Upgrading my power supply...need help

[Carpface]

Hello, I just bought a 6600GT but realized that I don't have the suficient wattage to support it. I am now looking to upgrade my 330w PSU to one that is 400+w. The only thing is I'm not sure what PSU will be compatible with my motherboard and processor and I really don't know what I'm talking about. Okay, so...

There are two kinds of PSU's right? ATX and EPS? How do I find out wich one I need? Where could I find this information?

I have an Intel Pentium 4, 2.50 Ghz at the moment. Does that indicate what type I need?

Are there any other things I need to know before upgrading?

Is there any other information I could find to help me know what to upgrade to?

Sorry for the question whoring, but I've read through these forums abit and can tell you people all know your stuff

Also correct me if I'm wrong on anything. Maybe I'm over exagerating the compatability of PSU's...

[djstubbs]

Most likely you will need an ATX psu.

I suggest the OCz Modstream 520w, it supports 20 and 24 pin motherboards.

[Snake101]

Good power supply that DJ speaks of. For the record, I have a CoolerMaster 430W PSU that was only 30 bucks but if you don't know if your mobo is 20 or 24 than go with what DJ is talking about :)

[Carpface]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. How could I find out weather my motherboard is 20 or 24 pin?

[Snake101]

I would say you either tell us what kind of motherboard you have or you look inside of your case and look for the biggest connector going into your motherboard from your PSU. Count how many pins are on it

[djstubbs]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. How could I find out weather my motherboard is 20 or 24 pin?

Look it up.

But either way OCz makes some of the best, if not the best power supplies on the market.

You could even go for the 450w modstream considering your specs don't merit the 520w.

[Gulf_War_Syndrome]

Look at the motherboard, where the power connector plugs in. 20 and 24 pin power connectors look the same, only the 24 pin has four more pins (!). Just count them.

With a 2.5GHz P4, this would most likely have a 20 pin ATX socket, but it depends on your mainboard, not what type of CPU you have. The latest LGA P4's and Athlon64 boards all have 24 pin sockets. Otherwise they will have the 20 pin ones. Note that some boards also have a separate four pin 12V connector (yours will too I'd say) so don't be confused by this.

Although pricey, you will never go wrong with an Antec PSU. I've had a few different sorts, and have had no problems with them. One time I was messing around doing things I shouldn't have with my TrueBlue-480W, damaged it, and still got it replaced under warranty after 2 years (They have 3 year warranties).

[lil_jimmy_norton]

Look it up.

But either way OCz makes some of the best, if not the best power supplies on the market.

You could even go for the 450w modstream considering your specs don't merit the 520w.

PC Power and Cooling has OCZ beat, but for the money OCZ is king.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703001

[Carpface]

Thanks guys. Was able to find out what I needed and bought a new PSU :)

[lil_jimmy_norton]

Which one did you go with?

[Carpface]

Which one did you go with?

Nothing fancy, but it's 420w and 20 and 24 pin compatable so I'm happy.

[panic951]

Nothing fancy, but it's 420w and 20 and 24 pin compatable so I'm happy.

is it a allied?

[Leviathan]

Don't forget Fortron. The Fortron BlueStorm 500W is an excellent power supply at a good price.