E510 needing a new PSU...

[dcoaster]

Hi everyone,

I have a Dell E510 and just recently purchased a Sapphire x1650 Pro card from Newegg.com. My computer has a 305-watt PSU which I have heard mixed feelings about. Some say this card I bought will work fine while others say it won't have enough power. Right now, I have in my comp:

Pentium D820
2GB DDR2 RAM (4x512MB)
80GB HDD-Internal
250GB HDD-External
ATI 256MB X600 graphics
2 DVD+/-RW drives

Main question: Will it be OK? I will try it, but I want to make sure that if it doesn't work none of my other components will be damaged.

So, if I wanted to replace my PSU, what should I do? I have already looked at many posts on this forum and have found that any ATX PSU will work. I'm not really interested in paying the high price of PCP&C though. What steps are necessary to use an ordinary PSU in my Dell? Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

 

[kpo6969]

I have a E521 with the same psu (305w) as yours. Here are your options:

current psu: 22amps on the 12v rails

http://www.power-on.com/ea460u.html
24amps on the 12v rails

http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=S47D
26amps on the 12v rails

The 1st one is the generic for $79.00
The second is like a name brand for 139.00
Both are made for the E510 as well as my E521

If you have any sata drives you will need the proper connections with any psu you use. Hope this helps.

I run a 8600GT (43w) on my stock psu

 

[dcoaster]

Thanks for that first link....

Also, how did you calculate it to be 24amps on the 12V rails? 12V1 is 16amps and 12V2 is 18amps. Wouldn't it be 34amps?

Is there any case modding I need to do?

Thanks!

 

[kpo6969]

Thanks for that first link....

Also, how did you calculate it to be 24amps on the 12V rails? 12V1 is 16amps and 12V2 is 18amps. Wouldn't it be 34amps?

Is there any case modding I need to do?

Thanks!

No case modding needed.
Total wattage on the 12v rails divided by 12 = amps
No you just don't add them together.