I need a little PC tech help.

[Ago Iterum]

Right, before I start, I'll list my computer specs...

AMD Phenom quad-core processor
Windows Vista 32-bit
4GB RAM (only 3.25 active)
Nvidia 9600 GT 1GB GDDR2 graphics card
350w 4a power supply

Spot the problem here? Yeah, the one in bold. I noticed when I installed the graphics card that there was a chugging noise, and then after a while, it cut out. I've done as much research into solving the problem as I can, and I just need a little bit of help with a couple of details.

1) The graphics card says it demands a minimum 400w 24a power supply, but since I have a high power demand coming from my Phenom processor, should I play it safe and go higher? If so, how high?

2) My PC is an Advent. Will it have to be an Advent power supply? If not, are all power supplies of the same size so they will fit my PC?

3) How hard are they to install etc. Should I have my local computer store do it for money?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Danny Ocean]

1) I only have a cheap dell and I've got a 650w PSU. You can save money by going through the components and working out how much you need, or just play safe and get a ~600w PSU. It's normally enough unless you're Eggo.

2) I would check with Advent first, but most PC cases use standard ATX power supplies. The main thing is getting all the right connectors so that all of your gubbins have power.

3) Okay, here's some pictures of my PSU. I imagine your PC is a bit roomier than this. This was taken when my PC was on. Don't do that, heh.

Let's all laugh at my cable management!

Spoiler: Pictures (3)

Spoiler: Side View

Isn't it cuuute? Seriously though, this should give you an idea of where it is if you haven't seen the inside of your PC before. Your PSU may also have extra rails running along the bottom edges to help support it.

Spoiler: Bottom view

This shows the support that my PSU has inside the case. Just the little tag on the left. Again, yours may have rails. If you're having difficulty slotting it in, you might want to remove your CPU heat sink. Should be OK though.

Spoiler: Rear View

As well as showing my amazing wires, this picture shows the 4 screws that hold the PSU in place. These are taking most of the weight. If your current PSU is held in by screws, be sure to keep them safe when you switch.

Now, step-by-step:

Spoiler: How-to. Dont be daunted, it's easy like lego

1. Turn off the PC, the unplug it from the mains. (I also unplug all the wires from the back.

2. Open up the case (I find it helpful to lay it on it's side).

[HEADING=3] 3.Ground Yourself.[/HEADING] This is to make sure you don't accidentally shock any of the components.

4. Follow the wires from your current PSU, and carefully unplug all of the components, being careful not to damage anything.

5. If your PSU is secured with any screws, remove them and keep them safe (I put them in a mug.)

6. Now, double carefully slot in the new PSU. If you are struggling, try removing the CPU heat sink.

7. Plug in all the components to their respective cables. It's like Meccano.

8. Plug in the screen, mouse, and keyboard. You don't need to put the side panel back on yet, just make sure not to stick anything in there.

9. Plug it back into the mains, and press the switch on the PSU (if it has one). Then the power switch on your PC.

10. Your PC will now perform a POST (Power On Self Test). If it is successful, Your PC will beep like always does when you turn it on. If it doesn't beep, and then doesn't turn on, there's a problem. Make sure everything is connected.

If you don't want to run any risks of incompatible components or a damaged PC, get a private company to do it.

 

[wordsmith]

1) you've got a 350 watt power supply... if I were you I'd be aiming at 450/500 at LEAST
2)Do you know what motherboard you have? Your power supply MUST be compatible with that, if nothing else.
3)It's relatively easy to do it yourself, but if it's your first upgrade it's usually a good idea to have someone who knows what they're doing looking over your shoulder.

I'm gonna say what I say to all people thinking of upgrading a PC... FFS, remember to ground yourself it saves much pain later on

 

[TMAN10112]

I'm running a:
Phenom II quad core processor
Windows vista 32 bit
3GB RAM
Radeon HD 4870 512mb graphics card
and a 600w (73%) power supply

Befor I upgraded my power supply I had the same problem.

1)It would be a good idea to go higher then required, especialy if your going to add anything else to your rig.

2)Mine was a HP origionally and I have a roswell power supply, so you shouldn't need to worry about that. Many are the same/similar size so as long as you aren't going crazy (900-1000w). You shouldn't need to worry about it fitting unless your very short on space.

3)There's alot of wires but if you can remember where they go, it should fairly easy to install(you will be using the same wires/sockets as the old power supply).

I suggest that you browse Newegg.com and find one within your price range(mine was about $65)

p.s. you will probably want to check each power supplies efficiency. For example, a 600w power supply with 80% efficiency is better(more watts) then one with 70%. You won't need to worry about this much, but it might help you get a bit more power for what you pay.

 

[sneak_copter]

Quick Fire Tech Help from an Idiot :
1. Go high. Kill the planet. It's very fun.
2. I reckon that as long as your power supply is of the required power, it will be fine.
3. It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. I even got a leaflet from my local PC store telling me how to do it myself.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

get a better power supply, get one from a name brand instead of a generic one. most mobos use the same plugs, dell used to be bad for using a different one but they stopped that. as for installing it, they're pretty easy to install, just remember to plug in everything you removed

 

[Ago Iterum]

1) I only have a cheap dell and I've got a 650w PSU. You can save money by going through the components and working out how much you need, or just play safe and get a ~600w PSU. It's normally enough unless you're Eggo.

2) I would check with Advent first, but most PC cases use standard ATX power supplies. The main thing is getting all the right connectors so that all of your gubbins have power.

3) Okay, here's some pictures of my PSU. I imagine your PC is a bit roomier than this. This was taken when my PC was on. Don't do that, heh.

Let's all laugh at my cable management!

Spoiler: Pictures (3)

Spoiler: Side View

Isn't it cuuute? Seriously though, this should give you an idea of where it is if you haven't seen the inside of your PC before. Your PSU may also have extra rails running along the bottom edges to help support it.

Spoiler: Bottom view

This shows the support that my PSU has inside the case. Just the little tag on the left. Again, yours may have rails. If you're having difficulty slotting it in, you might want to remove your CPU heat sink. Should be OK though.

Spoiler: Rear View

As well as showing my amazing wires, this picture shows the 4 screws that hold the PSU in place. These are taking most of the weight. If your current PSU is held in by screws, be sure to keep them safe when you switch.

Now, step-by-step:

Spoiler: How-to. Dont be daunted, it's easy like lego

1. Turn off the PC, the unplug it from the mains. (I also unplug all the wires from the back.

2. Open up the case (I find it helpful to lay it on it's side).

[HEADING=3] 3.Ground Yourself.[/HEADING] This is to make sure you don't accidentally shock any of the components.

4. Follow the wires from your current PSU, and carefully unplug all of the components, being careful not to damage anything.

5. If your PSU is secured with any screws, remove them and keep them safe (I put them in a mug.)

6. Now, double carefully slot in the new PSU. If you are struggling, try removing the CPU heat sink.

7. Plug in all the components to their respective cables. It's like Meccano.

8. Plug in the screen, mouse, and keyboard. You don't need to put the side panel back on yet, just make sure not to stick anything in there.

9. Plug it back into the mains, and press the switch on the PSU (if it has one). Then the power switch on your PC.

10. Your PC will now perform a POST (Power On Self Test). If it is successful, Your PC will beep like always does when you turn it on. If it doesn't beep, and then doesn't turn on, there's a problem. Make sure everything is connected.

If you don't want to run any risks of incompatible components or a damaged PC, get a private company to do it.

Wow, thanks a lot. You've been a big help!

And thanks to the rest of you too.

So are most motherboards able to run ATX power supplies?

 

[Danny Ocean]

Wow, thanks a lot. You've been a big help!

And thanks to the rest of you too.

So are most motherboards able to run ATX power supplies?

That's not how it works. The ATX is a standard by which PSUs and Mobos are sized. It's just the dimensions and where the screws go.

Your motherboard will most likely have a 20-pin or 24-pin socket. Your 9600gt I think needs a single ATX12V connector. Your motherboard might also need a separate 4-pin connector.

See this [http://www.hardwarezone.com/guides/intel-socketT/index.php?pg=14] guide from page 14-22. Everything before that relates to CPUs, everything after relates to the BIOS and other stuff.

 

[Ago Iterum]

Wow, thanks a lot. You've been a big help!

And thanks to the rest of you too.

So are most motherboards able to run ATX power supplies?

That's not how it works. The ATX is a standard by which PSUs and Mobos are sized. It's just the dimensions and where the screws go.

Your motherboard will most likely have a 20-pin or 24-pin socket. Your 9600gt I think needs a single ATX12V connector. Your motherboard might also need a separate 4-pin connector.

See this [http://www.hardwarezone.com/guides/intel-socketT/index.php?pg=14] guide from page 14-22. Everything before that relates to CPUs, everything after relates to the BIOS and other stuff.

The 9600gt needs a 6pin power connection, and the power supply I'm looking at doesn't have that. But it has 4 perhiperal connectors, 2 of which I can use to power a converter for my card.

Also the one I'm looking at has 20 AND 24 pin connection to the motherboard. And it's unusually cheap for a 500w...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-500-Watt-ATX-Silent-PC-Power-Supply-Unit-PSU-500W_W0QQitemZ310120079852QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_PowerSupplies_EH?hash=item310120079852&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308

There it is. I've sent a few e-mails to them with questions about it. They've replied, and if it doesn't work, I can just refund it. And I've read the reviews of that specific seller, and they're perfect.

What do you guys think?

 

[Nivag the Owl]

You should go for 700W power supply. It will cope with your demand as well as not ruin your families bills. As for compatability, you need to check all of your components that require a power supply, list the type, and make sure the power supply has sufficient cables. Any brand will be fine.

I'm on my second year of an ICT course now and one of our core units last year was 'upgrading a system for specific needs', so you should totally listen to me.