PSU Question

[0m3g4]

Is it possible to use any Power Supply in a PC? I have an eMachines Computer, and so I've heard, I should replace the Power Supply as soon as possible.

:think:

[Nagoshi]

Almost. Yours should be an ATX, the only thing you'll need to check is the wattage.

And PLEASE, don't swap it for a cheap/no brand brand. Buy a Thermaltake, OCZ, Enermax, Sparkle... they are higher in price, but if they decide to die they won't take the motherboard, CPU, Ram, Hard drives with them.

[0m3g4]

Hmm.

Alright. If I was to get one, it'd probably be at one of the local stores. I'll check around to see what they have.

Oh, and also. I'll FIRST check the wattage. It's an ATX. :up:

[Nagoshi]

Ive heard about PSUs turning into an inferno inside a computer case, and my uncle's computer's PSU died last year, taking away with it the motherboard. All cheap brands.

Also, if a PSU is cheap enough, it may cause unstability on your computer, such as BSODs and lock-ups, because of an irregular voltage, and eventually damage something.

That is basically why we're recommending you to change PSU in your eMachines, because they are cheap. So, go for a known brand.

[progbuddy]

Just get one that's at least 450 watts, dual rail 12 volt, and comes with surge protection.

[.Maleficus.]

Just get one that's at least 450 watts, dual rail 12 volt, and comes with surge protection.
If it was in an eMachines, I doubt it was more than 250W, so you should be safe with a 300W or 350W too. My old eMachine had a 250W, and it wasn't too old. Unless you plan on upgrading the computer any time soon. If the eMachine is staying stock, then you'll be fine.

And yeah, get a name brand PSU. Ultra also makes nice PSUs, but I've only really seen them online. But just don't be cheap about it.

[0m3g4]

Hmm, I'll go for a known brand.

And I do plan to upgrade my computer after I get a new case, etc ...

300-350 watts is what I should get? :think:

[.Maleficus.]

If you plan to upgrade the system, you may as well get the highest wattage you budget allows for. Like I said, if it was staying stock it wouldn't matter because no new and more power hungry parts are going in, but if the parts are getting a face lift, you may just want to splurge and get a high powered one.

[Nagoshi]

Besides, the lowest stuff you can get in brands are around 400-430watts, and for a couple of bucks more you can get away with a more powerful PSU (450+watts) that you will be able to use in a future computer.

[0m3g4]

Does it matter how large the wattage I should go? If I go too high, can it burn out my computer? (I know, sort of weird question...)

[Nagoshi]

No. That's only the amount of current the PSU can develop. It doesn't "push" current in your components, but your components draws the needed power and nothing more.

You can have a 650watts PSU in a 150watts system, you'll only draw 150watts from the wall.

[0m3g4]

Alrighty! Wow, that's... pretty cool. :D

Anyways, I'll be getting a good PSU soon. :up:

[.Maleficus.]

Cool. Have any ideas of what brands/specific models you want?

[0m3g4]

Hmm, not really. I'd most likely get one of those known-brand ones. Not real sure what's the best one that isn't a huge wallet-burner.

[.Maleficus.]

Here are some I would recommend, though other people on here may think differently. They are from Newegg, a very reliable online retailer, and will have much lower prices than any local shop you have.

Apevia (Aspire) 500W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817148027) - The Aspire Chameleon I used to have was very solid, stable, and had a nice price like this one.

Cooler Master 500W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171018) - Never tried one of their PSUs, but if they're anything like the cases it'll be excellent.

Hiper 480W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817128005) - Hiper makes very high quality PSUs, I'm running one as I type this.

Those are just a few of the many choices you have. I believe all of them are under $50, and 480W+. Check those out before you buy from a local shop.

[0m3g4]

I know someone that has purchased from newegg, and he said it was very reliable. So, that's most likely where I'll be getting my PSU.

Anyways, thank you for searching for those. You've been a huge help in both of my threads on the Rookie's Area. :up:

Those PSUs are cheaper than I expected them to be. :eek:

[.Maleficus.]

No problem man, I'm here to help.

And yeah, a lot of PSUs are pretty cheap. It seems that they are either cheap, or really expensive. I don't know why that is. But hey, I'm always down for cheap prices :up:

[0m3g4]

Cheap is always good. Mal, have you checked my Computer Case thread? I've updated it with a new post. (I think I finally found a case!!!)

[chaksq]

One thing to be wary of is if your PSU doesn't have any proprietary plugs. Although you should be good, only a few *cough* Dell */cough* are like that. My XPS has that problem, I can't replace the PSU because in addition to the regular ATX motherboard connector it has one AT style connector as well.

[NuKS]

From my run-in's with emachines you should not have any problems with powersupply interchangabilities. I replaced many a powersupply in them 8) Sony VIAO is another company to watch out for on proprietary powersupplies.

[0m3g4]

Good, good. After I get a new case, I'll upgrade my PSU. I've had the computer for almost 3 years now, and nothing has happened yet. :think:

Oh well, for safety issues, I'll replace it. ;)