computer power supply

[iced_theater]

Would it be better to find a new power supply for my computer or get a new computer? It went out in my computer and I took one out of an HP comp and hooked up what wires I could *I honestly don't know if they are all right though* but I have extra wires that aren't hooked up to anything but the computer itself turns on and works.

The power supply also wont fit where my original did as it's about half the size of it, so it's just hanging down on the ground right now.

My computer is about three years old and I already typed in it's model number, but it's not for sale anywhere. So what would you do? New comp, or just keep it rigged up as it is? If I did go with a new computer, it would just be a cheap one as I don't use it for anything but internet and movies.

 

[carbine15]

I just built a very nice machine for my friends wife for under $1000. Every three years now she's had me build her a system and every time she's thrilled with the results. You could gut the machine and rebuild it in a standard case with some upgraded parts (like new motherboard and your power supply) for much less.

 

[bfg9000]

Don't buy more computer than you need right now (is the advice from someone with an 8800GTX).

Every wire doesn't need to be hooked up.

 

[carbine15]

But it's nice to have a case that's not all hanging open with parts everywhere.
It's nice to have room for all your stuff.
It's nice to be able to play your games.

 

[iced_theater]

I'd probably just buy a basic PC, though possibly with a lot of memory as I have many windows and programs running at the same time.

My current machine is a Medion with 2800mhz Pentium 4, 512 Megs ram, 160 gig hard drive.

 

[tygger]

if your computer works and does what you want it to do then i'd say keep it. however, if you know someone who can put a computer together for you, you can have a very capable machine for under $1000 bucks. places like newegg.com have some good deals on OEM components, which basically means things like hard drives don't come with cables or an instruction manual, but its significantly cheaper than a full retail product and works fine.

on a side note, which power supplys do you guys prefer? i was thinking of getting a Seasonic, but the Thermaltake units are a bit cheaper. any thoughts?

 

[carbine15]

power supplies.. I've been fond of antec myself.

 

[coldsolderjoint]

if its a standard sized power supply, just replace it.

www.geeks.com has some really good prices on all sorts of components.

Unless you really want to upgrade, but if the old one is working, then why fix it?

 

[Illum]

I have extra wires that aren't hooked up to anything but the computer itself turns on and works.

Power supplies usually give you more wires to use than you really need... especially the older ones with ATA buses every 10 inches or so for multiple harddrives or disk drives, probably the most important is a thick bar with multiple colored wires...the motherboard power.

The power supply also wont fit where my original did as it's about half the size of it, so it's just hanging down on the ground right now.

doesnt sound like you need a new computer, it sounds like you need a new case. Wich is heckofalot cheaper than buying a new PC and transfer your harddrive data into it

 

[bobisculous]

The specs on your machine are still quite good in my personal opinion. I have a 2GHz machine and am fine with it. 2.8 is only better. Recently, I was debating on building a new machine and spending quite a bit on it, but I then I bought a second monitor, 20.1" Widescreen, and that did the trick. I think I am good for a few more months or better, before I upgrade. Once in a while, you just need a slight change to take care of your needs. Having two monitors makes SO much difference in productivity.

I'd get a new case as well. But before you do, you will have to make sure that your motherboard is a standard size. I remember when I was trying this exact thing years ago on my Dell 4100, we soon found out that the motherboard was not a standard ATX design, so the screw holes for the standoffs on the case would not match up, thus I could not just put all the insides into a new case without getting a new Motherboard, then processor, then RAM, then, then then....etc. Dell has, or at least had, special screw holes on their motherboards made to fit just their cases.

Anyhow, with those specs you gave, I would put it all in a new case if possible(you will have to get some new case fans so I guarantee that you will get better airflow, thus temperatures). Perhaps some more RAM, as its fairly cheap, and maybe a new video card, totally depending on what you already have. You very well might still have a good card it in. But just put a few dollars into that machine and I feel as though it will satisfy your needs. Perhaps like me, get a second display cause it really does change the entire playing field.

-Cameron

 

[Lit Up]

If your PC is a standard ATX form factor, just buy an ATX power supply for around 30 or so and you're good to go. I did this awhile back with an older machine.

That HP power supply is proprietary; so that's why it's not fitting properly.

Your PC is still very much useful for what you do. It's just software developers bloat the hell out of their stuff. Microsoft Vista is a perfect example of this.

I've ran PCLinuxOS on a machine with an old 32 bit 1gig processor and the board used old SDRAM memory.(I had 512 installed which is overkill for the board) Has a whopping 100mhz front side bus to boot. Coupled with an old AGP Radeon video card with 90MB on board.

I managed to run Beryl, the Linux equivalent of Vista's Aero only better, just fine on that old machine. Smooth too.

 

[RA40]

I'd go the PS route unless you will have new demands/uses that an updated system will be better suited. If you decide you want to build your own eventually, then buy a nice case and P&S. Otherwise, whatever suits your budget.