[flaminghomer]

Hi All.

I have an HP Pavillion 9040n PC with Vista.

I am trying to upgrade my current graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS graphics card) to a Radeon HD 6450. This new card requires a minimum 400w power supply and the PC only has a 300w PSU.

Can anyone recommend a PSU around 600w that will work? Not necessarily looking for the cheapest, but I would like to keep it around $100 or less.

I've seen a couple that seem like they would work, except that the fan is on top, and I assume that's out of the question for my PC since there are no vents on the top of the tower. Someone suggested installing it upside down, but that doesn't seem like a good idea (won't the heat just build up inside the tower?).

Thanks for any suggestions!

Kevin

 

[Cockroach]

Most likely an ATX power supply. Have a look at NCIX for choices. I've heard Antec is good and to stay away from OCZ.

I've got a 4 1/2 y.o. Pavillion that is still using a stock PS, powering 2 1TB drives (maybe one is a 2 TB drive), 2 optical drives and currently a fanned GT440 card (and previously a fanless 45XX card). Unless you are doing serious gaming, the stock PS may supply enough power.

 

[hugh]

Better to get a good quality 80 Plus 450W power supply than a cheap 600W supply. If it`s an 80 plus designated drive then it`s typically better quality.

 

[ScaryBob]

I've seen a couple that seem like they would work, except that the fan is on top

They mount with the fan down, not up, so they will work. As far as brands go, you can have problems with any P/S. I've had problems with highly regarded brands and good luck with others that are not. It all depends on the individual model and luck of the draw. A 600w OCZ P/S can be picked up dirt cheap at ncix right now. I've been running two of that particular model for several years. If you want the best, go for a Seasonic 80 Plus Gold with solid capacitors or another make made by Seasonic.

In terms of design and efficiency, from good to best, P/S are rated as 80 Plus, 80 Plus Certified, 80 Plus Bronze Certified, 80 Plus Silver Certified, 80 Plus Gold Certified.

 

[jasonreg]

If you can, grab a modular power supply. No unnecessary cabling to deal with! (and upside down works just fine as well)

 

[flaminghomer]

I did read that I should go for at least 80 Plus, and I have since found out that the one I was looking at with the fan on top draws air in (and blows it out the back), not out, so mounting it upside down is not a problem. Clearly I'm no expert at this. All started 'cause the other half got Skyrim, which needs a better graphics card, which needs a better PSU. Let's see what else we'll need before this is over .

Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[e268]

Get a Corsair TX650 or TX750. I use both for my home made i7 920 overclocked systems. Lots of juice to spare, and under $100.

 

[dm_4u]

I think that the best power supply on the market for home use is: the Corsair Professional Series Gold AX650 650W ATX 12V 54A Fully Modular 80PLUS Gold Power Supply.

It's well worth the extra $30.

 

[BGY11]

Second on the Corsair recommendations. It's worth it to pay a bit extra for the power supply (this from someone who has had experience with bad PSUs).

 

[flaminghomer]

Been hearing/reading lots of good stuff about Corsair. Most likely what I'll get.

Thanks all.

 

[flaminghomer]

Picked up a Corsair TX650M today and actually managed to put it in correctly. This thing is solid!

 

[madhi19]

Whatever you do don't cheap out on the PSU it the one component of a rig that if it crap out can kill your board!

 

[brainer]

You may also want to consider noise. While some people aren't sensitive, I personally dislike loud power supplies.

If quiet is important to you, try to find a unit with a 120mm fan, and honeycomb-shaped grille. That, plus some good reviews.

I wholeheartedly agree-the P/S is the foundation of your PC. Get something decent (though price is often misleading here, except closer to the bottom end of the range.)


Brainer

 

[Classof83]

I have the Cosair 1200 Watt Power Supply, and it's quiet and has been great for me (knock on wood). I do a lot of HD video editing (including some 3D stuff too), so I have a high-end processor and also placed 2 high-end video cards in there, and everything runs great.