want to replace the PSU on my compaq computer

HiME

Senior member
Jan 30, 2006
209
0
76
i had this P2 compaq system that doesn't allow me to exchange the PSU

i think those engineers had did some trick which made the system work with certain PSUs

i tried to replace it with two other good PSUs but my system failed to boot, where the screen doesn't go on, no beeping sound, etc. when i plug back the old PSU from compaq the system would boot up fine. is there anyway i can get around this? thanks

just to note that this system is like 7 years old now (yes! such a long lifespan)

P2 450 <-- does a good job on win XP
256MB ram <-- 3 stick of ram, it's a good thing that the MB had 3 dimms
40GB HD <-- trying to get an 120GB HD for it, don't know if it'll work
...
 

Steaksauce

Senior member
Feb 15, 2005
255
0
0
Like Dells in the olden days, Compaqs probably used proprietary parts. Your best bet is to look for upgrade parts on Hp.com, get the model number and get one on ebay.

Why are you upgrading when old one works fine?
 

pkme2

Diamond Member
Sep 30, 2005
3,896
0
0
One upgrade leads from one to another. Then the dollars add up. You might consider upgrading to a new system, either used or new.

There new systems under $300 from Dell and your local computer shop might have something very affordable. I'm surprised that your Win XP can run on 256MB RAM. Well, it takes anything to get along.
Good computing....
 

wetcat007

Diamond Member
Nov 5, 2002
3,502
0
0
I believe on some of those old compaqs they used power supplys with different pin configurations or other differences. You can order one from HP but it'll likely be $150-$200, otherwise I suggest checking ebay.
 

Mday

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
18,647
1
81
Originally posted by: HiME
i had this P2 compaq system that doesn't allow me to exchange the PSU

i think those engineers had did some trick which made the system work with certain PSUs

i tried to replace it with two other good PSUs but my system failed to boot, where the screen doesn't go on, no beeping sound, etc. when i plug back the old PSU from compaq the system would boot up fine. is there anyway i can get around this? thanks

just to note that this system is like 7 years old now (yes! such a long lifespan)

P2 450 <-- does a good job on win XP
256MB ram <-- 3 stick of ram, it's a good thing that the MB had 3 dimms
40GB HD <-- trying to get an 120GB HD for it, don't know if it'll work
...

dont bother changing it unless you can get the pinouts. And you probably killed those 2 other powersupplies. the powersupply with the compaq is not standard atx.

you're better off getting a new computer.