[Melkor]

Hi have a rather new pc (Compaq-almost a year old now)...I want to update it..but I really cant untill I get a larger power supply, this will be my first time getting one so I ask yuo this.....my current power supply says its an ATX-250watt-12Z REV.: D Input:100-127V-6A, 200-240-3A 50/60Hz BST ATX-250-12Z D...so I asume getting another power supply that is "atx" and amd compat it will work on my pc?...also I dont see measurements on any thing I have looked at..are all power supplies the same size?


Before you say "Compaq..what were you thinking yo uidiot" let me say I was in a rush for a pc I needed it for school and didnt have time to shop around....


SPECS

256MB RAM (yeah yeah gotta get more)
250 WATT PW
AMD ATHLON XP 2400+
2 40GB HDDs
Windows XP Pro
Geforce FX 5200 128MB Ram
1 CD/RW
1 DVD player CD-RW combo

 

[rockinmale]

Here's a link
http://forums.techguy.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=192623&highlight=compaq+power+supplies

 

[beginnertech]

Any ATX sized power supply should work. When I upgraded my supply I just went to Best Buy and popped one off the shelf. It was a Antec 350 watter and it is compatible with AMD and Intel plus the older ATX form factor boards.

 

[Melkor]

Okay...Well thanks for the link I was about to buy a cheap generic...whew....but sadly the only place really that sells antec (which has been reccomended by many other people as well) is circuit city...and, 450 watt for $99, I hope 450 is enough....

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=70266&catoid=-11241

sorry I do not how to place a hyperlink...but anyway this will be my first time installing a power supply...I just hope I do it right..anyways thanks for the help people

 

[crjdriver]

There are many good brands of ps. Antec is one of them; others are Enlight, Enermax, Coolmax. I have used these in my builds and have been pleased. Stay away from allied, deer, foxxcon ps.

If you want the best “Bang for the buck” go with Enlight. Newegg has an Enlight 420W for $38.00 plust $6.00 shipping. I have some 5 year old builds still running with Enlight ps.

 

[dustyjay]

Have you found a PSU that will work in your Compaq yet Melkor? Compaq has a habit of using Propriatary equipment. Including the powrsupply. In my last compaq it had what they called a mini ATX motherboard. But it required Compaq's version of an AT power supply. In otherwords make sure what you buy will actually work with the compaq motherboard. THe connectors may be completely different or have different pin assignments than a standard ATX power supply.

 

[Triple6]

Also, make sure the new powersupply will physically fit into your case. Many Comnpaq's use smaller size powersupplies because of the properietary cases. If that is the case you may need to buy a new case with a powersupply.

Measure your powersupply and compare it to a Standard ATX powersupply which is about 5.9" in Length, 5.5" in Width, and 3.4" in Height.