My new video card requires a more powerful one than I have in order to run stable at stock settings. If I unlock the extra pipelines and shader, rumor has it I need a stronger one yet...
I need to get a new power source, as my old one weighs in at a whopping 200W. Soooo...I need to get one that is at least 350W, 12 V. Should I encounter any problems with my other hardware if I just toss in a new power source?
Also, I have never changed a power supply, so is there anything special I should know before I start unscrewing things and yanking plugs?
Power Supply replacement
Your comp actually ran on 200??
Go minimum 450w. You can get em as cheap as $10, but more likely you'll pay 15-20. Easy to replace, just sometimes tough to get out of the case depending on all the other crap in there. You might hafta take other stuff out if it's packed tight.
Go minimum 450w. You can get em as cheap as $10, but more likely you'll pay 15-20. Easy to replace, just sometimes tough to get out of the case depending on all the other crap in there. You might hafta take other stuff out if it's packed tight.
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- SWG Tales Founder
Ok...450...roger
So is it just a matter of unplugging all the little 4 prong connectors, swapping units, and then replugging them back in?
Does the order matter? It looks like there is one big connector that attatches to the mobo and the rest of them have numbers on em and plug in to the drives and shite. IS there a particular order to each plug or is the number system just to keep things organized?
So is it just a matter of unplugging all the little 4 prong connectors, swapping units, and then replugging them back in?
Does the order matter? It looks like there is one big connector that attatches to the mobo and the rest of them have numbers on em and plug in to the drives and shite. IS there a particular order to each plug or is the number system just to keep things organized?
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- SWG Tales Founder
(Hears a loud Explosion comming from Krusshyk's direction)
Mental note.
Lissen to Mr. Dooo at your own risk
Mental note.
Lissen to Mr. Dooo at your own risk
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- Surface Marshal
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I built my computers, so I have the extra large cases. You can usually grab a case, with 400-450W power supply for 20-25. I paid $25 for mine and it has a window so I can see my red glowy fans and blacklights. I also have a CPU jetfan with a blinking light...
so if you hate small workspace, get a large case to drop your crap in. You may just find that building the suckers is pretty simple.
so if you hate small workspace, get a large case to drop your crap in. You may just find that building the suckers is pretty simple.
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- Surface Marshal
I run a 500W antec PSU in my rig. I had an issue at 400W with my 6800GT not getting the power it needed.
500W and you can never go wrong...unless your running to 6800 ultras with SLI
Then maybe 550W.
500W and you can never go wrong...unless your running to 6800 ultras with SLI

- Novall
- BH Correspondent
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@mandaloretheuniter - Character Names
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/agreeNovall wrote:I run a 500W antec PSU in my rig. I had an issue at 400W with my 6800GT not getting the power it needed.
500W and you can never go wrong...unless your running to 6800 ultras with SLIThen maybe 550W.
Power Supplies are so cheap... My pc has a 550w... It came with an aluminum case w/ window for $35

I love Newegg!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817704003
$24 + $6 = $30 Shipped, 500W :P
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- SWG Tales Founder
Just FYI, don't buy the el-cheapo $10 power supplies. Just ask Skor.
He cooked one in my house when he was scratch-building his first case. And let me tell ya: cooked power supply = HOT.
He cooked one in my house when he was scratch-building his first case. And let me tell ya: cooked power supply = HOT.
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- SWG Tales Founder
The case I have is one of the big Gateway towers...there actually is a bit of room to work around inside one of those.
And I will only be running the plain ol' 6800 novall...no GT's or Ultra's. Just the basics. I probably won't even overclock it either, as I am not particularly comfortable doing so.
Do I need to take any measurements or are power supplies a "one size fit's all" kinda thing? And are there particular brands I should look for or stay away from?
And I will only be running the plain ol' 6800 novall...no GT's or Ultra's. Just the basics. I probably won't even overclock it either, as I am not particularly comfortable doing so.
Do I need to take any measurements or are power supplies a "one size fit's all" kinda thing? And are there particular brands I should look for or stay away from?
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- SWG Tales Founder
Sorry, but I have another question...
Should I replace the case fan too? A stronger power source is gonna put out more heat isn't it?
The internet isn't really helping me either, so thanks in advance guys...I really appreciate it.
Should I replace the case fan too? A stronger power source is gonna put out more heat isn't it?
The internet isn't really helping me either, so thanks in advance guys...I really appreciate it.
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- SWG Tales Founder
You should have either 2 120MM case fans or 4+ 80MM fans.
Everything on the back and top of the system needs to blow OUT. That means the open end of the fan needs to face into the case.
Everything on the sides and front need to suck in, so the open end of the fan faces out of the case.
Hot air rises...cold air sinks
Your front fans are always lower then your rears for this reason. You need smooth airflow flowing through the case.
Right now, before you make any fan decisions...check the temp of your CPU with the new PSU in the case. If your running anything over 5 degreed higher, then you may wanna get bigger fans.
Everything on the back and top of the system needs to blow OUT. That means the open end of the fan needs to face into the case.
Everything on the sides and front need to suck in, so the open end of the fan faces out of the case.
Hot air rises...cold air sinks

Right now, before you make any fan decisions...check the temp of your CPU with the new PSU in the case. If your running anything over 5 degreed higher, then you may wanna get bigger fans.
- Novall
- BH Correspondent
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Although your set-up sounds efficient novall, I would have to modify my case a little bit. Meaning I would have to take everything out...
Eeek. I think that is a little too technical for me. Plus I don't have the tools to actually drill out the slot for another fan.
What about the blowers that fit into PCI slots? Does anyone have any experience with those, good or bad?
Eeek. I think that is a little too technical for me. Plus I don't have the tools to actually drill out the slot for another fan.
What about the blowers that fit into PCI slots? Does anyone have any experience with those, good or bad?
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- SWG Tales Founder
Ooooh...I had another thought....
What if I slot the side panel so that it actually allows air into the tower? As it is now, both sides are totally solid, so air would only come in through joints in the walls and such.
My computer at work as slots on the side, and I noticed that when I turned it on I could feel a really stiff breeze getting pulled in while the fan was running, so would that help at all?
What if I slot the side panel so that it actually allows air into the tower? As it is now, both sides are totally solid, so air would only come in through joints in the walls and such.
My computer at work as slots on the side, and I noticed that when I turned it on I could feel a really stiff breeze getting pulled in while the fan was running, so would that help at all?
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- SWG Tales Founder
You need both the power supply and have a crappy case? Just buy a new case that comes with the PS.
But you could have fun modding your current. Jigsaws are cool!
But you could have fun modding your current. Jigsaws are cool!
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- SWG Tales Founder