Replacing a PC power supply

GoodOmens

I've reached the point where my current PC is pretty much obselete for gaming due to the video card (go, go GeForce 7600!) and I'd like to upgrade it. However, the problem is compounded by the fact that my power supply sucks; it's the stock power supply in my Gateway, and according to the label its output is 150W. Looking at various cards, it's looking like I'll need to upgrade to somewhere in the 500-600W range.

So, what I'm wondering is this:
1. Is it difficult to switch a power supply? I'm reasonably comfortable installing PC components, but I've never done this.
2. Are there particular brands to look for/stay away from?
3. What else should I be concerned with when selecting the power supply? Could there be any problems with motherboard compatibility, the processor, or whatever else?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mr_Rose

1. As long as you have a standard size slot for it (custom PSUs for companies like Gateway and Dell tend to be non-standard) and get one with the right connector for your board, it should be a simple matter of four screws and swapping some cables.

2. All the major case/modding brands also do PSUs (like Antec and Corsair) at a range of price/power points. Stay the hell away from generic unbranded shit though; the PSU is the last line of defence between your really expensive hardware and a lightning strike. You want one that will sacrifice itself heroically to save your main board and HDD rather tahn just blow up.

3. Basically, there is only one power specification around these days: ATX. There are a million and one variants, but they tend to be quite literally named (24-pin ATX, for instance, has 24 pins on the mainboard connector) - check your manual and make sure you get the right type. Other than that, you want to get the most efficient supply you can afford; not only will it be cheaper in the long run, it will contribute less to your system's heat load which will increase its lifespan. Also, check review sites to make sure the one you're looking at has a decent power profile; wattage is simply not enough. Oh, and you don't need a KW unit unless you are running three 920GTX GPUs, no matter what the shiny advert tells you.

lowlylowlycook

You might want to drop by in the computer build thread. The OP there has some good info on powersupplies and we would be glad to help you decide how to upgrade or if it is even worth it.

The tricky part will indeed be whether your case will fit a standard ATX powersupply.

travathian

Determine how many watts your system pulls now, determine how many extra you will need for the video card you want. If you have 150W now, there is no single video card that will require you to go up to a 500W PSU. And frankly, if you only have a 150W PSU, it makes me wonder your system specs and whether or not an uber video card is really going to make a significant difference.

You might be better off posting your system specs and asking for upgrade advice.

Stormwatcher

travathian wrote: »

Determine how many watts your system pulls now, determine how many extra you will need for the video card you want. If you have 150W now, there is no single video card that will require you to go up to a 500W PSU. And frankly, if you only have a 150W PSU, it makes me wonder your system specs and whether or not an uber video card is really going to make a significant difference.

You might be better off posting your system specs and asking for upgrade advice.

Yeah, it's no use plugging a radeon 4890 on an Athlon XP 1300.

Barrakketh

GoodOmens wrote: »

2. Are there particular brands to look for/stay away from?

PC Power & Cooling make good PSUs.