PSU upgrade...

**Stormy{CAN}** · 10-17-2007, 04:49 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

1. Like paying too much for usually inferior products, and crappy customer service?

2. Don't believe the reviews on TD, as they are about the only place in Canada that carries Ultra.

3. Maybe, maybe not.

Would be a lot easier to make recommendations if we knew how much you're willing to spend.

**imported_Neptune** · 10-17-2007, 05:14 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

I meant customer reviews, not td reviews. I dont have a set amount to spend, but id like something under $90 total.

**Dr.x** · 10-17-2007, 05:41 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

www.ncix.com Best CAN site for PC stuff, good prices , deals on shipping, weekly sales

This seems like a good PSU, ocz good name, good products , Good warrnty

OCZ GameXstream 700w SLI cert.

Send the Mail in Rebate as soon as possible to get it (OCZ MIR are horrible)

**imported_Neptune** · 10-18-2007, 06:55 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Ok i may be able to get a free upgrade.

I cracked open my dad's old computer to see whats going on in there. It was bought used and its currently being used for business, but i think it was build manualy because of the noname case and 4 5.25" drive bays.

Anyway i look on the PSU and it says "450W MAX." Does "MAX" mean its output? My other question is, since i have a dell PSU (240W), will there be any problems if i vice-versad the power supplies... The computer im taking the 450W psu from has 128 megs of memory, pentium III, and integrated graphics, 20 gig HD, so my guess is that its not even using half the power of the psu.

So will everything be ok if i hooked up my dell psu into the [maybe custom built] case? will my computer be ok with the "old" 450 w PSU? (looks clean, and i noticed it pushes out way more air than my current one does).

Tell me what you think

...

**TheSpark29** · 10-18-2007, 07:41 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Originally posted by Neptune

Ok i may be able to get a free upgrade.

I cracked open my dad's old computer to see whats going on in there. It was bought used and its currently being used for business, but i think it was build manualy because of the noname case and 4 5.25" drive bays.

Anyway i look on the PSU and it says "450W MAX." Does "MAX" mean its output? My other question is, since i have a dell PSU (240W), will there be any problems if i vice-versad the power supplies... The computer im taking the 450W psu from has 128 megs of memory, pentium III, and integrated graphics, 20 gig HD, so my guess is that its not even using half the power of the psu.

So will everything be ok if i hooked up my dell psu into the [maybe custom built] case? will my computer be ok with the "old" 450 w PSU? (looks clean, and i noticed it pushes out way more air than my current one does).

Tell me what you think

...

Hmmmm. :hmm: Tough call. Since your Dad's old P3 system had a 450W PSU in it, it sounds like a very cheap generic PSU. Be cautioned: "450W MAX" may refer to peak output. So the PSU may only be able to supply 400W continuously but may be able to crank out 450W for a second or two. I really don't like the idea of using this PSU with a moderate powered system. Your 240W Dell PSU is also probably some generic crap. Not good.

My advice is to just get a new PSU. You are picking between a 240W Dell or a 450W Generic. Both really suck. :dead: I would recommend a Corsair 450VX. If that's too expensive you could try this Silverstone or this PC P&C.

Hope this helps.

**Stormy{CAN}** · 10-18-2007, 08:28 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Do yourself a favor and don't cheap out on the power supply. Do you really want to take a chance on a $30-50 power supply to run several hundred dollars worth of computer hardware?

The computer im taking the 450W psu from has 128 megs of memory, pentium III, and integrated graphics, 20 gig HD

Which means it is worthless for today's hardware.

**imported_Neptune** · 10-18-2007, 09:59 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Originally posted by Stormy{CAN}

Do yourself a favor and don't cheap out on the power supply. Do you really want to take a chance on a $30-50 power supply to run several hundred dollars worth of computer hardware?

Which means it is worthless for today's hardware.

i know i shouldnt buy a budget psu, but i need to understand whats wrong with the 450w one. I know its in a crappy computer, but does that make the psu crappy itself? if my comp can run on 240w, shouldnt 450w be an improvement? Or is it like CPUs, and the numbers dont matter

**Stormy{CAN}** · 10-19-2007, 07:06 AM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Here's an idea, open the case and post the make and model number of the 450W PSU.

**The Laughing Man** · 10-19-2007, 12:26 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

The additional info about it being a Dell may be a big problem. You see Dell tend to use cheap as possible components. That means Dell specific Motherboards and Dell specific PSUs. Now that creates some problems.

1). You may not be able to get a graphics that will be worth the effort of upgrading by this I mean your PC may not have a PCI-e or even an AGP slot if it doesn't then no point in upgrading you may as well start fresh.

2). Dell motherboards tend to use their own PSU connectors and their PSUs can sometimes be funny shapes meaning that you can't just go out and buy a new PSU and stick it straight in.

Of course this is speculation without knowing exactly what Dell you have it's hard to say but I've seen enough busted Dells and read enough about them from other posters to know that Dell + Upgrade = Trouble.

**megawhompertoo** · 10-19-2007, 01:08 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Dell uses adequate psu's. They aren't the cheapest out there, but they are made for minimal-to-moderate loads and a 3-5 year life span (warranty 3 years). I've been taking some apart in my department lately as we got a bad batch of mobo's (blown capacitor problem that plagued P4 systems from HP, Compaq, Emachines, Dell, etc. made about two or three years ago) and they are solid but low-end psu's.

The problem with that 450 is that it might not be the current ATX spec. As suggested, posting the make, model, and the ATX specification would suggest whether it's SAFE to use it, whether or not it's ADVISABLE is a different story. With systems running upwards of $1000, you really want active pfc and a reliable hold-up time/power good signal to keep the naughty electrons from running amok through your expensive components.

**imported_Neptune** · 10-19-2007, 02:44 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Originally posted by The Laughing Man

The additional info about it being a Dell may be a big problem. You see Dell tend to use cheap as possible components. That means Dell specific Motherboards and Dell specific PSUs. Now that creates some problems.

1). You may not be able to get a graphics that will be worth the effort of upgrading by this I mean your PC may not have a PCI-e or even an AGP slot if it doesn't then no point in upgrading you may as well start fresh.

2). Dell motherboards tend to use their own PSU connectors and their PSUs can sometimes be funny shapes meaning that you can't just go out and buy a new PSU and stick it straight in.

Of course this is speculation without knowing exactly what Dell you have it's hard to say but I've seen enough busted Dells and read enough about them from other posters to know that Dell + Upgrade = Trouble.

I apologize for not providing enough information earlier.
1) i know i have pci-e, not sli of course, but that should be good for me for a few years.
2) which is why im here :)
My dell is a year old, its a dimension 5150. Its got a quick-release side panel so im guessing its designed to be upgraded often :hmm:

I opened the other computer up and got this information. I didnt see if before because the case kinda covered the top portion of the psu:

"Thame star"
Model: ATX-450

**Dr.x** · 10-19-2007, 03:10 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

What motherboard do you have it might be a 20 pin and not 24 connector so that will limit psu choice unless the PSU comes with a detachable 4 connector to connect to 20 pin.

If you would find out if its 20pin ill find you one with compatability

**Stormy{CAN}** · 10-19-2007, 03:34 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

Specs on his computer,

Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_5150?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb

Dell provides technology solutions, services & support. Buy Laptops, Touch Screen PCs, Desktops, Servers, Storage, Monitors, Gaming & Accessories.

Power
Input Voltage: 100 to 120 V at 60Hz, 200 to 240V at 50Hz
Output Wattage: 305W maximum continuous

PSU,

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http://computerrack.ca/wecs.php?store=comprack&action=display&target=5TPSTH450

If that is the same PSU that is in your Dell, personally i wouldn't trust it to power a light bulb. Do yourself and your computer a favor if you're looking at a decent video card, get a decent 450-500W power supply from Antec/Enermax/OCZ/Seasonic/etc.

**imported_Neptune** · 10-20-2007, 03:22 PM

Re: PSU upgrade...

i think im going for this psu. kind of expensive for my likings but what can you do? http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...557&CatId=1483
objections?

PSU upgrade...

PSU upgrade...

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