Fitting PSU's

[uncfan_2563]

Ok guys, i've got all the other stuff in building a pc down such as CPU's and motherboards and how those fit. what i'm wondering is....how easy is it to replace a psu? what features/plugs/voltage do i need? are they generally one size fits all for all atx/mirco atx..?

basically to give you an outline of my ordeal. I've got a micro ATX pc with a kinda small case. The psu's wattage is 250 and thats fine for my GeoForce 9400GT. however, when DX11 is released, i want a new gfx card, like a lot of people. I'm going to need more power (600 Watts??) and might even need a new case to fit the stuff in. So if i cant fit a better PSU into my microATX case, i'm willing to buy a new, microatx compatible ATX case. I need ur help guys

 

[Proximon]

Most ATX cases are compatible with micro ATX. Yes, you will need to get either a micro ATX case that fits regular ATX PSUs, or a full ATX case.

Wattage is not the most important aspect of PSU selection. See the link in my sig, for my guide. There you'll find the info on PSUs you need.

 

[badge]

what i'm wondering is....how easy is it to replace a psu?

I just swapped out the PSU in one of my systems a few minutes ago. If you have never swapped out a PSU before, remember or write down everything you unplug when you remove the old unit. Then put a connector back on everything you unplugged previously. You'll get the hang of it before long and be swapping out PSU's in about the time it took you to make this thread.

 

[uncfan_2563]

so my psu is an ATX one, can i put in ANY atx psu?

i was looking at this one btw : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

 

[Proximon]

Very nice choice.

Some cases are proprietary, like Dell or such, and while the PSU is technically ATX it might have a different mounting screw pattern. Some companies make replacement PSUs for these types of cases.

Otherwise, most cases that accept ATX PSUs will be compatible. That's the purpose of having the ATX spec, to make YOUR choices easier.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

The Corsair VX550 you're contemplating is an excellent high quality power supply. Here is a link to a technical review over at jonnyguru.com:

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=62

Replacing a psu or installing a psu in a new build is very easy. Usually there are four mounting screws to hold the psu in place. Then the cables get connected. If this is your first time, then pay attention to which cable was connected where and take your time. Different types of connectors have very specific shapes and configurations which makes it almost but not quite foolproof.

EDIT - Yeah, what Proximon said - some of the off the shelf pc's might have a strange configuration but if you are going to get a new pc case, then you'll be okay.

 

[uncfan_2563]

well i have a compaq presario SR5610. i'm pretty sure its probably going to be weird, but like i said earlier, i dont really care about swapping cases.

so with a quality brand like Corsair, i'm hoping to not have to worry about details, like the 12v rails and stuff. am i correct?

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Yes, you are correct. The VX550 has a single large +12 volt rail rated at 41 amps. It can easily handle any single video card.

 

[uncfan_2563]

Good choice indeed as all CWT based on that platform perform very good. I have the TT Toughpower 600W myself based on the same thing.
But price on egg is a bit concerning, they're meant to be below $70. Whenever I need to buy something I don't aim for a specific product, I find it easier to hit up slickdeals or any of deals forum and hunt most bang-per-buck at time of purchase (researching up the internals of each of course).

right but i'm going for that product specifically for the peace of mind