Power Supply For New Video Card

[Robert L]

My Dell Dimension 8200 has a 250 watt power supply.
The FX 5900 (I have yet to purchase)demands a minimum of 300 watts in there specs.
Can I purchase and dump in a higher watt power supply
without any Ill effects to my computer.
I guess what I'm saying (who knows, at this time of night)
Is a higher watt power supply somewhat of a plug and play item?

Thanks for your response in advance...

[FatTulip]

Power supplys aren't quite 'USB p'n'p' but give or take, it's as easy as adding a new HDD or CD/DVD.

I did it the first time by drawing a diagram of what went where and labelling the new one before I took the old one out.

A quality power supply can make a difference to the performance and reliability of a pc. As a rule of thumb, get the mid-price rather than the budget unit on this one.

Then, all you need to do when you get the new video card is attach it to the power after seating it in the AGP slot.

[nwabri]

Another thing you have to be aware of...


Be sure the PSU is the same size, and it will fit into your case. But changing one out os relativly simple. And just be sure you have all the wires plugged into the right spots!

[jasho]

One other thing to be aware of and also one of the primary concerns is to make sure that the connector powering the motherboard is the correct type. There are two types of power supply units (PSU)...ATX and AT. Most if not all of the motherboards for the last 4 years use the ATX format. Also, the newer PSUs tend to have both types of connectors on them so you don't have to worry about buying the correct type. However, the mistake can still be made so just be on the lookout for that. Otherwise, it's really simple. No configuration needed, just plug it in and you're done.

~Jason

[TheFlightMan]

Research the cost of a power supply versus the cost of a new case, at times, the difference is so minor its worth going with an entire package.

TheFlightMan

[Robert L]

Thank You Gentlemen for all your help...

And thank you Brian, for getting me to the right place to answer my question.

[nwabri]

No problem!

Thats what I am here for.

[jasho]

Is it me or is anyone else humored by the fact that we now have to change our power supplies because of video cards?

~Jason

[comphollic]

You don't need to buy a new power supply.Dell's power supplies are good quality. Dell sells their computers with 9800pros in it so a 5900fx shouldn't be a problem....Anyways if you swap the power supply in your dell, you will more than likely fry the motherboard and all the other components because only dell's power supply can work only in a dell (heres...I'm running a 9800np in my dell 4550 with no problems whatsoever.... [link:http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com/articles/upgrade3_01_01.asp|click here to see of what might happen if you swap power supply and motherboards in a dell system]
Putting a 5900fx in your dell should bring you any problems
Good Luck

[TheFlightMan]

Update the link, you have one http:// too many.

Here is the correct link:

http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com/articles/upgrade3_01_01.asp


TheFlightMan

[TheFlightMan]

Keep in mind that all pc vendors use some type of proprietary architecture, so you must do your homework before any major overhaul. Hence, the reason for building your own system versus buying one already made.

TheFlightMan

[MadMaster]

That might be true, check the dell documentaion and see if the power supply is ATX. Or you can open up your computer and look right at it and see.

That articale provide is copywrited 2002 which is now almost 2 years ago. Thats back when the athlon XPs were just coming out. So as you may know things have changed since then.

Make sure before you change anything though!

[Grant]

Hi Robert L.

I have a Dell 8200 with the same 250 watt PS.
I installed a FX5900 XT last week and it has been working great with the stock PS. Dell says that their 250w is really a 375 watt measured at 'peak power' like most other PSs are measured

It (the 5900 XT)is a great video card!

Grant