I need major help!

[ray_MAN]

Recently, I have been getting errors from my ATi card. I called ATi this morning to ask them about it, and they said that my video card does not have the proper power supply. I have a 250W power supply, when I need at least a 300. That would be easy, if I didn't have a Dell. Other websites say that Dell systems are proprietary and that you can't put in a new power supply. Say it ain't so, because if I can't get the power supply, my gaming days are over. ;( ;( ;( ;(

 

[The Dark Elf]

hmm, well i dunno, yeah you need a new psu, i find it strange you can't fit one in a dell, if its a regular motherboard then it should work, maybe its just the case is a strange size, which just means finding a psu that fits or something.

 

[ray_MAN]

How will I know if it fits if I buy it from the stores? Can I return it and say, "Oh yeah. I need to return this because it didn't fit."

 

[marksmanHL2 :)]

Don't know if this helps but it is possible to find pretty cheap case and powersupply combo deals. Even in (Yeah.. I kno) PC world lol.


I have a dell.... they have their own case designs. So It may be true. I have never checked though.

 

[ray_MAN]

I might, but I am really tight on money. Also will my motherboard fit in the new case?
Here are the power supplies I would really want to buy:
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=283768&pfp=BROWSE
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50350436&pfp=BROWSE

 

[ComradeBadger]

I wouldn't trust either of those PSU brands. Get yourself an Antec, Tagan or similar.

And depends, what is your motherboard - generally most cases take all motherboards - the larger ones take up to eATX in size. (That's extended ATX - server mobos)

 

[VirusType2]

How will I know if it fits if I buy it from the stores? Can I return it and say, "Oh yeah. I need to return this because it didn't fit."

I return things all the time, you hardly need a reason these days, check the store's policy first.

Another thing, I don't see why the power suply needs to be in the case. Ive seen power supply's at the store and they are in a solid looking steel case by themselves.

Couldn't one set it on top of thier computer tower for example?

 

[ray_MAN]

I have to connect it to my motherboard in order for it to work. I would rather not leave my computer case open. Also, the fan has to have somewhere to blow out to. I am in a real dillema, because I think I have to buy it from Dell, but Dell no longer sells parts for my computer.
Oh, and Badger, my motherboard is not the problem, it's whether or not it will fit properly in my case. The fan and plug has to fit perfectly. :|

 

[ComradeBadger]

Buh? Do they use non-standard fans? And what plug are you referring to?

 

[ray_MAN]

The plug to connect your computer to the wall. And, I am pretty sure they use Dell-like fans. It's proprietary, I tell you!

 

[Asus]

Does the back of your PSU look like this? Link
Notice where the 4 screw holes are on the back. Compare to yours. They might be upside down compared to this but thats ok.

Or is your PSU smaller than the one pictured?

 

[ray_MAN]

I am not at my problem computer right now, I will check soon, though. Is that design standard for all Antecs? I am going for a cheap Antec along the lines of $65.

 

[ray_MAN]

I just got some pretty bad news. I called Dell, and Dell says that a 250W is the only PSU compatible with my system.... My gaming days are over. ;( ;( ;(

 

[Maxi]

That's dell. If you can fit a normal standard PSU into your case, you're good to go. BUT dell are known for having their own special psus that suck.