Question regarding PC power supplies

[Tyrone Slothrop]

I recently bought a new video card for upgrading my PC; I've since discovered that I need a new PSU in my PC to power everything. (I've got 305W now, need about 450W).

Hooking up a new PSU sounds fairly straightforward from what I've read, but I'm curious if anyone can recommend a brand? I've seen comments that some are kind of loud, some are very hot, etc. Any recommendations?

Also, do I need to be concerned about how many "outputs" the PSU has? (I know you need one for each disc drive, one for the hard drive, one to the motherboard, etc., etc.) Or is that pretty standard?

Any help would be appreciated.

[B3Nut]

1. I like Antec

Well-designed, solid power supplies. They come with more than enough connectors for almost any concievable configuration. You'll only need splitters if you're running a bunch of hard drives in a RAID.

Anytime I run into a PC with a toast stock PSU, I reach for an Antec or PC Power & Cooling one. Heck, I have old PC Power & Cooling supplies I'd trust over some of the cheap new ones that come stock in cheap PC cases or store-bought PC's.

Todd in Beerbratistan

[Tyrone Slothrop]

3. Thanks a bundle

Are they fairly easy to install?

As I said, it looks to be pretty straightforward, but seeing as I've never actually done it...

[B3Nut]

5. Quite easy.

Disconnect all the connectors (motherboard, hard disks, optical drives, floppy) and make sure the cables are free of any clamps/zipties/etc. Then remove the 4 screws holding the power supply to the PC case (at the rear of the PC). Sometimes you'll find an internal screw or mount as well, but not too often. You'll want to support the supply with one hand while you remove the last screw to keep it from potentially falling onto the motherboard or CPU fan. Installation is the reverse of removal.

You'll be fine, it's a piece of cake. :)

Todd in Beerbratistan, IT mook

[CabalPowered]

7. The expensive Antecs PSs are good but the inexpensive ones

have a high failure rate. At least that's my experience.

[democracyindanger]

2. I like Antec as well

Wouldn't worry about how many connections it has. It'll come with plenty.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

4. Great! Thanks for the info n/t

[Deja Q]

6. NEVER go for the lowest cost power supply...

They often cut corners, over-exaggerate the wattage capacity, and made with second-rate equipment.

I agree with the others. Use Antec. TruPower 450 is my favorite model.

[qnr]

8. Another vote for Antec. I have a 550W n/t

[CabalPowered]

9. I think Sparkle makes the PS. Try and find one with 12v on both rails

It'll be noted as a dual 12V.