Power Supply

[xSuikotsu]

Im buying a Radeon 7970 for my computer, upgrading froma 4000's series. However, the power supply included in my HP Pavilion ELITE HPE 150t is a 300W, and the graphics cards requires a minimum of 500W. what would a cheap, quiet and 500W+ power supply be for my computer that would fit in my computer's slots/case?

[profJim]

First thing is to verify that your HP psu does not use a proprietary design the way that many Dell systems do.
There is no such thing as a quality, quiet power supply that is cheap.
You will also need a psu that has two 8-pin pcie power cables for your video card.
I suggest buying a name brand 650 watt psu.

A power supply is the foundation of your system, don't buy a cheap one that might nuke your system if something goes wrong.

If you are a Newegg email subscriber, you will sometimes find an excellent sale price on 650 - 750 watt Seasonic and Rosewill 80 PLUS gold rated power supplies for about $100. These sale prices are usually available for only one or two days. Three weeks ago, I ordered a Seasonic SS-660XP Platinum rated psu for $90 after rebate. Check out JonnyGURU - Seasonic Platinum 660XP 660W Review

Check out P67 Extrme 6 Intel, Giving error 36 or 62 and freezing., post #6 for some psu recommendations.

[xSuikotsu]

How would I verify that?

[profJim]

First thing, what is the brand name and model number of your current power supply?
What are the dimensions of your 300 watt psu and how many and what type of cables does it have?
The information might be on the psu and/or in your user manual.

Go to the HP website and see which of their higher wattage power supplies will work in your current system.
Write down the names and model numbers of these psu upgrade models.
Assuming that all of their power supplies have the HP brand name and model number you will need to search the web for a knowledgeable source that knows which brand name power supplies will fit and work with your system. You might need to contact the tech support and/or the sales departments for companies like Seasonic, Antec, Corsair or Rosewill to see if they have the information you need.

Don't be surprised if the HP psu prices are up to 2 times or 3 times more expensive than the price of similar power supplies from other suppliers. Be wary of any advice from any forum member about which 500 watt models will work with your system when you don't know their qualifications, age etc. To make sure that you don't damage your system or waste your time and money, you will need to verify the information you get. This includes dealing with the psu tech or sales departments.

You might find all the information you need in less than 30 minutes, or it might take many hours of searching.
Keep us updated on your progress.

[xSuikotsu]

Okay I'm currently out of town but I will check on that information as soon as I get back.
Apparently I have some family that works for HP and I sent over my computer model and he sent me a link showing the highest wattage psu they have for this unit is 460 W. so I'm gonna have to look elsewhere. When you speak of proper credentials, would you suggest taking my pc into fry's and having them confirm a proper psu replacement? That seems to be the most simple way seeing as I know almost nothing about psu's or the intricacies of a computer >.>

[profJim]

Fry's might be a good source if you get an employee who is knowledgeable.
See if you can get the HP full model numbers for your current psu and their 460 watt model.
Post both model numbers and their replacement prices from HP.

Take measurements of you current psu, L x W x H, metric or inch measurements, whichever one is more accurate.
Once I have this information, I'll search the web for a good quality name brand replacements.

All about the various PC power supply cables and connectors has excellent pictures of all power supply cable ends and their names. You will need to post a list of all psu power cables from your current psu so that we can be sure of the minimum amount of cables, connectors and/or adapters you will need with your new power supply.

It will help if you can post the name and model number of your motherboard and the cpu name, such as i5-2500.
Gotta go delete the spam post in your thread now.

[xSuikotsu]

Ill be getting home Wednesday so ill be sure to find and post that information. Thanks alot for the help!

[profJim]

You're welcome, we'll get you squared away with a new psu, hopefully at a reasonable price.

[xSuikotsu]

Helpfully newegg and amd still have that crisis 3 and bio shock infinite coupon with the purchase of my graphics card by the time I order it and my psu!

[profJim]

It looks like your HP computer might use a standard ATX power supply.
Because you are buying a high end video card, I recommend that you buy a high end name brand power supply rather than a more powerful "run of the mill" HP power supply. I suggest buying a Seasonic SS-660XP 80PLUS Platinum 660 watt power supply. Newegg currently has a one day special price today (Saturday) for $90 after rebate price.

The jonnyGURU review for this power supply is outstanding!! JonnyGURU - Seasonic Platinum 660XP 660W Review

SeaSonic SS-660XP 660Watt 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Full Modular Power Supply - Newegg

I bought this power supply for my SLI system using two MSI N460GTX Hawk video cards.
Newegg has been frequently offering selected Seasonic power supplies with great sale prices for the past few months, but most of these sale prices (for Newegg email subscribers) only last for one or two days. As an example, you can buy a highly rated Seasonic 850 watt 80 PLUS Gold rated power supply for only $110 after rebate until this Sunday night (March 10th) at midnight. For maximum psu efficiency, you don't want to buy a psu that is much bigger than you need.

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I found the following HP power supply information on the web.

from: Troubleshooting Power Supply Issues | HP® Support

Finding a power supply for upgrade or replacement

Use the following steps before ordering a new power supply:

Step 1: Find the Max Power Rating

Remove the side panel and find a sticker attached to the side of the power supply. This sticker should list a 4x4 part number and the wattage rating. The wattage rating appears as a 3-digit number followed by a W (such as 160w or 300W). The wattage numbers also appear as part of the product name (such as DPS350 or ATX-300). Write down the power wattage and part numbers. If there is more than one wattage number listed, make sure you use the number for MAX power wattage.

Figure 7: An example of text on a power supply label (your label can appear different).



1 - Total rated wattage for the power supply. This is what you use to gauge the overall rating of the power supply.
2 - Extra wattage numbers shown for information only. Numbers like these should not be used to gauge the overall rating.

Step 2: Get dimensions and power supply type

Measure the height, width and depth of the original power supply. You need this information if you are ordering from an online Web site. It also helps to know the type of power supply or case your computer has:

• Most HP Desktop computers contain ATX power supplies that are 6 inches (15.25 cm) x 5 inches (12.7 cm) x 3.25 inches (8.25 cm). If your computer has a standard ATX power supply, you can replace it with standard ATX power supplies sold by most electronic stores.
• HP Slimline computers use power supplies that fit into cases that are smaller than ATX. These power supplies are either micro-atx or are of a special design. When ordering a power supply for a slimline computer, make sure to use the original part number (or computer model number) when searching for a replacement or upgrade.

Step 3a: Ordering a replacement power supply

(additional information not copied from the web page)