Can I replace my Emachine's power supply with any power supply with the same power?

Question

My Emachine used a Bestec ATX-250-12e power supply. Do I need to use the same brand and model? Or can I just get a generic ATX 250 watt power supply?

Answer 1

As long as the power supply fits the case and has the proper connector it will work but do yourself a favor and purchase one with a higher wattage output. It sounds like the original crapped because you have added peripherals and the power supply no longer can handle the load. The higher wattage rating only designates the amount of power the supply can put out. If anyone tells you that you cant do this they are full of crap and need to stick with fixing sandwiches...

Answer 2

The better idea would be to replace your emachine and keep the crapped out power supply. Seeing as how a new computer would probably still run better than an emachine even if it had a fritzy power supply...

To answer you question... you can use any 250 W power supply...

Answer 3

I wouldn't do anything because there are some computers such as Compaq that if you change an important part such as the power supply it would affect other parts such as, the PC BUS, the PC GRAPHICS CARD, or worse the MOTHERBOARD. See not all power supplies are compatible with such computers but if you want to risk it you can do it. I would just recommend contacting your computer manufacturer to see how much it is for the part or just go on to ebay to find the same power supply, and brand so that you won't risk anything.

Answer 4

you can get a generic, but make sure it matches the original model number as a replacement, so you know the supply will fit in the case correctly, and has the cables that you need and you should get a higher rated supply, to cover for additional hardware upgrades in the future

Answer 5

To me, not a pro but a tinkerer, if it's the same output, it can be done.

Answer 6

Probably not. Why do you think people don't buy e-machines.