Safe PSU?

Brian8910 · 10-31-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm setting up a 3rd computer to include use as a light gamer (Halo, Call of Duty, Second Life etc) but need to update the video card. However I have no experience with upgrading a PSU (which will be necessary). I would be fine with an external unit wired to the desktop.

My concern is that I'll blow my MB or some other component with a PSU that's too powerful or connected incorrectly (although the latter seems remote if the plugs match up).

My questions:
1, How can I tell if the PSU will be safe for my computer?
2. Can I buy a PSU that's too powerful for my computer?
3. Is upgrading the PSU as easy as just plugging it in?
4. Do I simply connect the PSU and set up the new video card?

Any guidance is appreciated.

HP Compaq desktop (yes, I know but I'm doing this on a small budget)
PSI video slot
Intel integrated video (the problem)
Celeron (R) at 2.80 GHz
1.24 GB RAM
Current PSU 165 watts

dai · 10-31-2009, 10:28 AM

you will only have a problem with a underpowered psu,you can go as high as you want

there are only 4 screws on the back and unplug and replug

if you mean a pci slot
then this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0corsair%20psu

if it's a pcie slot it will depend on the card that you select

Video card quick list

to change from onboard to a card

boot from the onboard
in the device manager disable the onboard
if the card is listed uninstall it
turn the computer off
install the card
change the video cable from the onboard to the card
reboot into the bios
check to see if you can disable the onboard in there and set it to detect pci/agp or pcie first
save and exit the bios tapping f8 and choose vga mode
when windows finishes booting
disable a/virus
install your drivers for the card
reboot the computer

Phædrus2401 · 10-31-2009, 10:50 AM

The power supply will only deliver as much power as is needed. You could put a $500 1200W PSU in there if you wanted, it would run fine. An underpowered PSU, on the other hand, can cause a multitude of problems and, if it dies, it can destroy the rest of the system with a burst of "dirty power".

Minimum PSU for a PCIe card is 550W, this will manage up to a GeForce 9800GT / Radeon 4770.

Brian8910 · 11-01-2009, 07:01 AM

Thanks for the help! I'll give it a shot.

**Tyree** · 11-01-2009, 08:47 AM

I assume you are going to install a dedicated GPU to replace the Onboard graphics? If you post the Brand & Model of the GPU someone will help you with a PSU selection.

10-31-2009, 10:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Brian8910 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp pro	Safe PSU? I'm setting up a 3rd computer to include use as a light gamer (Halo, Call of Duty, Second Life etc) but need to update the video card. However I have no experience with upgrading a PSU (which will be necessary). I would be fine with an external unit wired to the desktop. My concern is that I'll blow my MB or some other component with a PSU that's too powerful or connected incorrectly (although the latter seems remote if the plugs match up). My questions: 1, How can I tell if the PSU will be safe for my computer? 2. Can I buy a PSU that's too powerful for my computer? 3. Is upgrading the PSU as easy as just plugging it in? 4. Do I simply connect the PSU and set up the new video card? Any guidance is appreciated. HP Compaq desktop (yes, I know but I'm doing this on a small budget) PSI video slot Intel integrated video (the problem) Celeron (R) at 2.80 GHz 1.24 GB RAM Current PSU 165 watts

10-31-2009, 10:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,753 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Safe PSU? you will only have a problem with a underpowered psu,you can go as high as you want there are only 4 screws on the back and unplug and replug if you mean a pci slot then this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0corsair%20psu if it's a pcie slot it will depend on the card that you select Video card quick list to change from onboard to a card boot from the onboard in the device manager disable the onboard if the card is listed uninstall it turn the computer off install the card change the video cable from the onboard to the card reboot into the bios check to see if you can disable the onboard in there and set it to detect pci/agp or pcie first save and exit the bios tapping f8 and choose vga mode when windows finishes booting disable a/virus install your drivers for the card reboot the computer __________________

10-31-2009, 10:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,866 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Safe PSU? The power supply will only deliver as much power as is needed. You could put a $500 1200W PSU in there if you wanted, it would run fine. An underpowered PSU, on the other hand, can cause a multitude of problems and, if it dies, it can destroy the rest of the system with a burst of "dirty power". Minimum PSU for a PCIe card is 550W, this will manage up to a GeForce 9800GT / Radeon 4770. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

11-01-2009, 07:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
Brian8910 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp pro	Re: Safe PSU? Thanks for the help! I'll give it a shot.

11-01-2009, 08:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,781 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Safe PSU? I assume you are going to install a dedicated GPU to replace the Onboard graphics? If you post the Brand & Model of the GPU someone will help you with a PSU selection. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.