New Power Supply

I saw this and wondered if it was a good idea/buy for my PC, not sure what to look for for congruency any help? I have an HP m7750n desktop. Just put in an EVGA GeForce GT 430 1GB DDR3 PCIe vid card as well.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...tigeremail2675

If I was to get a 550w power supply at around that price... on sale I would suggest either the xfx core edition or the antec bp550 either should be a more efficient solution. If you like the Ultra it should work for you... but the lack of efficiency would keep it out of a top choice for me.

Buying an off brand PSU would worry me a lot; I've had several of those fail in short order as many manufacturers cheap out on the build quality. That's one area of the computer where I never cut corners.

I'd spend another $10 and get something like this from Antec in the same power rating.

<edit>
Which is exactly the same unit that Dissolution was suggesting.

A couple of things.

First, a service manual I downloaded for that style case doesn't have any info about replacing the PSU so I can't tell if there is an additional retention mechanism in that case other than the four screws on the PSU. The reason that this is important is because in some instances the additional retention mechanism may limit this length of the PSU to the standard ATX12V spec. The "standard" size is 150mm x 140mm x 86mm. Most PSUs with top mounted fans exceed the standard to maximize the size of the fan. Also modular PSUs are also longer to accommodate the plugs for the modular cable harnesses.

Second, Ultra doesn't have a sterling rep when it comes to PSUs.

I would recommend the Antec's EarthWatts line. They are the "standard" size and the 430 watt version puts out more 12 volt power (32 amps Vs 30 amps) as that Ultra one.

Pardon for asking, why do you feel changing your PSU is necessary?

Based on the specs on your system, I don't think its a good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windenergy21 I saw this and wondered if it was a good idea/buy for my PC, not sure what to look for for congruency any help? I have an HP m7750n desktop. Just put in an EVGA GeForce GT 430 1GB DDR3 PCIe vid card as well. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...tigeremail2675

The psu Awesome mentioned is actually a tad smaller than the one that came with your computer so you should be ok. I can find no other retention device for the PSU... (doesn't rule it out, I just can't find one) Father was just commenting one the size.

Top/Bottom, you understood what I meant. I tend to build systems with bottom mounted PSUs for people with carpeted floors so to me, the fan faces up.

In a generic 3rd party case (Antec, Cooler Master, etc) with a top mounted PSU, there is a shelf or lip that part of the PSU can rest on, taking part of the weight of the PSU off of the four screws holding the PSU to the rear of the case.

Now the big names like HP, Dell, Gateway, etc don't necessarily use something as simple as a folded out bit of the motherboard tray to support their PSUs. Some of these methods can prevent you from using a PSU longer than 140mm (5.5"). But I don't know about that HP case. But you can check to see if there is a latch, tab, slot, clip that may be in the way either on the inside top or side of the case. Who knows, maybe it does have a little shelf to support the PSU but I can't tell from any of the online service manuals what it has. All I do know is the original PSU has 19 amps (224 watts) at 12 volts and is 140mm long.

Also microATX cases tend to be short so inside there isn't a lot of space between the PSU and the DVD drive. That may also restrict you on PSU length. Again you have the case in front of you, you can check with a ruler how long you can go. Just leave some space for all the cables. A sheathed 24 pin power cable isn't as flexible as a loose bunch of wires so it doesn't bend as sharply, taking a bit of extra space.

I'm just trying to make sure you don't buy something that won't fit in your case for some reason. A little due diligence goes a long way.

"Just in case there is anything I'd want to upgrade in the future that would need it, and I figure it would boost a little performance no?"

Nope, a new power supply won't boost performance by itself. Sometimes one is required to install and run, newer better performing components, video card, processors, etc, or overclocking. Don't buy cheap, off brand, power supplies. Oh, and one more thing, don't buy cheap, off brand, power supplies.

In fact, getting a more powerful power supply than you need can cost you in terms of power draw and case heat.

It won't boost performance.

I would say save up your money until you have enough for an overhaul.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windenergy21 Just in case there is anything I'd want to upgrade in the future that would need it, and I figure it would boost a little performance no?