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Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade #878485
04/05/13 11:02 AM
04/05/13 11:02 AM
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GreyFuss Offline OP
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Seeking your opinions.

I am thinking of doing a few improvements to my usual Desktop computer, the one I use all the time. My question is about the Power Supply. I have a Dell XPS 410 running Win XP Pro with a Dell Motherboard OCT017 (Belarc Advisor) I want to only upgrade to 500 or so watts to get a little better Graphics Card than the NVidea 8600GT that is in there now. There are so many Manufacterers that say that their PCU is for this computer but I have seen many people get new PCU's and not have the proper plugs coming off of it. You wont find this out until removing the old one and discovering that you lack a plug or a plug that is available has a different pin configuration. Are their any Manufacturers sites that you know of that are trusted to provide a PCU that will not only be appropriate for my Motherboard to handle but also fit exactly in the existing Dell case and have exact plugs to make the conversion a no brainer...I like no brainer. A Bonus would be extra plugs in the harness to add an additional fan for cooling.


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878494
04/05/13 11:44 AM
04/05/13 11:44 AM
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Homer6 Offline
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GreyFuss, I don't know of any trusted sites which can give you what you want, but I do have a suggestion.

Decide which video card you want, go to that site and search the site for additional information about the card. Specifically power requirements. Then decide what size power supply you are going to order, larger is not a bad thing since it gives you room to add more and take care of everything existing, and which brand. Then go to that site and look for information about that power supply, the type of connections is has, output, compatibility with other type of hardware, etc. It would also be good if you knew the type of motherboard you currently have so you'd know the type of connectors it requires. And the type of HD, CD drives, etc.

Once you gather information you'll then be in a better position to make final choices that fit the system you have.


If something gets your goat, it just proves you have a goat to get.
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878526
04/05/13 01:35 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions Homer6, I do appreciate them. I actually am looking into doing the opposite. The Power Supply is what I need first and one that will most assuredly fit to my Dell. The Graphics Card is not that important and wont be much of an upgrade. Its just that the existing PCU that came with the Dell is only 375watts which doesn't allow me enough room to play. Seems like all the manufacturers state that their PSU's are a perfect fit but upon looking further I find stories that either they don't fit perfectly in the case or they don't always have the proper plugs that fit the original equipment already in the computer. I also want it to be compatible with the Motherboard. I have never upgraded a PCU before and I am looking for the no brainer option.


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878533
04/05/13 02:07 PM
04/05/13 02:07 PM
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Greyfuss, I had a lot of trouble getting a new PSU for a Dell XPS computer because they were proprietary to the Dell motherboard. That is what you are finding with it says they do not have the proper "plugs" for the motherboard. Let me do some checking for you.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878546
04/05/13 03:18 PM
04/05/13 03:18 PM
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Oh boy...thank you Tomato Queen praise


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878557
04/05/13 04:06 PM
04/05/13 04:06 PM
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Draclvr Offline
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True to form, Dell does not provide a lot of information, but I was able to ferret out what I think you need. Unlike the other Dell XPS I had problems with, this one does not seem to use a proprietary PSU and motherboard. All the replacement PSUs indicate that the form factor/size of the PSU is ATX, rather than the mini or micro size. But you should do a couple of things - first open up the case and get the measurements of your PSU to make sure. I couldn't find out if the main power connection on your motherboard is a 20 or a 24 pin, but that's not important as all new power supplies come with a connector that will fit either one. If it's a 20 pin, you just leave off the last 4 pins on the PSU. They're called 20 + 4 pins. Then take note of all the connections you will be making. Even better, take a digital photo of it all! For instance you should know whether some of your components are SATA connections.

Then I would go to Newegg to look around at your options with your budget. You can sort by wattage and price etc. Make sure the size is correct, but they all come with pretty standard connectors and are flexible for different configurations. You can buy anywhere, but that's a good way to see what's available and read user reviews.

While not everything will be the same, this is probably the best video I found for replacing a PSU. Replacing a PSU


Last edited by Draclvr; 04/05/13 04:33 PM. Reason: Added a video link

Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878576
04/05/13 05:15 PM
04/05/13 05:15 PM
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Thanks Drac

Nuts...I wanted a no-brainer cry I was hoping you wouldn't say that lol I was hoping that there was a manufacturer to go to that said here, buy this one, as it fits exactly and has the plugs I need for this machine.

I will do as you have suggested. The measurements would be easy but wouldn't the bolt pattern also be important as the size may be the same but still would not line up. Guess I would have find one at Newegg and then contact the manufacturer for specifics. Oh....why couldn't it be easier frown Too bad there isn't a site that scans your computer like at Crucial Memory and be able to tell me exactly what I need.

And thank you for the link to the video. He makes it look so easy as I am sure it is. I think I will want to leave all the plugs connected, remove the existing PSU and set it as near as the connected wires will allow. Install the new PSU and then one by one remove and replace each plug so I don't forget which goes where.

One other question...Is there limits of how big a Power Supply that the Motherboard can handle? Is there a chance to over power and burn it out?

Curses...when it comes to computers I try not to use my brain tooo much as it just gets in the way. smirk


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878585
04/05/13 05:27 PM
04/05/13 05:27 PM
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Jenny100 Offline
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The motherboard won't draw any more power than it needs to. It's much worse if the power supply doesn't have enough power.

Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878587
04/05/13 05:34 PM
04/05/13 05:34 PM
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Draclvr Offline
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Yes, what Jenny100 said.

You don't need to worry about the screw pattern either as they are all the same. Dell has been known to be cagey with proprietary stuff, but even in the case of the one I had problems with, the replacement PSU I tried lined up just fine.

Believe me, I was equally as nervous as you are the first time I replaced a PSU! Basically, as long as the physical size fits, the rest is just plugging stuff in.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: Draclvr] #878589
04/05/13 05:37 PM
04/05/13 05:37 PM
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Thank you Ladies urock


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878669
04/06/13 12:52 AM
04/06/13 12:52 AM
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Homer6 Offline
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Not to alarm you GreyFuss, but be careful what you touch. Unplug the power cord, use plastic when measuring, and if you have to physically touch anything, first touch the frame of the case to dissipate any static electricity.


If something gets your goat, it just proves you have a goat to get.
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878670
04/06/13 01:24 AM
04/06/13 01:24 AM
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Thanks Homer6

I have changed many parts in computers, just not a PSU and I am very conscience of static probably to a fault in fact. And it is a coincidence that you mention about the measuring device as I was just thinking a few minutes ago that it may not be wise to use a retractable metal tape and had to look for my cloth one. It may also be better for me to just use a thin wooden dowel, mark it then measure the mark outside the case. Thanks for your help.


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878671
04/06/13 01:25 AM
04/06/13 01:25 AM
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Draclvr Offline
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Good point, you guys. I should also have mentioned it.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878766
04/06/13 01:06 PM
04/06/13 01:06 PM
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InlandAZ Offline
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Dell can be hit and miss when it comes to components. I had a similar issue when I replaced a PSU on an XPS system. Although the case was a standard ATX form factor, several of the PSU's I was looking at were just a bit larger than the case would accommodate.

I took me awhile to find one that had the same dimensions as the original, but I did eventually find one.

Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878775
04/06/13 01:23 PM
04/06/13 01:23 PM
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Draclvr Offline
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I keep finding more and more reasons to build my own computers...

I must say I've had much better luck with replacing components in HP computers. I was even able to find a perfect replacement for a PSU in an old HP Windows ME computer.


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878787
04/06/13 01:58 PM
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Thank you InlandAZ

This will make me more diligent in finding the right size. At the ATX Power site they have a conversion function to find a compatible PSU. They show 3 for my rig, 2 are exactly the same dimensions as each other and the other is just a fraction different. I wonder if any of these would fit. I do find it curious that the 750watt is cheaper than the 600watt and both not that much more than the 450watt. I wonder how noisy they are. ATX Power Supply Dell XPS 410

I haven't opened my case to measure the existing size yet. I want to finish my Mothers Taxes before I take a chance on doing something wrong and not be able to use the computer. April 15th is just around the corner.

Draclvr

I have been convinced by all the topics I read here at Glitches that my next rig will probably be built from CyberPower or, I can't remember the name of the other Online place suggested here. These places look to use normal parts that can be easily upgraded. But I don't foresee me getting into a new unit for quite some time as all my XP's are doing me fine for now. Maybe around Windows 10 lol I remember I used Win 98 for quite a while even though NT, Me & Vista were released. Went from 98 right to XP.


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878790
04/06/13 02:08 PM
04/06/13 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted By: GreyFuss
I have been convinced by all the topics I read here at Glitches that my next rig will probably be built from CyberPower or, I can't remember the name of the other Online place suggested here.

Maybe you're thinking of eCollegepc.com

Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: Jenny100] #878793
04/06/13 02:22 PM
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Yep...thats the one Jenny...thank you.

I hope both of these sites are still around when I get around to purchasing a new PC.


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878795
04/06/13 02:23 PM
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And don't forget, Greyfuss, that you should seriously consider taking all XP computers off line after Microsoft ceases support for them in just a year. XP is already considered a security risk compared to the newer operating systems. Another consideration is that you will probably want to go to Windows 7 for your next computer. Although it will be supported until at least 2020, I would look for it to only be sold alongside Windows 8 computers (mostly in business class computers) for another 2 years. If you don't plan on getting a new computer in the next couple of years, I'd grab a copy of Windows 7 sometime when a retailer like Newegg has it on sale for $80. Otherwise, you will be getting Windows 8 and knowing you a little bit, I suspect Windows 8 would cause you to have a stroke! I love it, but something tells me you would not get along well with Windows 8!


Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878798
04/06/13 02:29 PM
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Thanks for the advive Draclvr. I guess I am not aware of how an Operating system can be a security risk. Doesn't Firewalls, virus protection, malware and adware protection prevent the computer from being a risk?


"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878799
04/06/13 02:35 PM
04/06/13 02:35 PM
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If you're looking for a good quality PSU, shop Antec or Corsair, both have excellent reputations. Do you have a local Fry's Electronics close by?

Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878802
04/06/13 02:47 PM
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Frys is not in the upper midwest as far as I know of. I will check Antec and Corsair out Inland. Must have missed any conversations about them although the names do sound familiar to me.


Oops

See why I come here for advice. I thought Antec and Corsair were computer makers... Duh...looking at Antecs web site you were referring me there for the Power supplies. Thanks and just ignore the GreyFuss lurking in the dark corner...you are safe.

Last edited by GreyFuss; 04/06/13 02:52 PM.

"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878805
04/06/13 03:10 PM
04/06/13 03:10 PM
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I also prefer Antec, Corsair or OCZ - good reputations and relatively decent customer service.

No, operating systems are not secure. That's why you get security updates on patch Tuesday every month. They are constantly finding holes and weaknesses and fixing them for us. Firewalls, anti-virus software etc. only protect us from things out there that might infect our computers. They do not protect us from insecurity and bugs in the operating system code itself.

This is but one of many, many blogs and articles on the risks of using XP past it's "end of support" next April.

XP Is Past Its Security Expiration Date

I will always have my trusty XP computer for a backup, but I've already taken it off line.





Gardens put to bed for the winter. Time for some gaming!
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: GreyFuss] #878828
04/06/13 04:06 PM
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Thanks for the link Draclvr but quite frankly I didn't much understand what he was talking about with all the acronyms and such. I guess I don't understand what security issue there is. What could possibly happen? Sorry for being a dolt but didn't they all say the same things for Win98SE when NT came out then when each of the next new OS's were released? What would happen if I still used XP past the support date next April. If the issue is as serious as you say then I may as well not do any fun things like upgrade this XP and wait for hopefully a better OS (Win 9 or Win Whine) is released and invest that money in a great Ecollege or Cyberpower system then.

Last edited by GreyFuss; 04/06/13 04:08 PM.

"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons!"
Re: Ypur Expert Opinion ... Power Supply Upgrade [Re: Draclvr] #878853
04/06/13 04:57 PM
04/06/13 04:57 PM
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I didn't know this about taking XP offline. I have XP computers still hanging around here: one older desktop, a laptop, and a netbook. My main computers are Windows 7.

The desktop is probably too obsolete for upgrading, but I wonder if I should put another OS on the laptop and netbook. I did do a duel boot once on the netbook with Linux. But trying to upgrade these might not be worth the effort.

I guess I should be glad that my computers survive so long, but it's not easy to let them go! sad


"Dragons were never gone. They were just invisible and very, very quiet." ~ M'aiq the Liar (Skyrim)
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