Solved Power supply installation: any tips for a newbie?

[pxfragonard]

Never done it before. I can see it connects to a 12 pin unit on the motherboard and another place on it with some squarish looking plug with what looks like metal flanges. Do I pinch those to remove? Also one goes into the video card. Is that it?

I'm nervous about wrecking my motherboard. Any tips on removal of connections and reconnecting? I'd take it up the street if it weren't for my bum shoulder.

 

[oscer1]

Usually they will have a clip to hold them to motherboard each cable will have a latch on them just squeeze and pull up straight. Motherboard should have 2 cables to it. The 24 pin and 4 or 8 pin connection.

 

[Dude]

Check youtube for a video. It makes it easier after you see it.

 

[whs]

When I change a PSU, I always glue sticky notes to each connected rail of the old PSU that tells me where is goes. Then I know which rail goes where and it is easier to identify the correct plugs/rails on the new PSU.

 

[ShoTTaS]

you can also upload a picture of your PSU so that we help you better, if you are not comfortable enough.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Dude ahd a good idea re YouTube and this will show you some of the stuff you will need to know
Set up Family Safety - Windows Help

In any case (no pun) the PSU comes with (usually) a install leaflet or instructions of some sort - one thing to remember mate is if connectors do not fit reasonably easy it probably is the wrong way round - don't force them

 

[whs]

If you still can, look for a modular PSU. That's a lot easier and you don't have all those unused wires hanging around.

 

[Layback Bear]

1. Buy a modular power supply of quality.
2. Read the instruction manual.
3. Don't force any thing to plug in until you triple check to make sure the proper plug is being used in the proper socket. Read the manual.

Some plug ins are hard to install even when done correctly.
4. Read the Manual again.

 

[pxfragonard]

Thanks for all your generous answers. I have checked some youtube videos. The one instruction that made me nervous was a responsible sounding guy who cautioned to provide support beneath the motherboard when inserting the 24 pin connector because it's possible to bend or crack a motherboard and I just don't see a way to do that when it's installed in the box. I notice that my PSU has 5. One goes to the Video Card, one to the 12 pin, one to the CPU's 4 pin, another seems to go to the hard drive and another has been tucked away neatly behind the card reader. I assume that one is for motherboards that handle extra power supply when needed, which my motherboard doesn't have. I've posted a photo. I don't know how good it is. My MB is Cleveland. I've provided HP's photo. Here's other info:

Manufacturer: Pegatron

Form factor: Micro-ATX - 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches)

Chipset: Intel H67

Memory sockets: 4 x DDR3

Front side bus speeds: 2.5 GT/s

Processor socket: LGA 1155

Expansion Slots:

1 PCI Express x16

3 PCI Express x1

1 Half-Length MiniCard x1

More info here: HP Support document - HP Support Center

 

[whs]

The extra one is probably for an additional disk - e.g. if you want to add a SSD. I have upgraded several HP and Dell desktops with SSDs and there was always that extra rail.

 

[pxfragonard]

The extra one is probably for an additional disk - e.g. if you want to add a SSD. I have upgraded several HP and Dell desktops with SSDs and there was always that extra rail.

Thanks!

 

[strollin]

You're making this out to be far more difficult than it really is. The plugs are all keyed and of different sizes so there is no way to plug them into the wrong connector or plug them in the wrong way. Replacing the power supply is one of the easiest and most foolproof repairs one could do on a computer. It takes about 5 minutes, maybe 10 minutes if you are extra, extra careful.

The only time I have seen someone botch installing a PSU is when a knucklehead used 6 inch long screws to screw down the PSU to the chassis. The screws were so long that they shorted something within the PSU.

 

[whs]

The only time I have seen someone botch installing a PSU is when a knucklehead used 6 inch long screws to screw down the PSU to the chassis. The screws were so long that they shorted something within the PSU.

:roflmao:

 

[pxfragonard]

You're making this out to be far more difficult than it really is. The plugs are all keyed and of different sizes so there is no way to plug them into the wrong connector or plug them in the wrong way. Replacing the power supply is one of the easiest and most foolproof repairs one could do on a computer. It takes about 5 minutes, maybe 10 minutes if you are extra, extra careful.

The only time I have seen someone botch installing a PSU is when a knucklehead used 6 inch long screws to screw down the PSU to the chassis. The screws were so long that they shorted something within the PSU.

Never done it before. That's why. Six in screws??? Wow.

 

[strollin]

I get that you've never done it before. I was trying to convey to you that it's pretty easy and you'll do fine (just don't use long screws!).

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Thanks for all your generous answers. I have checked some youtube videos. The one instruction that made me nervous was a responsible sounding guy who cautioned to provide support beneath the motherboard when inserting the 24 pin connector because it's possible to bend or crack a motherboard and I just don't see a way to do that when it's installed in the box. I notice that my PSU has 5. One goes to the Video Card, one to the 12 pin, one to the CPU's 4 pin, another seems to go to the hard drive and another has been tucked away neatly behind the card reader. I assume that one is for motherboards that handle extra power supply when needed, which my motherboard doesn't have. I've posted a photo. I don't know how good it is. My MB is Cleveland. I've provided HP's photo. Here's other info:

Manufacturer: Pegatron

Form factor: Micro-ATX - 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches)

Chipset: Intel H67

Memory sockets: 4 x DDR3

Front side bus speeds: 2.5 GT/s

Processor socket: LGA 1155

Expansion Slots:

1 PCI Express x16

3 PCI Express x1

1 Half-Length MiniCard x1

More info here: HP Support document - HP Support Center

Sorry about my earlier post meant for someone else

Now to find the size you want use this it will give you a good idea of that for manufacturers well they are exactly what they seem to be for example some Corsair models are made by one company and others by another but in general it is better to buy something that is not cheap (and usually nasty)
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator - The only power supply calculator trusted by PSU manufacturers and computer enthusiasts

 

[pxfragonard]

I get that you've never done it before. I was trying to convey to you that it's pretty easy and you'll do fine (just don't use long screws!).

I'm pretty sure I'll use the ones provided!

 

[pxfragonard]

Thanks for all your generous answers. I have checked some youtube videos. The one instruction that made me nervous was a responsible sounding guy who cautioned to provide support beneath the motherboard when inserting the 24 pin connector because it's possible to bend or crack a motherboard and I just don't see a way to do that when it's installed in the box. I notice that my PSU has 5. One goes to the Video Card, one to the 12 pin, one to the CPU's 4 pin, another seems to go to the hard drive and another has been tucked away neatly behind the card reader. I assume that one is for motherboards that handle extra power supply when needed, which my motherboard doesn't have. I've posted a photo. I don't know how good it is. My MB is Cleveland. I've provided HP's photo. Here's other info:

Manufacturer: Pegatron

Form factor: Micro-ATX - 24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches)

Chipset: Intel H67

Memory sockets: 4 x DDR3

Front side bus speeds: 2.5 GT/s

Processor socket: LGA 1155

Expansion Slots:

1 PCI Express x16

3 PCI Express x1

1 Half-Length MiniCard x1

More info here: HP Support document - HP Support Center

Sorry about my earlier post meant for someone else

Now to find the size you want use this it will give you a good idea of that for manufacturers well they are exactly what they seem to be for example some Corsair models are made by one company and others by another but in general it is better to buy something that is not cheap (and usually nasty)
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator - The only power supply calculator trusted by PSU manufacturers and computer enthusiasts

Thanks for that link. I used Cooler Master's lookup. It will be interesting to see how they differ.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yes please let us know and just in case you might b interested this is who makes what - well I use these as a guide http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers & PSU Makers: C-D - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2014: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

PS You need to go back to this for the start PSU Makers: 0-9 And A-B - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2014: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

 

[pxfragonard]

Yes please let us know and just in case you might b interested this is who makes what - well I use these as a guide http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/psu_manufacturers & PSU Makers: C-D - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2014: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

PS You need to go back to this for the start PSU Makers: 0-9 And A-B - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2014: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

I'll do that as soon as I can decipher the Greek. I had to look up overclocking yesterday

Your help is much appreciated, confusion therapist. I sure do need one!