OK U smart B1 guys&gals, last time I was asking about a video card upgrade, and I've pretty much decided on an XFX GeForceFX 5200 w/128MB Memory. But upon reading the system requirements, it says I need a power supply of 250Watts or greater to run this card. My current PSU is only at 150 Watts I do believe. Now I'm not sure why it requires so much power and wattage to run, but I would rather just do what it says and upgrade my PSU first rather than take a risk and fry my system.

My system is a 4 yr old HP Pavilion 6630 500Mhz Processor 256/Memory and so on. What I need to know.......where can I find a decent upgrade that will definitly fit into my computer thats gonna be easy on the wallet.

Ok, comments and/or suggestions plz. Serious replies only plz. Last time everyone told me to just build a new system rather than answer the original question. I'm not in a position to spend huge amounts on new/used computer componets. if I could, I'd be doing that right now.

Thanks for any help or recommendations.

TCM

You ask for a power supply ?

Any psu with 400 watts will do the job and they are so cheaper now ;)

You can get one for about $40 and you will be able to upgrade any other componment later if you want :)

Now you understand why I said in your previous thread to use your current system as a net machine backup and just start working toward building a new system. You need more memory, bigger power supply and your current CPU is not good enough to allow your video card to show it's true potential. You easily get stuck in a cycle of catch up with an upgrade. For example, in the July magazine of MaximumPC starting on page 30 they upgrade 3 older computers. The lowest cost of all three of the upgrades was $1,165 which is just a little below what I spent for my system.

These are the prices I paid in Apr 2004 at NewEgg.com

I have a 550 watt PSU in my machine. Many system freezes are caused by a PSU that is too weak. System freezes are also caused by a house voltage that drops too low. Often this happens when a frig or something kicks on. When you see your lights dim your PSU is not getting what it needs either. It's a good idea to have a APC batter backup unit to keep the voltage just right. Another good reason to have the APC battery backup units is because they all have AMP/High Current breakers and being so close to your computer will speed up how fast it trips out vs. the basement breaker. This can also mean the difference between just a new PSU or a new computer. Not to mention the smell of burnt wires and maybe a fire in your house.

Am I right BearCat? :)

I agree with KingCobra 100%

And here's another reason to get a APC, you never know what your power is like...

Is this your ups ?

Which version of the software do you have ?


I have the persoal edition version 1.4 and I can't see the monitoring system option :blink:

From SilentPC Review, a site I fully trust, the newest Seasonic for your consideration: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article166-page1.html

Is this your ups ?

Which version of the software do you have ?


I have the persoal edition version 1.4 and I can't see the monitoring system option :blink: [/b][/quote]
Bads, I'm using 1.3.1

I need something that is specific to my machine. If its too big or too small, the PSU won't fit in right. I know because I tried to buy an antec PSU a long time ago and it didn't fit in, so I had to return it.

I need something that will fit into a 4yr old HP Pavilion 6630

TCM

I have seen this in very few systems that I have worked on. They have a mini power supply in them. This sounds like your system since it's only a 150 watt like you stated. You will not find a power supply that has a higher wattage output and will fit corrrectly in your system. Trust me, I know. If you do, I'll send you $5.00 through PayPal. B)

You now will need to buy a new case and put all your current stuff in there. Once again, I think it would be better to just build a new system and then keep this old one as a net backup machine.

Please keep us updated, I'm following this thread. :)

@TheCrossMovement,

If what you are describing is a "microATX" power supply, you can get a 230W PSU from here:

http://www.pcdirect.com/product.asp?Sku=230MATX

The price is only $19.99. I am currently running one of these in my FTP server machine.

Tomboy

You also have to make sure that the new microATX PSU will fit your HP Case. A lot of "off the shelf" computers have proprietary components such as the PSU.

I would have to agree with KingCobra about just saving the money and buying a new case/system.

@ KingCobra

That's pretty good. I also buy from NewEgg and both my new systems cost me almost 3 grand. Of course, I included the OS, Mic, Mouse, Keyboard, and UPS along with other miscellaneous parts in those prices.

I would suggest a Belkin UPS for anyone in the market for one. They are more than capable of doing the job at half the price of APC products. I use one for both of my systems.

Think quiet. I have had some really noisy PSU's. Worst was a Sparkle. Now in my Antec Sonata I have a 380 watt Antec PSU, Quiet, nice. It is running 2-SATA drives, 2 IDE drives and 1 DVD burner + 1 CD burner. Plus the Audigy2 card and an ATI 9600 AIW. The ASUS probe software monitor shows good maintenance of voltages and the mobo temp has never gone up over the idle temp.

I gave away the 500 PSU I had in my other machine. It sounded like a Mac truck going over the Rocky Mountains. I replaced it with an Enermax 365 watt PSU. It runs a mobo with a 2100+ AMD, 2 HD's and 2 burners, one DVD, one CD. No trouble there either with voltage regualtion, according to the sofware Probe.

n/m Damn firewall. ;)

LOL :huh:
You are damn right ..... that smell from the capacitors stays, and is allmost as hard to get rid of as the
smell from a skunk <_<