power supply question

[nguyen1025]

i need to upgrade my power supply to supplement my new video card and can someone guide me throguh the process because it looks very complicated with all those wires (p1 p2 p3 p4 etc). Also the power supply I am thinkning about buying looks bigger than my current one, what happens if the new supply cant fit in my old slot?

 

[imported_Kensai]

It should fit, if it's a standard ATX.

 

[SVT Cobra]

If you buy a qaulity PSU it will walk you through everything if your new to it. Anyway if you do not get a quality PSU your screwed anyway

 

[imported_Kensai]

Just put the connectors in. They only go in one way.

 

[ribbon13]

Specs of system? Budget?

 

[nguyen1025]

2.4 ghz 512 PC1066 RAM RADEON 9700, looknig to buy a 300-350 watt power supply around 40-50 dollar range

 

[thelastmccabe]

There's an faq type thread about this you can find here that is a good place to start. It's two months old, and I'm no expert about psus but it helped me pick one. http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=37&threadid=1518323&enterthread=y

 

[nguyen1025]

every power supply i see, has this on/off switch on it, but my current one does not....does this on/off switch stick out of the computer?...because my case has no slot for it

 

[Zepper]

What case do you have (if you don't know the brand/model of your case, just tell us the number of card slots - even better if you could post or link to a pic of the back of your case). I fear you are talking a microATX case, in which case you may need a special size PSU to fit. Finding a quality PSU for those of over 270W is difficult - unless the new Athena Power 420 will fit (it's a bit longer than the standard SFX specs).

.bh.

 

[nguyen1025]

i have a dell dimension 8250 and heres a link to a picture of the case http://www.gdhardware.com/hardware/desktops/dell/8250/case_back.jpg

 

[Vikesrock]

Ah, now the real problem surfaces. Dell uses proprietary PSU's in the majority of their computers including IIRC the Dimension 8250. This means that a standard ATX PSU with or without a power switch will not connect properly to your motherboard. If your motherboard looks like the picture on this page Dell Proprietary Mobo then that adapter will allow you to use an ATX power supply. However, you will either need to find one without a switch or cut a hole for a switch in the back of your case.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Dell sucks, build ur own

*EDIT* Well, their laptops are pretty nice... *Drools over i6000* w. 1.6 P-M 730, 512MB DDR2, DVD +/- RW, x300 dedicated memory graphics card, and 6 hour battery life for only ~$1k *

 

[Zepper]

Yup, that's an SFX (microATX) form factor. Once you get the ATX connector sorted out (as mentioned above) the best that will likely fit that case is the Enermax 270 - looks like the Athena Power would be too long for it. I would definitely take the measurements of the Dell PSU to be sure of a proper fit. the enermax is about 5" wide and 4" deep. - the Athena Power is 5" wide by 5.5" deep. all SFX are the same height (about 3").
. Dell desktops can be a PITA sometimes - their home desktops aren't designed to be upgraded.

.bh.

 

[nguyen1025]

I NEED A FRICKEN 300+ POWER SUPPLY AT LEAST THOUGH. LOL!