Is a better power supply worth it?

Pythene · 25 May 2010

Hi, I have an HP p6130y, which contains a 300w power supply. Fine to run the basics the computer comes with, and the generic video card included. Sometime last year, I bought a new video card, one of the Radeon HD 4600 series. And even more recently, I installed a second monitor. My question is, would a better power supply help improve performance, stability, and help keep the system from overheating as much (ie the power supply has to try to keep up, generating more heat?)?

Here is a link to the card -

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R467ZL-1GI Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

The manufacturers recommend at least a 450w power supply.

Note I also am a gamer.

Dwarf · 25 May 2010

Most definitely. Many pre-built systems have a PSU which, although it does its job and does it very well, is only really capable of providing sufficient power for the system in its default configuration. In fact, some don't have any spare connectors at all, so when it comes to upgrading your components, such as your graphics card, you are stuck if it requires an auxiliary power connector and your PSU doesn't have one available.

fireberd · 25 May 2010

A couple of comments on an upgraded power supply. Get a good grade power supply, not the "cheapies" as they tend to be overrated (watts) and have poor DC voltage regulation. There are "modular" type power supplies available that eliminate the unused power connector clutter in a PC, I would suggest you consider one of these.

Pythene · 25 May 2010

Thanks for the replies so far.

Would you recommend any power supplies in the $100 and less price range? (I am poor :P)

I know newegg has quite a few but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for in one.

hybridfan · 25 May 2010

I really need to upgrade my PSU TOO !!!!!

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 700 RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Other Thoughts: WORD OF ADVICE.....NEVER, EVER SKIMP ON YOUR PSU WHEN YOU ARE BUILDING NEW OR UPGRADING, ALWAYS RESEARCH YOUR COMPONENTS POWER REQUIREMENTS AND YOUR RIG WILL STAY STABLE. I read too many complaints, here and elsewhere and I just KNOW that someone didn't do their homework.

Taken from a review about the product, and I totally agree.

pebbly · 25 May 2010

use one of the online psu calculators Thermaltake Power Supply Calculator input all your devices and add 150-200 watts on top of the recommendation for future upgrading :)

kodi · 25 May 2010

Here is a power supply guide that was compiled by a team of experts (bit of a long read but worth it)

Power Supply Information and Selection - Tech Support Forum

stormy13 · 25 May 2010

To give an idea as to just how bad some of the cheap power supplies can be,

The Bargain Basement Power Supply Roundup Review

That is a couple of years old, but things haven't changed much since it was written.

whs · 25 May 2010

When I upgraded my HP box with a graphics card I switched to a 550 Watt Antec PSU (from Newegg). At the time it cost $65 (was a special offer which they have all the time). I am very happy with it. Here is a similar one that they offer right now for little money ($45 with MIR): Newegg.com - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 Modular Active PFC Power Supply

acurasd · 25 May 2010

I got a 500 Watt with a 600 Peak....
What could I do with that.

I mean I am a gamer only when it comes to games like left for dead but I am not at the edge of my seats when it comes to some people like my brother where his life revolves around WOW!!!

I actually take breaks and see what sunlight is...

I see that most video cards take a min of 450 to run. Well at least the 1 gig DDR5 which is basically going to last a very long time with the games they have out now.

When it comes to the extra 100 watt peak... what kind of components would benifit from that peaking power and suck from the compacitors like that?