Power supply questions from a noob

[knottshawk]

I have an a 1750e HP desktop.... how do I know what type of power supply I need to get? I'm planning on getting a 400w supply but I assume they're not generic. I mean, I assume I'll need to buy a specific type of power supply.

Also, is this just a "plug it in and start it up" kind of install? I'm comfortable installing GPU's and RAM....

Thanks!

 

[halister_one]

Doesn't your HP desktop already have a PSU? If it runs fine, there's really no point in replacing it.

If you're upgrading the PSU because you want to upgrade some other system component like the video card, get a PSU from a named brand. Nearly all consumer PSUs have the necessary pins to run any system, so compatibility is a small issue. And yes, installing a PSU is just plugging it in and running it, like ram.

 

[knottshawk]

Well, yes, I'm upgrading the GPU and adding a second HDD. What's a good brand?

Oh also, I assume there's no "limit" on what my motherboard can handle? I mean, I wanna go from 300w to 400 or 450w... is that okay?

 

[Onus]

Components will only draw the power they need. What GPU do you intend to buy?
Good brands include Antec, Enermax, OCZ, Silverstone, PC Power and Cooling, Corsair, and Seasonic. It is a dated list, but you can get some ideas by checking the lists at http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiered+PSU+Listings?t=anon.

PSU calc: http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

 

[knottshawk]

I'm thinking of going with an 8500gt GPU.... I don't game. I just watch TV on my computer...

 

[knottshawk]

I'm looking around at Newegg... they have a field that says "Supports modular cabling: Yes or No"

Do I need that to say yes? I don't want to order one of these and have it not fit my system....

I see ATX, ATX12V.... I'm concerned with size too... I've heard some HP systems use a proprietary power supply. How do I tell what mine needs?

 

[kyeana]

i could be mistaken but an 8500gt isn't a very powerful gpu and probably wouldn't require a new psu to run it...

but of course i dont have any stats to back that up, just my first thoughts

 

[knottshawk]

I'm adding a HDD too... I'm not really debating whether I need a power supply or not... I'm trying to find out which one I need.

How do I tell what my system currently has and what it needs?

ATX? Micro ATX? ATX12v? Pins?

 

[KyleSTL]

Modular: No, you don't need that feature (essentially customizable cables)

If the mounting holes that hold up your PSU look like this:

Then it is compatable with ATX, ATX12V, EPS, and EPS12V. If the mounting holes are different you'll need a different form factor (i.e. SFX, TFX, MicroATX), which we'll help you figure out when you get to that point.

 

[knottshawk]

Yeah... it looks like that.. and it says Bestec ATX - 300 - 12Z

So that means it's ATX... right?

 

[halister_one]

What's the specs of your old PSU? If it looks like a common PSU seen on newegg, chances are it's an ATX or EPS. You should worry over ATX and ATX12V, you should worry on what pins are needed.

An 8500GT is quite a weak video card. Chances are, the current PSU you have might work. HDD doesn't draw a lot of power, but unless we know the specifications of your current PSU, there's not much to say.

 

[halister_one]

Yeah... it looks like that.. and it says Bestec ATX - 300 - 12Z

So that means it's ATX... right?

Yeah, ATX it is.

I suppose the 300 means 300W, which is usually fine if it's a solid PSU and does what it's rated for. Chances are it's total crap and might not support even a weak 8500GT.

Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005 is all you really need.

 

[KyleSTL]

I second halister's recommendation. It's a Seasonic-built PSU with plenty of power for your rig's specification.

 

[knottshawk]

Sweet. You guys are great.... Thanks so much!