Do I need a new PSU? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

SuperFLYboy12 · 12-14-2005, 11:21 PM

So I've had my comp for almost half a year now:

MSI RS480M2
Athlon 64 3200+
1 GB DDR PC3200
X800XL
Chaintech 7.1 Sound Card
2 HDs
DVD Burner

The PSU is a 420W what came with the case (Aspire X-Qpack)... What I'm wondering is if it would be a good idea to replace the PSU with newer, name brand one. I don't OC, but would I see any performance increase by changing the PSU? Or for some other reason? I haven't had any real problems with my comp so far, but I've bee keeping an eye on the PSU since it's the only part I didn't really "choose." If I do get one, it'll most likely be a 500-600W Fortron Source PSU. If I don't get the PSU I'll probly pick up another gig of RAM, but I'm guessing that shouldn't affect the current PSU too much. Thanks

shakran · 12-14-2005, 11:29 PM

Replace the PSU when it dies, or when you get enough stuff that 420w isn't enough. Not before.

You're not going to see a performance increase with a different power supply.

Martian · 12-14-2005, 11:39 PM

You won't see any difference in performance from a new PSU. Keep the one you have, as 420 watts ought to be plenty unless you have a ton of peripherals. And you'll see a nice performance gain from the RAM.

viejo gringo · 12-16-2005, 08:58 PM

You will know when it is time to replace the PSU...it will either
go dead, or blow up like the the one I was working on this
week....and I do mean BLOW UP. That think gave several loud
pows and a few little pops, and the shrapenal flew inside the PSU case...smoke and stink like you would not believe....turns out the
mobo was bad and this was the second PSU it had ruined..VG

12-14-2005, 11:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
SuperFLYboy12 Tilted	Do I need a new PSU? So I've had my comp for almost half a year now: MSI RS480M2 Athlon 64 3200+ 1 GB DDR PC3200 X800XL Chaintech 7.1 Sound Card 2 HDs DVD Burner The PSU is a 420W what came with the case (Aspire X-Qpack)... What I'm wondering is if it would be a good idea to replace the PSU with newer, name brand one. I don't OC, but would I see any performance increase by changing the PSU? Or for some other reason? I haven't had any real problems with my comp so far, but I've bee keeping an eye on the PSU since it's the only part I didn't really "choose." If I do get one, it'll most likely be a 500-600W Fortron Source PSU. If I don't get the PSU I'll probly pick up another gig of RAM, but I'm guessing that shouldn't affect the current PSU too much. Thanks

12-14-2005, 11:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	You won't see any difference in performance from a new PSU. Keep the one you have, as 420 watts ought to be plenty unless you have a ton of peripherals. And you'll see a nice performance gain from the RAM. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

12-14-2005, 11:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	Replace the PSU when it dies, or when you get enough stuff that 420w isn't enough. Not before. You're not going to see a performance increase with a different power supply.

12-16-2005, 08:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
viejo gringo Registered User Location: Deep South Texas	You will know when it is time to replace the PSU...it will either go dead, or blow up like the the one I was working on this week....and I do mean BLOW UP. That think gave several loud pows and a few little pops, and the shrapenal flew inside the PSU case...smoke and stink like you would not believe....turns out the mobo was bad and this was the second PSU it had ruined..VG