Upgrading my computer

Khanate

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Jul 28, 2003
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Atm I have an hp pavilion a320n (parents imposed this on me) and I need some more gaming power for wow than I have atm, so I purchased a Sapphire Radeon 9800 pro and 512 mb of ram and I'm currently waiting for those from ncix.com.

But I realised that I might have a problem with the power my comp has

the comp has the following specs as of right now:
AMD Athlon XP 2800+2.08 GHz
Asus N-force2
2x256mb ram 2700 DDR
120gb hard drive 5400 rpm
cd writer and dvd reader

I also have a dvd writer which i turn on every once in a while (its external) and my modem and my printer at times.

BUT BUT BUT, where I need help is do I need to change my PSU which is 300W? I dont want it all to go down melting when I set it all up...

Also how do I know which one to get? And what kind of info you guys need to tell me this?

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endyen

Splendid
HPs psus are usually good. If you can get MBM5 to work on your mobo, try it on the stock psu. If all the rails are stable, and within spec, dont worry.
If you are out of spec, dont skimp, as you can use a larger psu in your next system.
 

Khanate

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so if i monitor my system's heat (if that is what is mbm5 indeed) and check that it doesnt go too high i should do fine?

And if I do run out of spec (I think you mean watts) what will happen?

"as you can use a larger psu in your next system" what do you mean by this

thx a lot for the input btw, really appreciated

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TheRod

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You should check MBM5 Voltage readings. If they are within specs. you are safe. If you have huge spikes or too high or too low readings, you might consider getting a new PSU.

The best you can do, is installing MBM5 right now, so you'll be able to compare temperature and voltages reading between your current and future setup.

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Khanate

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OK, I tried to put my ram in, I started the comp, the temp was 5 degrees higher with 1x256+1x512 (51*c) then 1x256 (45*c) (havent tested 2x256 right after reboot but it was 46*c before) and my comp crashed twice (no warning, just restart)

Would it be a ram problem or is it my psu? Should I try my radeon 9800 pro in?

I crawl inside<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Khanate on 09/07/05 04:50 PM.</EM></FONT></P>