Crap...how hard is it to install a power supply?

[ialsohaveadream]

So I got a video card for my card-less system, and I powered up and...right back down. It turns out the card needs at least 300w power supply, and after checking the specs on mine, I only have 250. I've found a nice cheap upgrade at Newegg (it's right here if you can offer any opinions), but I've never installed a power supply before. Is it difficult?

I've put in new RAM, a hard drive, a CD burner, and a video card before, so you can gauge my expertise based on that.

[AlpineJay]

You should be fine. The power connectors are now designed so that you can't put them in the wrong side. Make sure all your pins line up on your motherboard connectors - sometimes it is possible to have the connector shift by a pin or two, resulting in disaster.

But I wouldn't worry about it.

[Jenny]

Scott had to replace one in each of our desktops after our power surge this past spring. They are quite easy, according to him.

[DarkFury]

Honestly, it isn't hard at all... just take your time.

[ialsohaveadream]

Am I wrong to assume that it really doesn't matter what kind of power supply I get, as long as it's 300+W? Is there anything special about certain power units?

[Grimm]

Am I wrong to assume that it really doesn't matter what kind of power supply I get, as long as it's 300+W? Is there anything special about certain power units?

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Don't get just any PSU!!!!!

The PSU is one of the most critical components in your computer. It doesn't make it any faster or give you a bunch of acronyms to brag about but it does a lot of other things.

A good PSU will let your components live longer.
Your components will be kept cooler.
Your system will be much more stable.
Your system will be quieter.

The PSU is the foundation on which your computer is built. A weak foundation will destroy a building, a bad PSU will destroy a computer.

Here is the guide you need to check
http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...d.php?t=136602

Ask the threadstarter anything you need by PM. He is the expert on PSUs.

[LPMiller]

A good power supply install takes at least a week. First, you need to lube up the molex connectors, because the older 250watt ones get sticky from the lower voltage. Gently pull them out of whatever they are connected to using a large pliers or leatherman, making sure to twist back and forth really hard.

Next, you need to pull out the 4 screws in the back. Forget about them for now; your gonna lose at least 2 of them but don't worry. They will show up the next time you are barefoot and searching for a snack at 3 am.

Slide out the old power supply. Note that you likely forgot to disconnect at least one cable, and now have picked up your entire computer by only the Floppy power connector. Once you do get it out, take this time to check your capictor fluid levels by wiggling each one ever so slightly with your index finger.

If you hear a slosh, your good to go. If not, try purchasing a room humidifier.

If the capacitor comes off, well, that's why god made super glue!

Slide in the new power supply. Don't add the screws unless your case doesn't have a mount.

Plug in the molex connectors, plug in the power supply and power up.

Realize you haven't actually plugged in the secondary power plug. Try again.

Realize that for whatever reason, you set the power supply to 220volt.

Ok, now that it's up and running, it's ok to add the screws. Yes, you lost 2 of them, but don't worry, that's why most power supplies come with extras. Make sure to use a screw driver too small for the screws, so that just as you are getting them to the holes, they fall and bounce off of the now spinning power fan - this makes a really cool noise.

Voila! Easy as pie, man.

[Markel]

Scott had to replace one in each of our desktops after our power surge this past spring. They are quite easy, according to him.

Yeah, child's play for Scott, but you're dealing with a liberal here....

[ialsohaveadream]

Yeah, child's play for Scott, but you're dealing with a liberal here....

I'll let that one slide because it was actually kinda funny.

Ok, after reading LP's installation guide, all I have to say is....anyone want to buy a 256 MB GeForce 5200 OC video card?

Oh, also...I'm not a big gamer or anything. I got the video card mostly because I didn't have one, and I'd like to play the occasional game or two. I'm not some Far Cry/Doom/Half-Life fanatic who need 182 fps. I'd just like the video to be a little cleaner if I ever go back to a game like World of Warcraft.

[GraingerGuy]

lol...LP's kidding! It's actually pretty easy to do. What you really have to do is:

1. Ground yourself.

2. Make sure you unplug everything including the thing that connects to your on/off switch. Write down what color goes where.

3. Unscrew the PS and take it out

4. Install new one...poof! New PS in computer.

And I agree with Grimm...you need to get yourself a brand name type of PS. I would suggest the Antec TruPower ones. Not that expensive and really good quality.

[speedracer120]

But do remember LP's warning about double checking that all your connectors on tight and the swith in back is properly set for 110V.

And remember to not drop the PSU on your mobo. Damn thing has a tendency to drop if you're not paying attention.

[Bires]

Don't go cheap on PS even if you don't overclock. A shoddy PS can be a real headache, and in a worst case scenario (a friend's comp) can kill other components in your comp when it goes.

This one at newegg is a great deal if you HAVE to spend only a little bit. It's dual rail and the computers I have built with it are rock solid.

[LegendKiller]

Personally I wouldn't go with anything but the higher MGE or an Antec TruePower. I have both running in test systems and neither give any headaches despite having some hardcore stuff thrown at them.

Great post LP

[cheapie]

lol...LP's kidding! It's actually pretty easy to do. What you really have to do is:

1. Ground yourself.

[bachviet]

*IMAGE SNIPPED*

[zero2dash]

It's really easy...if you can turn a screw driver and you know how to match up long plugs with long plugs and small thin plugs with small thin plugs then you'll be ok.

In regards to brand names to buy vs. ones to avoid...I bought an Allied (now they're called Apex, heh heh) power supply a few years ago when building my current PC and it's worked flawlessly since buying it. I know people will recommend Antec and I've seen Cooler Master psu's recommended as well. Don't buy anything cheap but then again it's not necessary to go nuts and buy the highest priced one out there either.

[ialsohaveadream]

A good power supply install takes at least a week. First, you need to lube up the molex connectors, because the older 250watt ones get sticky from the lower voltage.

Ok, so I'll need some of this?

[ialsohaveadream]

Victory! I installed the new power supply and graphics card today. Took me about 45 minutes because of constant snags (at first I put the power supply in upside down), but I finally have it up and running. The computer is a little louder now, but it's hardly noticeable.

[shocky123]

good work

Glad to hear (or rather, not hear) about any electrocutions or labotomy's...

~Kyle

[ialsohaveadream]

Ok, I need some nerd help. My computer is randomly shutting down (usually after being on for about 5 mins....it does this randomly, sometimes it stays on for hours). Is this because of the video card? The power supply? A crappy job installing it? The computer getting too hot?

HELP!

[Grimm]

Ok, I need some nerd help. My computer is randomly shutting down (usually after being on for about 5 mins....it does this randomly, sometimes it stays on for hours). Is this because of the video card? The power supply? A crappy job installing it? The computer getting too hot?

HELP!

What PSU did you get?

[ialsohaveadream]

Cooler master extreme power 430 watt, from newegg....looking for link.

Link is here

[DarkFury]

Ok, I need some nerd help. My computer is randomly shutting down (usually after being on for about 5 mins....it does this randomly, sometimes it stays on for hours). Is this because of the video card? The power supply? A crappy job installing it? The computer getting too hot?

HELP!

Stupid question...

When installing the PSU.... did you accidentally loosen the heatsink on your CPU? I would check to make sure that your CPU heatsink is firmly attached first... next I would check the seating on your RAM and video card.

Finally... did you make sure to connect all of the power connectors properly (The 20 pin and the 4 pin connector or is yours a 24 pin connector?).


One final word of advice... go into BIOS and turn off the "Smartfan" options so that the fan in your system runs at full speed all the time. Maybe your system is overheating and shutting itself down to protect itself... If you have "system fans" connected to a "smart lead" from the PSU... disconnect those and use regular power leads for them to run full speed as well.

[ialsohaveadream]

Stupid question...

When installing the PSU.... did you accidentally loosen the heatsink on your CPU? I would check to make sure that your CPU heatsink is firmly attached first... next I would check the seating on your RAM and video card.

Stupid-er question...what's a heatsink? Is it the thin blade things that stick out from the motherboard? And I removed then put the video card back in, and it's running fine again at the moment...

Finally... did you make sure to connect all of the power connectors properly (The 20 pin and the 4 pin connector or is yours a 24 pin connector?).

Yeah, this part I did. And I have a 20-pin.

One final word of advice... go into BIOS and turn off the "Smartfan" options so that the fan in your system runs at full speed all the time. Maybe your system is overheating and shutting itself down to protect itself... If you have "system fans" connected to a "smart lead" from the PSU... disconnect those and use regular power leads for them to run full speed as well.

I have NO idea how to do that. I know what BIOS is, but have no clue how to get to it.

[DarkFury]

Stupid-er question...what's a heatsink? Is it the thin blade things that stick out from the motherboard? And I removed then put the video card back in, and it's running fine again at the moment...

/me gasps at that response.... (not good)... The CPU heatsink is the the fan unit that sits right on top of the CPU core of your PC. It's pretty obvious in your system. Look for a "usually" black fan on a black aluminum looking piece of metal on top of the mobo.

Yeah, this part I did. And I have a 20-pin.

So what did you do with the extra 4 pin connector? Most likely there is another connector on your mobo for the 4 pin molex connector (looks like a square). Maybe this is where your problem is... if that 4 pin connector isn't connected, then your system might not be getting enough power from your power supply. Look around your mobo for another 4 pin socket.

I have NO idea how to do that. I know what BIOS is, but have no clue how to get to it.

Usually you get to the BIOS by hitting Delete at boot up (or F1 depending on your BIOS maker). This will get you to the "admin functions" of your motherboard.

However now reading what you wrote above, I'm thinking that the 4 pin power connector is your likely culprit here.

[Grimm]

Stupid-er question...what's a heatsink? Is it the thin blade things that stick out from the motherboard? And I removed then put the video card back in, and it's running fine again at the moment...

Oops...
I presume DF told you about this in his post. But you need to re-apply themal compound and properly seat the heat sink on the CPU. Otherwise you have serious heat problems.

[ialsohaveadream]

/me gasps at that response.... (not good)... The CPU heatsink is the the fan unit that sits right on top of the CPU core of your PC. It's pretty obvious in your system. Look for a "usually" black fan on a black aluminum looking piece of metal on top of the mobo.

Ah, I see it. Nah, it's in good shape and running fine.

So what did you do with the extra 4 pin connector? Most likely there is another connector on your mobo for the 4 pin molex connector (looks like a square). Maybe this is where your problem is... if that 4 pin connector isn't connected, then your system might not be getting enough power from your power supply. Look around your mobo for another 4 pin socket.

Well, I slipped the "4" off the 20/24 connector. But there was another 4 pin on a different wire, and I plugged that into the mobo. Should there be two different 4 pin sockets?

Usually you get to the BIOS by hitting Delete at boot up (or F1 depending on your BIOS maker). This will get you to the "admin functions" of your motherboard.

However now reading what you wrote above, I'm thinking that the 4 pin power connector is your likely culprit here.

Ok, thanks! I'll check for an open 4 pin spot first, and then if that doesn't work (or if there is no open spot), I'll run the fan.

You guys rule. Seriously, thanks a million.

[eSDee]

Just pour some water in it and you'll be good to go

[Maarchk]

Oyyy, this is a little scary to hear.. heat sink is flopping around, power supply is probably hanging on by a thread... KY jelly coming out of the CD rom.. wooo..
Sounds like you got things going on. If you dont let us know... Nothing sadder then a frying computer.
I just passed my A+ hardware test today and they were all over me about power supplys and why cpu's explode... I passed

[Cheesypuff]

one of my friends had a problem with the random restarting. It could be your Video card heating up. He solved the problem with a regular slot fan right over the vid card. If you have a premade computer, a problem with those is the lack of ventilation. Slot fans only cost around 5 bucks or so.