Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS

b0k1 · 11-24-2008, 03:34 AM

ive got a dell inspiron 531s, which is very slim and too small for a lot of psu's out there.
http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/250-...TFX0250D5W.php
this link says this psu is used in 531s so the dimensions would be what i need for a better one.
# 3.25" Wide
# 2.5" Tall
# 6.75" Deep
these are the dimensions of my current psu according to the link above.
now i want a 500ish watt psu but i dont understand which ones would be small enough or which ones have the right cords and all. if the first link is the same as my one (same cords and size) which psu from these links would work with my computer;
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=92127
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=125168
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=145072
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=94588
http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=106770
have a look of the dimensions of these down the bottom, if the dimensions aren't displayed, have a look at the size of the fan then the picture because estimating from the size, the PSU seems small enough to fit.

please help me with this i have been looking for a compatible PSU for a long time =] hard to find PSU's that can fit in my 531s
any help is appreciated ^^

-b0k1

**stressfreesoul** · 11-24-2008, 08:43 AM

None of those will fit. All of the power supplies you linked to are ATX, most power supplies inside dell and others are proprietary, meaning they are of odd size so you can only ask the original manufacturer.
Why is it you need a massive power supply in a machine that small anyway?

b0k1 · 11-24-2008, 04:24 PM

im upgrading my graphics card so it will need more watts than my current intergrated one.
but these powersupplys are same or small size than my current one? wouldnt only the plugs and all be the problem? what do types of plugs and cords do i need to look for to be able to work in my computer? thanks for the reply btw.

**linderman** · 11-24-2008, 05:32 PM

you would be far better off to replace your case with a model such as the coolermaster centurion for $50.00 ........ you are going to need more air flow for a better video card anyway .......

just transfer the "guts" of your existing system into the new case

Mcninjaguy · 11-24-2008, 06:02 PM

a case like this - antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

PSU like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002

b0k1 · 11-24-2008, 11:34 PM

thanks so much for the replys guys

few more things; the case that mcninjaguy posted, did you choose that case for a particular reason or just because it's big enough for the other psu?

also, if i get a psu that is too big couldnt i just leave it running from out of the computer? do i need to have it inside and the case closed at all times? same goes with a graphics card.

oh and, wen buying psu's, what do i look for apart from the size of it, are there special cords that need to fit mine or are they all the same.

thanks a lot for help

-b0k1

**stressfreesoul** · 11-25-2008, 04:34 AM

Quote:

few more things; the case that mcninjaguy posted, did you choose that case for a particular reason or just because it's big enough for the other psu?

It will fit any ATX PSU (apart from maybe the bigger 1000W+ ones), Antec are a damn good manufacturer of cases and fans.

Quote:

also, if i get a psu that is too big couldnt i just leave it running from out of the computer? do i need to have it inside and the case closed at all times? same goes with a graphics card.

Not really. Good airflow is a must, ensuring cooler air is sucked in the front and warm air out the back is essential for providing the correct temperature for higher powered components to function. Your Inspiron case will not provide this, it was designed for the lower powered rig without a hot graphics card or bigger power supply.The power supply helps extract some of the warm air and if moved out of the case, would also leave a gaping hole to further ruin the flow of air.

Quote:

oh and, wen buying psu's, what do i look for apart from the size of it, are there special cords that need to fit mine or are they all the same.

Your present power supply should have some of these...

something like this...

...maybe with an extra 4 pins in it.
You may possibly have a couple of these...

As long as the new power supply has these (most do) you should have no issues.
I suggest this PSU, it will provide years of faithful service and power your PC flawlessly.

**speedster123** · 11-25-2008, 06:34 AM

http://www.pcpower.com/products/power_supplies/dell/

Mcninjaguy · 11-25-2008, 12:43 PM

the antec 900 case has quite a few fans (the fans would cost more than the case if you bought them seperately) I have antec 900 case its a very cool case. it comes with 4 fans and you can 2 more fans for it

look at the specs for the OCZ PSU I linked here it has the connections you need for a floppy drive, sata, 4 pin, etc
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002

**wrench97** · 11-25-2008, 02:04 PM

I'm not seeing the problem here guys the connectors are standard ATX2.0 24 pin main, 4 pin CPU Sata power and 4 pin Molex power the back plate of the case may be different so either use the Pc Power & Cooling unit or if your adventurist enough to change the case use a pair of tin snips to make the hole fit for the power cord if necessary.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1602242

Your going to have more issues with the front panel connections to a standard case then anything else I would think.

**linderman** · 11-25-2008, 02:10 PM

those mini psu's are alot smaller than standard atx ...... the plugs are are same but not the size of the box of the power supply...... generally a full sized power supply would stick right thru the top of the existing case ?

you could mount the psu outside the case ........it aint pretty but I have done it many times ...... then you put a fan where the psu used to be ..... with the aid of a flat peice of metal used for a blanking plate ?

**wrench97** · 11-25-2008, 02:27 PM

My bad I thought I read 530s which is a standard width case just shorter

**wrench97** · 11-25-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

you could mount the psu outside the case ........it aint pretty but I have done it many times ...... ?

Maybe that's why they make the shinny black ones with racing stripes and blue lights

**linderman** · 11-25-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Maybe that's why they make the shinny black ones with racing stripes and blue lights

that makes perfect sense ........... LOL yes ..... racing stripes = antec quattro

Mcninjaguy · 11-25-2008, 07:16 PM

ohh yea antec quattro aren't the stripes a nice shade of blue over a glossy black finish?

why oh god why would you have stripes on a psu? are the stripes on top or the sides? if its the top then ehhhh its kinda cool

b0k1 · 11-26-2008, 12:27 AM

!!! thanks for so much replies!

well i found out i got a 24pin connector for the motherboard, a 4pin for the cpu but i dont understand "molex power" and "sata"? all i know is the cables from my psu going to my hard drive and my cd drive thing have 5 wires going to the connector. wrench97 was right about the connectors but yeh he still raises a good point, if i get a new case, how would i be able to line up all of the insides to the outside such as the network cable, psu plug, usb ports, headphones, etc. also, speedster the psu u linked for dell's isnt compatible for my dell, theres a list if you go to combality and mines not in it =[ thanks anyway :P

now im scared about messing up the air flow if i leave the psu outside x.x
the OCZ psu you guys linked says;
6 x 4-pin peripheral
2 x 4-pin floppy
6 x SATA
now which one of them goes to the hard drive and cd drive thing? are they the connectors with the 5 wires going to it? coz thats what i need :D
so yeh thanks heaps for the help so far, my only problems now are;
if i get a new case:
lining up the holes and all - am i allowed to just cut holes in the case ? :P
also finding out what connectors i have for the hard drive and cd drive thing, does the OCZ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002) provide them.
linderman says hes put his psu outside many times, yet stressfreesoul says it needs to be inside for good air flow - could i leave the psu half out and against the inside wall of my desk? so its not completely in the open, just a bit outside.

thanks soo much for all the help, havent gotten more computer help anywhere else :D
so close to solving all my problems and getting the correct new psu and graphics card :D:D

-b0k1

almost forgot, this is the link that wrench tried to get but it was the wrong computer.
this is my computer
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1602242

**wrench97** · 11-26-2008, 01:27 AM

6 x 4-pin peripheral
For older IDE drives and other devices
2 x 4-pin floppy
For Floppy drives
6 x SATA
For newer drives like you have

**linderman** · 11-26-2008, 01:21 PM

6 x 4-pin peripheral = this is the connector that is used by alot of hard drives and cd-rm drives

**linderman** · 11-26-2008, 01:23 PM

see post 7

the plug with the P6 is a four pin molex plug

the other one is a sata power plug

b0k1 · 11-26-2008, 08:33 PM

oh ok thanks heaps, are there different types of sata power connectors? the going to the hard drive says P3 and the one going to the cd-rom drive is P6. they are both the same im pretty sure.

need the right SATA power connector or are they all the same?

11-24-2008, 03:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
b0k1 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: QLD Posts: 76 OS: Vista 32-bit	Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS ive got a dell inspiron 531s, which is very slim and too small for a lot of psu's out there. http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/250-...TFX0250D5W.php this link says this psu is used in 531s so the dimensions would be what i need for a better one. # 3.25" Wide # 2.5" Tall # 6.75" Deep these are the dimensions of my current psu according to the link above. now i want a 500ish watt psu but i dont understand which ones would be small enough or which ones have the right cords and all. if the first link is the same as my one (same cords and size) which psu from these links would work with my computer; http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=92127 http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=125168 http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=145072 http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=94588 http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=106770 have a look of the dimensions of these down the bottom, if the dimensions aren't displayed, have a look at the size of the fan then the picture because estimating from the size, the PSU seems small enough to fit. please help me with this i have been looking for a compatible PSU for a long time =] hard to find PSU's that can fit in my 531s any help is appreciated ^^ -b0k1 Last edited by b0k1; 11-24-2008 at 03:37 AM.

11-24-2008, 08:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
stressfreesoul Semi-Absent (life, eh?) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: County Durham UK Posts: 1,852 OS: XP, Win7 RC x64, Ubuntu x64 multiboot My System Blog Entries: 7	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS None of those will fit. All of the power supplies you linked to are ATX, most power supplies inside dell and others are proprietary, meaning they are of odd size so you can only ask the original manufacturer. Why is it you need a massive power supply in a machine that small anyway? __________________ TSF Folding@Home, find out how to do your bit in the fight against Cancer "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut" xbox Live tag: storiedmedal Warning!! GTA IV addict! Join my game at your peril!

11-24-2008, 04:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
b0k1 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: QLD Posts: 76 OS: Vista 32-bit	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS im upgrading my graphics card so it will need more watts than my current intergrated one. but these powersupplys are same or small size than my current one? wouldnt only the plugs and all be the problem? what do types of plugs and cords do i need to look for to be able to work in my computer? thanks for the reply btw.

11-24-2008, 05:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS you would be far better off to replace your case with a model such as the coolermaster centurion for $50.00 ........ you are going to need more air flow for a better video card anyway ....... just transfer the "guts" of your existing system into the new case __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

11-24-2008, 06:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS a case like this - antec 300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042 PSU like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002

11-24-2008, 11:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
b0k1 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: QLD Posts: 76 OS: Vista 32-bit	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS thanks so much for the replys guys few more things; the case that mcninjaguy posted, did you choose that case for a particular reason or just because it's big enough for the other psu? also, if i get a psu that is too big couldnt i just leave it running from out of the computer? do i need to have it inside and the case closed at all times? same goes with a graphics card. oh and, wen buying psu's, what do i look for apart from the size of it, are there special cords that need to fit mine or are they all the same. thanks a lot for help -b0k1

11-25-2008, 06:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
speedster123 Mentor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States-New York-Long Island Posts: 5,216 OS: xp pro SP3	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS http://www.pcpower.com/products/power_supplies/dell/ __________________

11-25-2008, 12:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS the antec 900 case has quite a few fans (the fans would cost more than the case if you bought them seperately) I have antec 900 case its a very cool case. it comes with 4 fans and you can 2 more fans for it look at the specs for the OCZ PSU I linked here it has the connections you need for a floppy drive, sata, 4 pin, etc http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002

11-25-2008, 02:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS I'm not seeing the problem here guys the connectors are standard ATX2.0 24 pin main, 4 pin CPU Sata power and 4 pin Molex power the back plate of the case may be different so either use the Pc Power & Cooling unit or if your adventurist enough to change the case use a pair of tin snips to make the hole fit for the power cord if necessary. http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1602242 Your going to have more issues with the front panel connections to a standard case then anything else I would think. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

11-25-2008, 02:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS those mini psu's are alot smaller than standard atx ...... the plugs are are same but not the size of the box of the power supply...... generally a full sized power supply would stick right thru the top of the existing case ? you could mount the psu outside the case ........it aint pretty but I have done it many times ...... then you put a fan where the psu used to be ..... with the aid of a flat peice of metal used for a blanking plate ? __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial Last edited by linderman; 11-25-2008 at 02:11 PM.

11-25-2008, 02:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS My bad I thought I read 530s which is a standard width case just shorter __________________ Power Supply and Selection

11-25-2008, 07:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS ohh yea antec quattro aren't the stripes a nice shade of blue over a glossy black finish? why oh god why would you have stripes on a psu? are the stripes on top or the sides? if its the top then ehhhh its kinda cool

11-26-2008, 12:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
b0k1 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: QLD Posts: 76 OS: Vista 32-bit	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS !!! thanks for so much replies! well i found out i got a 24pin connector for the motherboard, a 4pin for the cpu but i dont understand "molex power" and "sata"? all i know is the cables from my psu going to my hard drive and my cd drive thing have 5 wires going to the connector. wrench97 was right about the connectors but yeh he still raises a good point, if i get a new case, how would i be able to line up all of the insides to the outside such as the network cable, psu plug, usb ports, headphones, etc. also, speedster the psu u linked for dell's isnt compatible for my dell, theres a list if you go to combality and mines not in it =[ thanks anyway :P now im scared about messing up the air flow if i leave the psu outside x.x the OCZ psu you guys linked says; 6 x 4-pin peripheral 2 x 4-pin floppy 6 x SATA now which one of them goes to the hard drive and cd drive thing? are they the connectors with the 5 wires going to it? coz thats what i need :D so yeh thanks heaps for the help so far, my only problems now are; if i get a new case: lining up the holes and all - am i allowed to just cut holes in the case ? :P also finding out what connectors i have for the hard drive and cd drive thing, does the OCZ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002) provide them. linderman says hes put his psu outside many times, yet stressfreesoul says it needs to be inside for good air flow - could i leave the psu half out and against the inside wall of my desk? so its not completely in the open, just a bit outside. thanks soo much for all the help, havent gotten more computer help anywhere else :D so close to solving all my problems and getting the correct new psu and graphics card :D:D -b0k1 almost forgot, this is the link that wrench tried to get but it was the wrong computer. this is my computer http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1602242 Last edited by b0k1; 11-26-2008 at 12:30 AM. Reason: adding in 531s link

11-26-2008, 01:27 AM	#17 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS 6 x 4-pin peripheral For older IDE drives and other devices 2 x 4-pin floppy For Floppy drives 6 x SATA For newer drives like you have __________________ Power Supply and Selection

11-26-2008, 01:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS 6 x 4-pin peripheral = this is the connector that is used by alot of hard drives and cd-rm drives __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

11-26-2008, 01:23 PM	#19 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS see post 7 the plug with the P6 is a four pin molex plug the other one is a sata power plug __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

11-26-2008, 08:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
b0k1 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: QLD Posts: 76 OS: Vista 32-bit	Re: Buying New PSU - SIZE PROBLEMS oh ok thanks heaps, are there different types of sata power connectors? the going to the hard drive says P3 and the one going to the cd-rom drive is P6. they are both the same im pretty sure. need the right SATA power connector or are they all the same?