I'm about to upgrade my computer - need a new power supply?

Question

First of all, I'm not sure what my power supply wattage is (any program I can use to see this?).

But well, here are my specs

P4 processor 2.8Ghz
512 DDR SDRAM
80GB HDD
128MB ATI RADEON 9800 PRO
PCI Firewire card
a Modem
flat screen monitor, of course. 17"
Two CD-RW bays
and that's basically it.

I'm planning on adding another HDD (200gb) and upgrading to 2GB RAM. Would I need to replace my Dell power supply, or will it be fine?

Answer 1

You may have to open the PC case to be able to take a peek at your power supply unit's (PSU) wattage.

Here's a calculator for estimating PSU wattage:
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
Most PC makers try to save on costs and installs a power supply that is just about right and w/ minimal allowance for additional devices. Try your upgrade, memory first, then the HDD. If you get a black screen, then upgrade your PSU.

It is better to have a PSU that exceeds your requirement. It will run cooler and last longer.

Answer 2

dude lol no men there is no program to see your power supply wattage you have physically open it up and inspect it...and you don't need a new power supply depends if you want to add additional 2 CD drives to an existing CD drive with a new hdd to an existing hdd you cant...cause power supply one in your dell had connection ONLY for 4 drives 2 for CD/DVD etc two for hdd

it hard to explain a modem get power from you mother board not directly through you power supply same for the friwire card and the rams and the processor

the monitor is extra it has nothing to do with the computers power supply....

only thing the power supply gives power to is you MOTHERBOARD THE HDD (HARD DRIVE DISK) THE DRIVES EITHER CD OR DVD...AND THE CPU FAN AND FLOPPY DRIVE IN SOME CASES

long story short no you don't need a power supply if you want to add like 4 CD drives and like 2 HDD THEN YOU MIGHT NEED A NEW POWER SUPPLY AND MOTHERBOARD....YOU UNDERSTAND?

Answer 3

There is no software that I'm aware of to check power supply ratings. The easiest way is to check the label on the PSU, this will state the wattage rating.
I would recommend a min of 500watts, with an external power switch for safety.

Use this site to determine your minimum rating and compare it against your current supply, and I would allow a good amount say at least 25% for overhead etc.

Answer 4

Your stock power supply should be fine. Right now I'm running 2 DVD burners, a 160 GB HDD, an 80 GB HDD, a wireless netowrk card, a modem card, 2 512 MB sticks of RAM, and my P4 3.08 ghz processor all with no problems.

Answer 5

It should be fine but i still recommend upgrading from the stock power source, im assuming that because its stock its pry only about 350 - 400 watts (thats what my stock one is). I recently bought a new 500 watt power source from newegg, havent got it yet but i will post it in the source list.

My system:
1 40 GB hard drive + 1 10 GB
AMD XP 2200+
1 GB (2x 512) of RAM
FIC AM37 motherboard
Nvidia FX5500 (as soon as i get my power source)

Answer 6

Umm, I would get a more powerful one just to be safe, hard drives take a lot of power. Something that I HIGHLY recomend is another fan. Most are under $10 and are easy to install, the extra hard drive also creates a lot more heat.

Hope this helps =)
arledgetd
unoffical techy

Answer 7

open the case and look at the power supply, should be a label with specs on it, as for what you will need check out power consumption (wattage) of each component to figure out

Answer 8

i'f your just ading more space and ram you suident need a new power supply..i wounce put two new hard drives and dident change power supply.

Answer 9

try using a car battery