power supply for X800 256mb

[jgillis81]

I am looking to upgrade my 9550 to the X800 Radeon Pro (model
#100-435200). However, I noticed that a requirement for the X800 is a
300-watt power supply or better. My Compaq Presario has a 200-watt
power supply. Is this an over-estimated requirement and could I get by
with my 200-watts? Would it be over my head to replace a power supply?
If it's not worth the risk I'll just stay with what I have and look
for a deal on a new machine after Christmas season.

Thanks for any help,
John

 

[Tom Scales]

I am looking to upgrade my 9550 to the X800 Radeon Pro (model
#100-435200). However, I noticed that a requirement for the X800 is a
300-watt power supply or better. My Compaq Presario has a 200-watt
power supply. Is this an over-estimated requirement and could I get by
with my 200-watts? Would it be over my head to replace a power supply?
If it's not worth the risk I'll just stay with what I have and look
for a deal on a new machine after Christmas season.

Thanks for any help,
John

Compaq is notorious for marginal power supplies. When they say 200W they
mean when everyone else in the city shuts down all electrical applicances
and the space ship from Mars is properly transmitting in your direction.

You're pushing it if you try.

Dell on the other hand underrates their power supplies.

Tom

 

[Frodo]

200 Watt, sounds like something used in my grand fathers days.
You can get a Generic 600 watt off EBay for $30.
I've had good luck with the Powork brand.

 

[T Shadow]

I am looking to upgrade my 9550 to the X800 Radeon Pro (model
#100-435200). However, I noticed that a requirement for the X800 is a
300-watt power supply or better. My Compaq Presario has a 200-watt
power supply. Is this an over-estimated requirement and could I get by
with my 200-watts? Would it be over my head to replace a power supply?
If it's not worth the risk I'll just stay with what I have and look
for a deal on a new machine after Christmas season.

Thanks for any help,
John

Your PS is marginal. It should be replaced if you add anything to the
system. The power supply in your Compaq may be proprietary so you'll have to
check into that.
Changing the power supply is easy. Its held in by 4 screws. Then all you
have to do is run the power connectors to the M/B and drives. They're all
keyed. Touch the chassis to bleed off any static electricity before touching
anything inside the computer. While the supply is out would be an excellent
time to clean the computer with dry compressed air.

 

[jgillis81]

Thanks for the help. If my power supply isn't proprietary I'll look
into just swapping it out.

 

[First of One]

http://www.xbitlabs.com/misc/picture/?src=/images/video/ati-powercons/t2.gif&1=1
The X800Pro draws 15W at idle and 48W at maximum load. This is in fact much
lower than its predecessor the 9800Pro. You *may* be able to get away with
using the existing power supply if your system is light in the number of
components.

However, if an upgrade turns out to be necessary and you discover the Compaq
PSU doesn't follow the standard ATX form, get one these auxilliary PSUs that
fit inside a 5.25" bay:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Power/PurePower/w0130ru/w0130ru.asp

 

[T Shadow]

Thanks for the help. If my power supply isn't proprietary I'll look
into just swapping it out.

Even if it's proprietary you may be able to get a replacement from someplace
like newegg.com. It's just that you want to make sure you get something that
fits, has the fan in the correct position and has the right connectors. I
noticed they had supplies saying they would fit Compaq and something else
when looking for a supply for a UATX case. Didn't look at specifics though.

 

[SP Goodman]

I am looking to upgrade my 9550 to the X800 Radeon Pro (model
#100-435200). However, I noticed that a requirement for the X800 is a
300-watt power supply or better. My Compaq Presario has a 200-watt
power supply. Is this an over-estimated requirement and could I get by
with my 200-watts? Would it be over my head to replace a power supply?
If it's not worth the risk I'll just stay with what I have and look
for a deal on a new machine after Christmas season.

200W is not enough for a modern machine. Most new motherboards require a
450W at least.

Take heart, as the mini-ATX power supplies are out there that will fit into
a Presario, and affordable.


--
Stephen Goodman
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