How do I know which power supply to get?

Question

I need to upgrade my power supply from 250W to atleast 350W so that my video card can run correctly. I've upgraded my computer before, but never the power supply. How do I know which one I need to get? If any one could give me a link to an affordable (under $50) power supply, I'd appreciate it. Also a brief set of instructions on how to install the new power supply would be nice. 10 points for the best answer.

Answer 1

Most people think you need more power than most people really do, as long as you’re not running dual graphics cards you should be able to get by fine with a quality 350 watt PSU. For a study on how much power is needed check this out:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article265-page1.html

For recommendations here’s a link to an excellent article on PSUs : http://www.silentpcreview.com/article28-page1.html

I would go with a Seasonic S12-330 or S12-380 if you want to stay in the 350 watt range. Although you probably don’t need the power Antec and FSP have good models in the 400 - 450 range at decent prices.

Depending on your case design installing a PSU is easy and self explanatory; but some computers use proprietary components which is just a polite word for non-standard overpriced crap you have to buy from us because nobody else sells it.

Edited I just came across a great deal on a very good 500 watt modular PSU for only $19.95 after rebates.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1972&zenid=e1c3e9a957f8d464a1020e1fea8b9932

Answer 2

Don't purchase a cheap power supply. It is one of the most important componets in a system. Save up a little more money and get something decent.

The heavier a power supply the better it is. As for installing one I can't tell you that without knowing more information about your computer. Different cases have different setups but it is a pretty simple thing to do.

Again, don't invest in a cheap power supply.

Answer 3

Well first determine how big a power supply you need, from experience if the video card says a 350W power supply, you should get a bigger one. Here is a site to calculate how big a power supply you need http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp
Then go to newegg.com and find one that has the right power rating for you.

Answer 4

Almost any would work, but if you want a stronger power supply you would have to spend more money.

http://www.compusa.com/products/products.asp?N=200089&search_redir=1&search=power+supply

this website can give you a pretty good idea of how much they cost and how strong they are according to the price.

Answer 5

in regard to power supplies, the fist thing you want is reliability. many of the cheapo power supplies will burn out after a few hours of hard work. also, your may also need to consider other things offered like SATA support or SLI compatibility. features like modular cabling also make life easier. overall, from what you said, i woudl reccomend this (see http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103012) it is a reliable power supply that is quiet and provides all the power you need.

Answer 6

http://pricewatch.com has them, over 400 models, from 500 vendors. Caveat Emptor!

Get a warranteed unit, use a credit card to purchase! Bigger is better in PSU's! (most lie about their real power output!) http://anandtech.com and Tom's hardware guide all did tests to prove that!