mercury24

I just ordered a Dell Vostro 400 Mini Tower.

The specs should be listed to the left.
In addition, a 19-in-1 built in card reader is there.

After reading on Dell.com, I think it comes with a 300W PSU. I'm wondering if that is enough for the system to run optimally and enough to prevent long term damage.

Also, if its too low, will it be possible to change it, and what could be suggested.

Use will be mainly for home and office work, heavy pictures (editing), music and video (not editing) usage, and occasional gaming.

I'm also considering adding another HDD, WiFi, maybe a sound card, and several USB devices maybe be added. I don't know if this affects it, but I figured I'd put write it here in case.

No extra modem card or other PCI device.

Thanks so much, TSF rules!

Tumbleweed36

What we find most of the time is that as a Dell comes standard, it will run for quite some time without difficulty. When we get into trouble, is when we start adding a bunch of other things, because Dell puts a very basic minimal power supply that is very close to being overloaded as soon as you add things. While the things you have mentioned will probably work (they don't draw that much more power), when you upgrade video cards and items that draw a lot of power, the Dell power supplies will simply NOT cut it.

Yes, a standard power supply (not Dell) should work in the newer Dells, but not in the older ones. If you decide to get a bigger power supply from Dell, then expect the big bucks, because they rip you off.

I would run it until it starts to give you trouble, and then look for a bigger power supply when you decide to add even more on a system that is topped out very quickly with the addition of new power hungry items.