Guide for Selecting a Power Supply

[gamingb]

You should take a look at the NewEgg or ThermalTake PSU calculators. Both make it super easy to see if you have the right amount of power for your PC. As a rule of thumb I always get an extra 100w more than I've calculated if I'm upgrading just to make sure I won't need more in the future and my numbers are correct. 

[Big_Dave]

Hi Bronkbuster187,

You should open up your PC and measure the dimensions of your existing power supply and see if the new PSU will fit. I don't believe that there will be an issue but it's always wise to double check you are looking at an off brand power supply.

Allowing for future growth by buying a larger power supply is good strategy, particularly if you might make other upgrades in the future.

Most video cards that are PCI 2.0 or even 2.1 are typically backward compatible in older HP PCs.  I have seen some posts where ATI 5xxx video cards did not work in older HP PCs.

[erico]

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@broncbuster187 wrote:

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace my 300w power supply in a a6560t to a higher watt one for a new video card.

Motherboard: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01324212

would this work:

http://www.cpusolutions.com/store/pc/Ultra-Lifetime-Series-Pro-650W-ATX12V-EPS12V-Power-Supply-p1598...

Any pointers would be great. seems dimension are the issue here.

Also, if you have video card suggestions, i'd love to have them, currently running a PCI-E x16 (1.0 slot) 512 Geforce 9500 GS (I thinK). so I assume I would need a 1.0 slot graphics card.

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Most HP Desktop PCs contain ATX power supplies that are 6 inches (15.25 cm) x 5 inches (12.7 cm) x 3.25 inches (8.25 cm). If your PC has a standard ATX power supply, you can replace it with standard ATX power supplies sold by most electronic stores. Measure your PSU and check the dimensions on a PSU that you are looking at as a candidate for a PSU upgrade.

If you want to select a good PSU, then you should stick with well known and highly regarded brands like OCZ and Corsair. No name brands like the one you are looking at might save you a few $$ in the short run but in long term not be worth the small amount of savings.

Best regards,

erico

[magna_988]

Hi,

I have the HPE 180t  and I'm looking to upgrade the PSU and GPU.

After looking around, I have concluded on getting the GeForce GTX 560 Ti for the GPU.

I have a couple questions about the PSU however.

My motherboard is the Pegatron IPMTB-TK.  After some research, I found that the motherboard is incapable of using the Corsair TX650.  Has anyone found out why?  I also read that the HX650 works with it, so I'm probably going to go with that one instead.

Now, in terms of case size, is there a general lee-way in terms of physical size of PSU?  I am not currently with my desktop, so I can't just measure it right now, but the default PSU has dimensions 5-7/8" wide, 5 1/2" deep, 3 3/8" tall including fan.

The HX650 has the following dimensions: 150mm(W) x 150mm(L) x 86mm(H).  Based on rough calculations, the HX650 is a bit wider and roughly 1/2 inch longer.  I'm not worried about the length, but will the width difference be an issue?

[Big_Dave]

Hi magna_988,

My e9280t (same mobo) is almost the exact configuration that you are considering.  I have the Corsair HX650 PSU but only the NVIDIA GTX 460.  Just be sure that the slot adjacent to the PCI-E slot is vacant.

If the top of your cabinet has slots running along the side edges then we have the exact case.  You need to mount the PSU fan up so that it draws air through the slots for cooling the PSU.

The distance between the optical drive tightens up some with the HX650 but it's not a big problem.

TIP: Remove the front bezel (cover) and unlatch the optical drive and move it forward before you remove and replace the PSU. It will make the installation easier. The cables of the new PSU will be longer so find an empty bay and tuck them away to improve air flow.

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

[packerbacker17]

I have a HP e9260f desktop with a MSI MS-7613 motherboard. This motherboard has a 24 pin power supply connector, plus the 4 pin power connector.

I am looking to upgrade the 350 watt power supply, but I am having trouble finding a 24 pin power supply.

What do you recommend?

[Big_Dave]

Hi packerbacker17,

Almost all of the standard ATX power supplies are 24 pin plus a 4 pin ATX connector. The newer models have the 24 pin plus the 4+4 ATX connector which can be split.

You must be wanting to install a better video card.  What card are you considering?  The std. NVIDIA GT 230 in your model PC is not the best for video intensive applications.

BTw, Go Pack but go easy on the Vikings.

[packerbacker17]

You guessed it, lol.

I am going to put a new card in my pc.

Then the wife's HP will get this card, a Nvidia GTX 285. The 285 fits, and I had it installed but any kind of load and the HP shuts down. I believe the minimum requirement for the GTX 285 is 500 watts.

[packerbacker17]

So this power supply is what I am looking for?

The GTX 285 requires a min of 550 watts.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

It has enough watts for a GTX 285, and it has the proper dimensions, but I'm not sure about the proper power connectors.

[Big_Dave]

Hi packerbacker17,

Go with the Corsair CX500 or CX600.

Review the ATI and NVIDIA performance specifications. Look at the memory bandwidth specifications and the DirectX level support.

The performance sweet spot right now is the AMD Radeon 6850.:smileyhappy:

BTW, I am using the HX650 in my e9280t and Custom PCs.