fitting a new power supply

As long as it is compatible electrically (which it should be) and physically can be attached in the box then yes it is pretty easy to hook it up. Check your case specs and specs for the power supply.

thanks

yup... i built my own computers, so this is near and dear to me.

is there a website or free program that will test my hardware and tell me my power supply etc?

mossy wrote:

is there a website or free program that will test my hardware and tell me my power supply etc?

This should do it and get a name brand.

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I couldnt answer all the fields but I did my best and it told me I need about 300 watts. I think I already have 350w so it is not worth upgrading.
Thanks for the help.

unwritten rule of thumb... unless you are adding a LOT of stuff (extra dvd players, multiple hard drives etc etc...) go with what you are rated for. 350 watts should be good for most computers.

Just my opinion but I wouldn't go with anything less than a 700w name brand power supply.

I can't see a modern day system using a 300w p/s.

Can you give me some examples of name brands. I cant really fork out a lot of money at the moment, but would I be able to find maybe a 600w name brand for £40 or under? otherwise I have to save up for a bit.

Try Directron.com for a wide selection. if you are comparing prices use Newegg.com, do NOT use ebay... you get what you pay for.

Right!

Read this.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/08/09/pc_power_supplies/index.html

Antec, Enermax, Thermaltake all top brands.

You get what you pay for.

I opened up my computer and had a look, it turns out that I have a 500w atx power supply. I think I will wait fot a bit and perhaps upgrade my cooling system first as I think this is a greater issue. However, I thankyou for all you help and will save these posts for future ref.

take a look at my experience:

The new PSU cured my overheating too.

Well my new sapphire x1950 pro 256mb ddr3 graphic card has arrived today. It is far bigger than my old one and has a lead connecting directly to the power supply. Everything seems smooth, but it might be worth upgrading all the same. I will see if I can find enough for a new power supply, although my bank is drained near dry already and with the jewish festivals and my dad's 50th birthday coming up I owe a lot of people a lot of presents!

mossy, before buying it run the name and a link to it by us.
I hate to see you buying a no name that promises 700w and delivers much less.

Have a good holiday. and tell the old guy happy birthday (I'm older than him 😉 ).

I will be sure to post the power supply before buying it.
Thankyou very much for all you help and shana tova. (hebrew for happy new year.)