I need to replace the power supply on my p7-1414

[ladydi5150]

I need to replace the power supply that came in my Pavilion p7-1414 desktop. I know the basic specs to look for: 

• Form factor: Internal ATX
• Total wattage: 300W
• Nominal input voltage range: 200-240V/3A (50-60Hz)
• Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm (5.9 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches)

I've been told I can go as high as 450W max but I'm not sure if it is a Modular or Non-Modular psu? Also, does it need to be 80 Plus Certified?  Thank you in advance for all your help.

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@ladydi5150 , welcome to the forum.

Any standard ATX power supply unit (PSU) will work fine.  I do recommend a modular PSU, however.  They allow you to use only the cables that are absolutely necessary.  An 80 Plus Certified PSU is recommended, but not necessarily a Platinum version.  You can actually install any wattage PSU that will meet the requirements of the components.  There is no maximum wattage since the PSU only provides the power necessary to run the existing components and doesn't push power to the components.

I like Corsair products.  The PSU is not the place to save money.  It is the backbone of the computer.  All components run their best when they have clean, stable, power.  This doesn't mean that you need an unlimited budget.  It simply means buy a good quality PSU.  Here is a PSU that should work fine.  If you decide not to buy the one in my link, it will give you a good idea of what you need.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[ladydi5150]

Thank you so much Old_geekster for your quick reply. When I followed your link, I found another PSU that said it was "semi-modular". What's the difference between full and semi? Sorry if this might seem a silly question to ask but when I checked out both, I really couldn't see a difference.

Thanks again for your help. 🙂

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @ladydi5150 !

Just remember one thing for the future -- there are no "silly" questions on these Forums.  If we were all Experts there would be no need for the Forums. 😉

A modular PSU allows you to remove all of the cables so you use the ones that absolutely necessary.  If you look at the picture in the link that I provided in my original post you will see that there are no cables attached on the left facing side of the PSU.  A semi-modular PSU has the main ATX power cable and possibly the processor power cable connected to it.  This is not a problem if you want to buy one.