Wondering if I needed to upgrade my power supply and if so, how much more.

[JoeHaarm]

I just purchased VIVO ATX Mid Tower Computer Gaming Extra Air Flow Black PC Case w/ 8 Fan Ports and I was planning on using two video cards with two monitors and putting my HPE-410y PC into the VIVO Midtower. The VIVO Mid Tower I purchased comes with x3 front 120mm blue LED fans and I wondered if I was to run 2 video cards (ATI Radeon HD 5570 series) would I need to upgrade my power supply and if so, then what size power supply would you suggest. I plan to run at least 5 fans for certain and wasn't sure if it would make a difference or not.

                                                                                                  Thanks

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

Here is the support page for that PC

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02481318

It does say that graphics card can support two monitors

• Supports two displays at the same time*
  * Two of the three ports are usable at any one time

Which means it might not be necessary to use two ATI Radeon HD 5570 cards, unless there is another reason to use two cards.

Anyway, in answer to the question - Since this setup is getting moved to a new case, it is the perfect time to upgrade the power supply. The support page indicates a 300w power supply, which is usually a bare minimum.  Upgrading to 450-500w if no other modifications are expected or 650-700w if a better graphics card solution is expected in the future.

[JoeHaarm]

Thank you very much Dean. That was very helpful information and I tried doing my own research but I wasn't feeling comfortable with the understanding of the info I received from the web. Greatly appreciate it!

[JoeHaarm]

I forgot to ask, can you suggest a 450w to 500w power supply that will match my system without having to buy any adapters or extra wires?

                                                          Appreciate it!

[TheOldMan]

There are many power supplies available, and I hesitate to make recommendations.  My best advise is to look at the present connectors being used, get the dimensions of the existing PS and observe the space in case there is some extra room for a slightly bigger dimension supply.  That new case should have ample room, BTW.

Buy within your budget but not an off brand.  Cosair, Thermolake, EVGA, CoolMaster etc are major names.  Depending on where the shopping trip leads, unless buying on-line, take the old power supply with you and ask the sales help for recommendations.

Keep in mind any special requirements if a graphics card upgrade might be possible in the future as some of those require extra connectors that the present supply does not have.

The "modular" supplies can accommodate various connections with supplied connectors

IE - this one by Corsair has various connections possible, also the link has a place to select different watt ratings, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Bronze-Certified-Modular-CP-9020101-NA/dp/B01B72VXE6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UT...

If the graphics card upgrade is expected get a PS with a single power rail.

[JoeHaarm]

Ok. Thanks a lot for the information. I think I'll take your advice and just take the power supply with me and the dimensions of my new case. I'm sure Best Buy would have what I need. I was just going to shop online, but I think I'll play it safe and talk it out with one of their techs and have the specs and dimensions on hand to reassure I get the correct hardware that I will need.

                                                                                           Much appreciated

[TheOldMan]

Once all this moving to the new case gets completed, report back as to how it went.  Also if you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask.  I am always willing to help.

[JoeHaarm]

I will be sure to update you Dean. I was suppose to have the summer off from school, but my advisor from my community college accidentally signed me up for CIT 215: Microsoft Server Admin and I only need to complete five more courses to get my associates, so I figured what the heck and get one more class knocked out and just taking 1 course won't be a problem. I'm 48 years old and decided two years ago to see if I could improve my education in the CIT field and land a better paying job and something that I would enjoy. I pretty much had an idea of what I needed to do, but I really like the feedback you guys give on here and the quick response are amazing and informative. Plus I love to get opinions from another IT person that might have a better suggestion or just make me feel comfortable with my own decisions. I've been playing around with computers ever since the mid 80's and have always wanted to learn more and keep up with the technology. I tried programming and decided it wasn't for me and my advisor turned me onto Information Security, which I am soaking it all in like a sponge and so far things have been suprisingly great for me. Carrying a 3.29 GPA, plenty of certifications, inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and enjoying the ride. I just wish I could go back in time and give a swift kick to myself for not going straight to college after high school. Heck, I was worried after being out of school for 30 years that my thinker may not work as well, lol. Suprised myself.  My class starts Monday, so my hopes is to get everything rolling before school starts up. I'll get back in touch with the updates a.s.a.p. I appreciate the information and your input more than you know.

[TheOldMan]

Glad to hear you are continuing your education, even though slightly older than some in your classes.  I went back to school at about the same time in my life as you are but I had only done computer things as a hobby until going back as we did not have computers when I was in school the first time.  It is good that these advances in learning can be completed and still have some fun doing it. 

Good luck in the future.