Guide for Selecting a Power Supply

[packerbacker17]

THANKS!

[magna_988]

Thanks for the help!

[Lexo260]

I've got an older Compaq (SR1500NX - Model number: PX786AA) that I'd like to upgrade its video card. I don't know yet what GPU I will buy since I don’t know how much of a PSU upgrade my motherboard can handle. And I can’t seem to find specs on the power supply for this model.  Any suggestions on PSU and GPU that would work with what I've got? I'm new to all this; I've only upgraded RAM in the past, but I’m a fast learner.

• AMD Sepron 3000+ 2.00 GHz
• Motherboard Name: A7V8X-LA
• HP/Compaq motherboard name: Ketut-GL6E

all other specs can be found at this HP link (if needed): http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00387080

Thanks in advance 

[Big_Dave]

Hi Lexo260,

The original power supply in your PC is 250 watts with a 20 pin ATX motherboard power connector.  Most of the newer power supplies have 20+4 pin ATX motherboard connectors.  So you shouldn't have a problem if the right power supply is chosen.

You should open up your PC and measure the physical dimensions of your power supply. Here is a list of things to consider:
1. Specifications
2. Total wattage - important
3. 12+ volt amperage rating - important
4. Modular - not mandatory but I like the flexibility
5. Warranty
6. i7 and SLI ready
7. Efficiency rating
8. Cost
9. Physical size -- standard ATX PSU is 5.5" by 5.9" by 3.4" give or take a few tenths
10. A single 12+ volt rail is a better choice.

www.newegg.com has lots of PSUs choices. Corsair, OCZ, Rosewill, Thermaltake.....

The PSU and GPU will depend on your applications.  The prices will again change what is required.  The Corsair that I suggested above is 500 watts and will run most video cards expect the upper end models.

Open up your PC have do some measuring in parallel with the PCI-E x16 slot.  How much room do you have? The faster video cards are wider so the slot adjacent to the PCI-E x16 slot needs to be vacant.

[rhode-runner]

I have a refurbished PC (Pavilion p6267c). I’m looking to upgrade my PSU. I’m a casual gamer, and I want to eventually upgrade the video card but my budget is limited. I’m looking for something in the price range of $20 and $125 and maybe something around 500 to 600 watts.

Found this one at Microcenter as well as this one at newegg.com. Not sure if these are the right ones for my mobo. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Big_Dave]

Hi rhode-runner,

Either one of the PSUs that you referenced should work.  If you are unsure which of the faster video cards you might purchase, then consider a larger PSU to be on the safe side.  The Corsair CX600 would be an excellent choice and it has the same dimensions as your existing PSU.

These HP "how-to" articles should be helpful.

[rhode-runner]

@Big_Dave,

Thanks. I was thinking that a larger PSU would be beneficial and the Corsair CX600 looks to be perfect for my PC as well as my budget.

[HellWo1f]

Ok guys...I have a p6716f HP desktop and was needing some info on what PSU to get. It has the integrated GPU 4200HD, but I've already bought a HIS Radeon HD 6850 GDDR5 GPU to put in the pci-e slot that's available. I had bought an Apevia 650W PSU to replace the 250W original, but unfortunately it went out this morning. Sad thing is that I've only had this PSU for a little over 2 months. Computer just would not come on. A friend actually recommended this PSU even though I was thinking about a Corsair 750W. I didn't have any problems originally before this morning. I could run Crysis & Crysis 2 on hardcore settings. I'm a gamer so normally I can be gaming for 8hrs straight at times. I eventually would like to get a Phenom II x6 Black Edition, but that's at a later date. Any suggestions?

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Go with the Corsair CX600 for the power supply. 

The motherboard in your PC is AM3 rated at 95 watts.  These AMD processors should work.  Know what the return policy is before you buy.

[HellWo1f]

Ok thx. The Corsair shouldn't short circuit like the Apevia should it? Just wandering bc it was a 650W...And thx btw.