it requires a 300 W to run optimally or some ish like that.. am I gonna have any trouble with this supply or no? Any thoughts?

 

[Ryan]

http://forums.anandtech.com/arcmessageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=724045&highlight_key=y&keyword1=gateway

I think my thread should answer your questions 😛

 

[John]

No, you will be just fine. Dell has been using low wattage psu's for several years now, but they are solid units. They also have a an additional proprietary power connector that connects to the mainboard.

 

[Auric]

The current fad of over-powering is simply successful marketing in action. Don't believe the hype.

 

[compudog]

I am certain that Dell uses a special type power supply. A standard ATX won't work and could potentially damage your system. Just run with what Dell supplied. Solid piece of equipment.

 

[dullard]

Read this article showing that frequently power supplies cannot give anywhere near the amount of power they claim on their stickers. If I remember right (its been a couple months since I read it), power supplies reviewed were often almost 100W less than what they were advertized. Think about 350W power supplies, then subtract 100W... Dell on the otherhand uses high quality power supplies - ones that give the power they are rated for.

They also have a an additional proprietary power connector that connects to the mainboard.

I am certain that Dell uses a special type power supply. A standard ATX won't work and could potentially damage your system. Just run with what Dell supplied. Solid piece of equipment.

Dell did that 2-5 years ago. But does Dell do it anymore? At Dell's forums I thought I remember people saying that Dell ended that practice - but I'm not positive. Do you have anything backing that up so we can clear up this once and for all?

Look here: "In the mid 90s the industry moved to a higher use of 3.3V motherboard components. Dell engineers designed a connector that supported the increased use of 3.3V current which differed from the industry proposed designs. The Situation Today: All Dell desktop motherboards now in production support the industry standard ATX connector"

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Thanks alot everyone.. I was just worried, you know with all the hype about PSUs and such..