Power supplies.

[eno]

Here's the deal ...... I'm upgrading the graphics card the card I wish to purchase requires a 350w power supply. The current supply is 305w max.

How easy should it be to change the supply?

Bearing in mind the spec below.

[Jared]

Replacing the P/S on "Most" pc's isn't bad at all.. ;-)

I guess it all depends on your case and how it fits inside of it.. ;-)

For example my latest desktop I have to remove the optical drives up top in order to squeeze it in.. ;-)

[eno]

Is there anything else I need to take into account?

[the_autopilot]

Not really, but make sure the PSU has high tolerance levels.

Make sure your mobo is ATX or ATX2 and buy a PSU for that type.

On most new PCIe mobo's, the format supported is ATX2.

[GunnerMan]

Well not sure what you getting but as Autopilot said, but some tests were done on the 6800 Ultras and they never recorded more than like 125W use to videocard(assumng it was drawing max AGP power). So dont put the farm on it but f ure 300W is a good brand it may work depending on other system components...

[Delta_]

Well not sure what you getting but as Autopilot said, but some tests were done on the 6800 Ultras and they never recorded more than like 125W use to videocard(assumng it was drawing max AGP power). So dont put the farm on it but f ure 300W is a good brand it may work depending on other system components...

125W is still a lot bearing in mind most performance cards use 30W-40W.

I changed from a generic 300W PSU to an Antec Solution Series PSU 350W.  You just have to disconnect the PSU from all the parts, then unscrew it from the case.  Put the new in, screw it into the case, then connect it up.  Make sure you are earthed at all times and that you are careful when removing connectors so not to damage the hardware.

[eno]

Well heres the laugh ........ I emailed Dell just to pre-empt any problems there may be. Here's their reply.

"Eno, with reference to the issue, we wish to inform you that
according to our policies and procedures, we do not recommend
upgrading power supply, motherboard and processor so I would
request you to kindly retain the factory installed power supply unit.

I have replied saying I wasn't asking about their policies and procedures ........ I want to know if it can be done  and if  not,  why not.

[Delta_]

If you need to do it, do it. I would ignore Dell. It is really not very hard to replace a PSU on your own as long as you are competant enough at doing significant hardware installations.

You simply need to know what type your mobo is, ATX or MATX.  This determines which connector you need.  Also whether a non Dell PSU would fit in the case.

[eno]

That's the sort of thing I'm trying to find out from Dell ....... what's the betting I don't get the information.  ???

[Weather_Man]

Dell cannot tell you if a nonDell part is compatible with their systems. It's against their policy. What really disgusts me about Dell is they won't just say they don't know or can't tell you, they will flat out lie and tell you it's not possible.

The answer is yes, of course you can upgrade the PSU. Any standard 20-pin/P4 ATX PSU will fit. Some of the older Dell systems used proprietary connectors that would need an Dell-to-ATX adapter, but all the newer systems use standard connectors.

It shouldn't be a problem, but make sure the physical dimensions of the new PSU fit in the case. And, as long as you are upgrading, I'd suggest getting a 400W-450W PSU.   It'll give you a little more headroom/stability with these power hungry components we have these days.

[Ivan]

Dell uses nonstandard PSU size in their desktop systems. for the rest the thing is the same as any other ATX PSU

[ctjoyce]

Any ATX supply will work. also i would get a 400W PSU, just for the future

[C]

[quote]That's the sort of thing I'm trying to find out from Dell ....... what's the betting I don't get the information.

[eno]

Thanks Guys ......... I've bullied Dell into giving me the information I wanted ....... and Yes the chassis is not a standard size but the connectors are standard.

It turns out that, for now, I can upgrade the card without having to change the PSU as ATI have downgraded the power requirements for their higher powered cards. I'll be giving the new card a try with the supplied PSU ..... if it causes problems I'll upgrade.

Thanks again Guys.  

[Wing Nut]

The only wierd thing I've ever seen about changing a power supply is that my Sony Vaio's speakers had a plug that actually went into the PSU.  In order to replace the PSU, I also had to go out and get a new set of speakers...    Don't worry, replacing your PSU is a snap.  When you get done, you'll wonder how you could have ever thought it hard.

Kevin