Upgrading Power Supply?

[dvd2mpeg4]

Hi Folks,

I was thinking about upgrading my computer system power supply to handle at least 250W, right now it is a 185W power supply. The reason I would like to upgrade is I would also like to upgrade my video card. Seems like all the good video cards these days recommend and or require a power supply of at least 250W.

Has anyone ever upgraded their power supply? Reason I ask is, I contated my system manufacture, HP, and explained to them that I would like to upgrade for reasons being, etc, then they write back and say that they do not recommend I upgrade the power supply as it can cause conflicts. I write back to question and try to go into detail about what type of conflicts, etc, and they really didn't give me a "technicial" answer in response, basically just said it can cause conflicts. I know a little bit about component level electronics and if I get/find a power supply with the proper voltage/current levels, just get a power supply that can "handle" approx-65W more then it can now, I don't see where it could cause conflicts, as long as the voltage and Amps are correct at the inputs.

If anyone has ever upgraded their power supply I would love to hear advice/suggestions/comments. Thanks

[Xayd]

How many drives are you running in the machine?

If 3 or less, then it's probably not necessary. If you do have a need to do so, it's not complicated. Just unplug all the power leads going to your motherboard and drives, and the one going to the motherboard, and unscrew the powersupply mounts from the back of the case, it should come right out.

This is all assuming that the HP power supply isn't in some way proprietary. It very well may be.

If you gave a model on your HP you could probably find out for sure whether it is or not.

As far as causing conflicts, that's just a first tier tech reading you his script who knows nothing about anything. Last time I checked voltage was pretty much the same no matter what it comes from ;).

[dvd2mpeg4]

I only use my CD-writer drive when I either play a game and or copy cd's, my DVD-Rom drive when I Rip, and my A/floppy drive every now & then. Other then that, thats about it. I actually upgraded my video card once before not really taking into consideration the power supply wattage rating. I just upgraded it to a 32MB, Gforce2 3D card about a year ago. Now that I have learned more about video cards and wattage ratings, I went to the video card manufacture and I'm almost certain that it "recommends" I have a 250W power supply for the card I have now :D
I would like to at least double that and put a 64MB video card, maybe a GForce 4 NVidia. I know those cards either recommend and or specify to have at least a 250W power supply, which mine is only 185W. Maybe I can get away with keeping my 185W power supply? I'll get more opinions and I'm quite sure that upgrading power supplies, if done properly won't cause any conflicts :D

FYI, my system as a virgin :D
http://www.hp.com/cgi-bin/cposupport/get_doc.pl?SNI=hppavilion25730&LC=personal_computing&Tfile=bph06164#P203_2746

It'll give all the specs

[Xayd]

It's not the total amount of power that you're getting, it's the quality of the powersupply, how "clean" the output is so to speak.

The total power usage in watts of all components in a PC with less than 4 drives is nowhere near 250. But, similar to a speaker, running at less than it's rated maximum output will give you a more consistent output overall, so it's good to have some overkill.

But unless you have a problem, there's really no need to replace what you have now. Try it first, if you get wierd video problems (such as the monitor going black while playing games, random reboots, etc.) then go ahead and upgrade to a larger one. If it works, thoguh, just leave it alone ;).

[FranchiseJuan]

When Talking about Power supplies, you can't go wrong with Antacs. I have two of thier True Powers (a 380w and 480w). You pay more, but well worth it

[Xayd]

Yup, I use Antecs too, never had a problem with them.

Good brands...

PC Power & Cooling
Antec
Enermax
Enlight
Sparkle

[gonefishin]

Be careful! With power supplies you get what you pay for. Don't buy a cheap 15 dollar one like I did! Spend the money and stick with a name brand!

[Shabubu]

If you want to upgrade and don't want to spend big cash there are great reviews of the new q-tec power supplies that are pretty cheap (but go for the 550W, it seems to be the best). Details here (http://www2.theoverclockingstore.co.uk/productinfo.php?basket_session=802fa7cb3408620a8d8289b9116f1a76&codeid=800888) . Unfortunately I chickened out and went for the enermax.