Changing power supply on Dell Desktop Optiplex GX280

[KenLS]

I have a Dell Optiplex GX280 Tower (Mid??). When starting up initially & then intermittently throughout the day, There is a loud noise coming from the back of the box.(not a groan, not a bearing sound, but sounds as if getting a slow atart) If I lift & drop the back of the case (lightly) it foes away. If I unplug the Processor/case fan, it doesn't stop. If I rap on top of the PSU, it stops. I have taken the fan OUT of the PSU, but still get the noise. What is left in the PSU to make this noise. Was going to replace the PSU, but upgrades don't seem to have the same power connector locations (this box has the solid metal back with prepunched holes for power cord in upper rear left of box. Also, have power switch, but computer has switch on front. How does this work w/ 2 switches?

 

[SpyderGeek]

I have the same tower and replaced my PSU with pcpower PSU. You have to replace it with the Silencer 500 Dell, it will fit perfectly without any customization to the solid metal back and fit perfectly in the prepunched holes.

Here is the link to the site:
http://www.pcpower.com/products/description/Silencer_500_Dell/index.html

Where to buy:

DELL - $99.99
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?cs=19&c=us&l=en&sku=A1656753&ref=dynamitedata.com

PROVANTAGE - $72.53
http://www.provantage.com/pc-power-cooling-ppcs500d~7PCPW007.htm

THEESTORE - $71.30
http://www.theestore.net/product_info.php?language=en&currency=USD&products_id=1419211

If your looking for something cheap you can buy an OEM replacement power supply. The same exact PSU you are currently using.

Where to buy:

MEGASYSTEM - $39.00
http://megasystemsltd.com/deopgxtoposu.html


Or check out eBay:
http://computers.shop.ebay.com/Power-Supplies-/42017/i.html?_nkw=Dell+Optiplex+GX280&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

Here is one from ebay for $22.36
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Optiplex-GX280-250w-SATA-Power-Supply-W4827-24pin_W0QQitemZ320385120781QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_UPS?hash=item4a9870fa0d#ht_3488wt_754


For power, performance, and reliability I would go for the Silencer 500 Dell.
Budget friendly get OEM PSU. Hope this help!

 

[the daveman]

In the past I've replaced the power supply in a GX280 tower with a standard ATX power supply. As SpyderGeek mentions above, there are some issues with the case's rear metal plate and screw holes for mounting the PSU. In my case what I did was a) bend the case's metal plate outward in one area with pliers, so the PSU's power switch and power cord connector were no longer obstructed, and b) used only 3 of the screws to mount the PSU (rather than the usual 4). Worked for me.

 

[deadlockedworld]

If you did what daveman suggests you could get a much less expensive, but higher quality PSU... but it might not be worth all that. Up to you.

 

[KenLS]

In the past I've replaced the power supply in a GX280 tower with a standard ATX power supply. As SpyderGeek mentions above, there are some issues with the case's rear metal plate and screw holes for mounting the PSU. In my case what I did was a) bend the case's metal plate outward in one area with pliers, so the PSU's power switch and power cord connector were no longer obstructed, and b) used only 3 of the screws to mount the PSU (rather than the usual 4). Worked for me.

Do you have to diconnect the on switch on the front of the Dell & just use the new switch on the back or what???

 

[deadlockedworld]

Isn't the front switch typically plugged into the motherboard and not the PSU?

 

[KenLS]

Yes, it is plugged into the motherboard. The stock PSU Does Not have a switch, so I am not sure if there is a conflict or not. Do you just leave the PSU switch on & the unit is still powered on by the front switch, or do you have to unplug the front switch & let the PSU switch master everything??

 

[delluser1]

Do you just leave the PSU switch on & the unit is still powered on by the front switch

Yes

 

[KenLS]

Yes

Thanks. I'll try a local purchase of an ATX compatable & see how it works. Might as well put in a higher power unit. 😀

 

[deadlockedworld]

Its not the wattage that will matter to you as much as the quality. You want to look for 80+ efficiency, and ideally some brand names like Antec, Corsair, PC power and cooling, etc.

....Although I guess I would only get a good PSU if you plan to swap it out when you retire that computer--because the dell probably wont be useful for too much longer and a good quality PSU comes with a 3-5 year warranty.

 

[Doug1946]

Yes, it is plugged into the motherboard. The stock PSU Does Not have a switch, so I am not sure if there is a conflict or not. Do you just leave the PSU switch on & the unit is still powered on by the front switch, or do you have to unplug the front switch & let the PSU switch master everything??

Just leave the power supply switch in the ON position and use the button on the front of the case to turn on the computer. Works fantastic!!!!!!