what to look for when upgrading your power supply

[whughes1989]

I have an old computer and i want to upgrade to windows 7. My video card wont support Windows 7. I cant find a video card that my system can handle with only a 270 watt power supply. What do i look for when upgrading my power supply?
I have a HP d530 CMT.

 

[PooMan UK]

Have a looky here pal

PSU calculator
PSU calculator 2

 

[whughes1989]

Here is my computer. its the model CMT. HP Compaq Business Desktop d530 Series - World Wide QuickSpecs

 

[matt_0978]

I have an old computer and i want to upgrade to windows 7. My video card wont support Windows 7. I cant find a video card that my system can handle with only a 270 watt power supply. What do i look for when upgrading my power supply?
I have a HP d530 CMT.

it depends on the form factor of your case, if it's atx the psu's are all pretty much generic. then it all pretty much comes down to how much u wanna pay and how many watts u wanna go upto ie. 750watt. your motherboard manual will probably tell u the max psu it will go upto so start there! then u have to look for whether u need sata power connectors or not.

 

[Nemix]

You're motherboard only supports AGP videocards, you will not need anything more then a good 450W power supply. Enermax, Antec, Thermaltake and Cooler Master are good brands without a price tag. Do not go out and but a high end AGP videocard because that would bottleneck with you CPU and you will not get the full potential of the videocard anyways, low end to mid end cards only require 450W with all system components 500W if you want to be safe and buying generic brand power supply.

 

[whughes1989]

I just contacted HP support and they told me my mother board can only handle a 270w power supply or it will fry the mother board. Is that true?

 

[valtonray]

i really recommend against buying generic power supplies. buy a cheap low power model from name brand vendor even an older model will suffice, but the power supply is perhaps the last place you want to cut corners and cost on a PC

 

[Nemix]

I don't think the rep at HP knows what they're talking about, I've replaced a couple of my friends Compaq (technically still HP) desktops with higher watt power supplies because they wanted to do the same (upgrade videocard).

Is your case a mid tower or mini desktop case?

 

[whs]

Those HP guys are jerks. They know nothing and never knew anything. The power outputs are rated and nothing can happen if you buy a decent make as suggested above. I personally like Antec, but some of the other suggestions are good too. Just look for an 80%+ unit. Here are some nice units. Take your pick.

 

[whughes1989]

I don't think the rep at HP knows what they're talking about, I've replaced a couple of my friends Compaq (technically still HP) desktops with higher watt power supplies because they wanted to do the same (upgrade videocard).

Is your case a mid tower or mini desktop case?

I think its the mid tower. the case is pretty big.

 

[Nemix]

whs suggested some good power supplies, 400-450W should fit your case and supply you with enough power for a videocard upgrade.

 

[Malk]

A general rule is to look at the 12v+ rail and see how many amps it produces.
12v X amps= watt