finding specs, upgrading?

Meaven · 12-11-2006, 08:37 PM

I need to know how to find out the specifications on my current PSU. is there a tool in windows or do i have to open the case up?

the reason for this is that i am getting a new graphics card and i'm not entirely sure that my PSU can handle the newer cards out there.

so if i DO need to replace it, can i just go out and buy one and install it, or are there compatibility issues with motherboards, etc?

thanks a bunch

**Doby** · 12-11-2006, 08:44 PM

http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/motherboards-bios-cpu/107466-power-supply-information-selection.html

That will help you choose, there is no software that will give you specs of a psu you have to open the case they will be listed on the side.

If you know the name brand and model you could go to the manufactures website and get the specs

Meaven · 12-11-2006, 09:02 PM

so as i understand it, any PSU will work with any motherboard/peripherals, as long as the connectors mesh up, and the power provided is accurate?

if thats the case, im looking into this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817101502

sorry, im sort of new at the whole computer upgrades thing. i've replaced everything in a computer but the PSU. i just want to make sure the whole thing wont explode if i make a mistake.

**Doby** · 12-12-2006, 04:20 PM

Could you give us your full specs that will help determine weather that psu will suit your needs, one thing about it is it only has a 20 pin connector many modern motherboards requier 24 pin.

Although that psu has some nice specs I don't know the brand and if you do need a 450w I can recomend one that I know and have used for about the same price or less but we really need the specs of your computer to be sure

**TheMatt** · 12-13-2006, 02:06 PM

What graphics card were you planning on getting? I would stay away from that brand, look into Antec, Enermax, Forton, Silverstone, Seasonic, OCZ, and PC Power & Cooling.

**linderman** · 12-13-2006, 08:05 PM

two major things to look for when buying a PSU

Efficiency Rating >>>>> should be at least 80% 85% is better!

Power Factor Correction (PFC) there are two types active & passive (active is better)

the unit you linked is a low grade PSU it has no PFC and doesnt state the efficiency rating = = = = = = = == = RUN away dont walk!

**PanamaGal** · 12-13-2006, 09:15 PM

You wouldn't go wrong with any that Matt recommended. Seasonic is not the least expensive on that list by a long shot, but if you can afford one, they really are good.

12-11-2006, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Meaven Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 8 OS: XP	finding specs, upgrading? I need to know how to find out the specifications on my current PSU. is there a tool in windows or do i have to open the case up? the reason for this is that i am getting a new graphics card and i'm not entirely sure that my PSU can handle the newer cards out there. so if i DO need to replace it, can i just go out and buy one and install it, or are there compatibility issues with motherboards, etc? thanks a bunch

12-11-2006, 08:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Doby Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Central PA (USA) Posts: 6,996 OS: XP sp2/ Vista	http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/motherboards-bios-cpu/107466-power-supply-information-selection.html That will help you choose, there is no software that will give you specs of a psu you have to open the case they will be listed on the side. If you know the name brand and model you could go to the manufactures website and get the specs __________________ Would you like to help TSF fight cancer and other diseases??? JOIN TEAM TSF

12-11-2006, 09:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Meaven Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 8 OS: XP	so as i understand it, any PSU will work with any motherboard/peripherals, as long as the connectors mesh up, and the power provided is accurate? if thats the case, im looking into this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817101502 sorry, im sort of new at the whole computer upgrades thing. i've replaced everything in a computer but the PSU. i just want to make sure the whole thing wont explode if i make a mistake. Last edited by Meaven : 12-11-2006 at 09:15 PM. Reason: add product

12-12-2006, 04:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Doby Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Central PA (USA) Posts: 6,996 OS: XP sp2/ Vista	Could you give us your full specs that will help determine weather that psu will suit your needs, one thing about it is it only has a 20 pin connector many modern motherboards requier 24 pin. Although that psu has some nice specs I don't know the brand and if you do need a 450w I can recomend one that I know and have used for about the same price or less but we really need the specs of your computer to be sure __________________ Would you like to help TSF fight cancer and other diseases??? JOIN TEAM TSF

12-13-2006, 02:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheMatt Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,615 OS: Windows 3.1, 98, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	What graphics card were you planning on getting? I would stay away from that brand, look into Antec, Enermax, Forton, Silverstone, Seasonic, OCZ, and PC Power & Cooling. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

12-13-2006, 08:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	two major things to look for when buying a PSU Efficiency Rating >>>>> should be at least 80% 85% is better! Power Factor Correction (PFC) there are two types active & passive (active is better) the unit you linked is a low grade PSU it has no PFC and doesnt state the efficiency rating = = = = = = = == = RUN away dont walk! __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

12-13-2006, 09:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
PanamaGal Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Panama Posts: 1,240 OS: WinXP Pro SP2; Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista Ultimate; Vista Business	You wouldn't go wrong with any that Matt recommended. Seasonic is not the least expensive on that list by a long shot, but if you can afford one, they really are good. __________________ It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.