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How to tell what size PSU I need.

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Slash Beast

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Is there a way to tell what size PSU my PC can hold? Size as in actual size, not wattage.

Also, anyone know of any good installation guides?
 
If it is a standard case, all PSU's for standard PC's are the same form factor. You could be a little more specific and say what case you are using. ;)
 
imo it's fairly easy to install a psu because it's just plugging in of wires into the right holes. all your peripherals need to get power so make sure they're connected to the psu. if you have a current pc set up, take some pictures and remember what goes where, so when you install another psu you won't miss connections out.

that's what i did when i first reinstalled mine

oh and all psu's are the same size unless u're looking at the ginormous wattage types
 
athenaesword said:
oh and all psu's are the same size unless u're looking at the ginormous wattage types
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Well we don't know he might have a BTX, mATX or a completely proprietary PSU right?
 
What's the model number for the PC?
 
Slash Beast said:
GM5260
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Oh, a Gateway? Standard sized PSUs should fit in there. And from what I've gathered about Gateway PCs: You made a good decision to replace the PSU.
 
Just by looking from a quick glance it looks like the chassis can accomodate a standard ATX style PSU.
 
Slash Beast said:
AT What? lol

I'm guessing that's a brand name..
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ATX is a form factor. Like ATX, mATX, BTX sized motherboards.
If you go for brands, buy Corsair, Thermaltake Toughpower, Be Quiet or Silverstone. They feature super quality at a fair price. And the PSU is something you shouldn't look at the price. Its the single most important piece of hardware in your computer. If it fails, everything fails. Believe me. I just had a PSU that failed.
 
Slash Beast said:
AT What? lol

I'm guessing that's a brand name..
Click to expand...
ATX = Advance Technology eXtended :slap:
The most common form-factor of a PC.
By the way it is an oxymoron. :roll:
 
Connections are the same. What's your budget like for a PSU? I highly suggest going modular with your small case size.
 
Slash Beast said:
Excellent.

Also: Do most all PSU have the same connectors? I've never installed anything on my computer before and I'm afraid I'll plug in the wrong thing.
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Most newer PSU models have labelled connectors, so do Corsair. They also include a detailed manual describing what goes where. Plus, the connectors are designed in such a way that you de facto can't plug something into somewhere where it doesn't belong.

Except if you have a harddisk or an optical drive that features both SATA (flat, L-shaped connector) and 4-pin power connection, just plug in one of those, not both! Although this combo is pretty rare, I have such a harddrive with both connectors.
 
In addition to your post MRCL:

Also be careful with the newer power supplies. They have an EPS 8 Pin AND a PCIe 8 pin, don't get them confused, I have heard of many many people frying their boards by using a PCIe 8pin. Yes it can be done with quite a bit of force. :shadedshu

Oh and ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815001

That is the "same" as your Corsair only modular, granted a difference in price but modular is much much easier to work with.
 
MRCL said:
Most newer PSU models have labelled connectors, so do Corsair. They also include a detailed manual describing what goes where. Plus, the connectors are designed in such a way that you de facto can't plug something into somewhere where it doesn't belong.

Except if you have a harddisk or an optical drive that features both SATA (flat, L-shaped connector) and 4-pin power connection, just plug in one of those, not both! Although this combo is pretty rare, I have such a harddrive with both connectors.
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Yes, I have a SATA II hard drive.

Connections are the same. What's your budget like for a PSU? I highly suggest going modular with your small case size.
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I'd say around 100$.

Modular? That language is alien to me. :laugh:
 
Modular allows you disconnect what power connections your not going to be using. Let's say you only need 3 molex and there is 2 wires with 3 on them (6 total). You don't have to connect the other one. Whereas a non-modular must keep it connected.
 
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Slash Beast said:
Yes, I have a SATA II hard drive.

I'd say around 100$.

Modular? That language is alien to me. :laugh:
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The it most probably only has the SATA connectors. They are a bit flimsy to plug into, be a bit careful there.

Modular = Only the main power cables are permanently connected to the PSU. Other cables can be connected if necessary. Its superb if you don't have that much power needing hardware, you can only connect those cables to the PSU you actually need, and not having a tree of cables hanging from it unused.

See those black and blue plugs? You can plug in additional cables in there.
corsair_hx1000w.jpg


As opposed to a non modular PSU. You notice the cable mess.
Corsair%20550.jpg
 
JrRacinFan said:
Modular allows you disconnect what power connections your not going to be using. Let's say you only need 3 molex and there is 2 wires with 3 on them.
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Ahhh so it's just additional connectors. Wouldn't the extras just get in the way though? And take up space?
 
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