Is a better power supply worth it?

[Pythene]

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]

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]

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]

Thanks for the replies so far.

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

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

 

[hybridfan]

• 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?

 

[Pythene]

Would it be possible for somebody to either link or type up a short guide on how to choose a power supply? I understand the basic (number)w, and to check the comments, but I don't really know how to check for compatibility. Thanks!

 

[whs]

Would it be possible for somebody to either link or type up a short guide on how to choose a power supply? I understand the basic (number)w, and to check the comments, but I don't really know how to check for compatibility. Thanks!

I think compatibility is not an issue. What you want to look for is sufficient wattage and an efficiency of 80%+. And stay with the reputable makes.

 

[Pythene]

How would

THIS

Rate?

(With the HP Pavilion p6130y)

 

[whs]

How would

THIS

Rate?

(With the HP Pavilion p6130y)

This is the one I posted earlier. I would buy it any time. As I said earlier, I put a similar one into my HP Pavilion ( more than a year ago) and never had any problems.
Here is a picture of when I installed it. As you can see, it was around St. Patrics day 2009.

 

[stormy13]

whs is that the Antec in the case, or still the old one? If it is the Antec you have it upside down, the fan should be facing the motherboard to help with case cooling.

 

[kodi]

Would it be possible for somebody to either link or type up a short guide on how to choose a power supply? I understand the basic (number)w, and to check the comments, but I don't really know how to check for compatibility. Thanks!

See my previous post, I linked to a Very good guide.

 

[whs]

whs is that the Antec in the case, or still the old one? If it is the Antec you have it upside down, the fan should be facing the motherboard to help with case cooling.

I know, but that way it was easier for me to manage all those wires. And my box runs very cool anyhow.

 

[Wishmaster]

Some excellent suggestions so far.

Personally, I really like Corsair PSUs.

Something like the 400 or 450W Corsair would be a huge upgrade over your stock one.

While on the surface it does seem as it would, they are 32-35A 12V rails, where as most stock ones are around 300W 16A.

These 2 are in the $50-65 range, and more than enough power for your system with room to spare for future upgrades.
But it depends how much room for upgrades you want, and how much you are willing to spend.

Whichever brand you choose or prefer, remember to get a quality build.
The most important thing to remember, Watts advertised aren't nearly as important as the 12V rail amperage & effeciency.

 

[Everlong]

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.

That's a good read, and most likely still very much applies today.

 

[HMonk]

Two thoughts: online "calculators" look at your component's power ratings and come up with a "you need this" figure. However, I like the analogy of a house service panel: 200A comes in from the pole but you have 300A of breakers. Fact is, you never use all of the lights/receptacles simultaneously so you don't need a 300A service.

So too in computing and many authors/test sites agree that there is a tendency to put too much power in one's case. What to do? Your mobo mfr might have a recommendation specific to your mobo (ASUS does for mine: 600W) How do you use your computer: photoediting, serious number crunching, games; does you gfx card require a power connector; do you or do you plan to run a SLI/XFire array; if you are tinkering around with your present machine now, any plans on putting a custom machine together; and, yes, what other PNP devices do you have or are you planning to install.

However, I get the impression that what you have now is OK, i.e., you do not state you are having problems or performance issues. As such, I would leave well enough alone UNTIL issues ensue: why fix what ain't broken? BTW, to question if you would have better performance, I ask, better how - what's the issue you are dealing with now?

If it were me (it's not) and if money is tight, I would add a second HDD for all sorts of important reasons, the least of which would be an improvement in performance (reduced seek times) and a place to store image backups in case your primary HDD bricks - and you lose all of your data AND your "recovery partition" (to me, a dangerous joke). But that's just me.

Monk