NationStates Jolt Archive

does anyone know how hard it is to install a power supply(note i havnt looked so it mgiht not even be that hard on this system) in a already built system. this is a new pavilion and really roomy and actually easy to upgrade shit

Power supplies are usually ridiculously easy to replace. Since yours is an hp, you might want to make sure that they're actually using an ATX power supply and not a proprietary one.

Power supplies are usually ridiculously easy to replace. Since yours is an hp, you might want to make sure that they're actually using an ATX power supply and not a proprietary one.
where i check that?


ps and they have gotten ALOT better about upgrading (we have a 1998 hp, can BARELY get to the ram to put it in and then you have to be a friggin hand contortionsit still and a 2002 one i think it is, still kind of hrd, but this one is excellent, everything byitself, direction on how to remove shit actually and no wires covering everything so i dont think they wouldve gottne nazi about that

If you have an old power supply kicking around compare them, really the only thing you need to worry about is the screw holes that you use to mount the power supply on your case. All the connectors should be the same, just check your harddrive to see if it's serial ATA or IDE. If it's IDE it'll use the same type of cable to your motherboard as your CD/DVD/whatever drive. Serial ATA are these little narrow things with much smaller connectors at the ends. If your drive is serial ATA, then you have to make sure your new power supply has the proper power connectors.

If you don't have another power supply to compare with, a standard ATX power supply usually mounts to the top-back of your comp (I've seen some hp's mount at the bottom, which believe me makes it tough to change anything). The power supply will be in the neibourhood of 5"x5"x3", that's a rough estimate from looking at mine.

To be a little more clear ATX formfactor is the layout of the motherboard and an ATX power supply has the neccessary line/voltage connectors to power said boards. I use ATX power supply only to differentiate between a basically standard powersupply and a manufacturer specific power supply.

You could also take your old power supply to where ever you plan to pick up the new one and ask them. Usually the guys at smaller non-chain stores really know their stuff, and will be able to tell you instantly. Having shopped at both Best Buy and Futureshop (here in Canada), the sales guys are just that. Sales guys, they don't always know the finer details of the produts they sell.

Amusingly, it's a lot easier to put in a new power supply than to take out the old one. Those little white connectors are a royal pain. But there's only one way to make them fit, and all of the different voltages and currents have different sizes, so you can't screw it up. You just need to make sure that you get the right power supply in the first place and make sure that you connect everything that needs to be connected.

1) the sales guys dont know jack, go to the return area or wherever they are selling the ram, that guy usually knows something
2) the hd is ata
3) it mounts to the top and back, i would assume its atx, is it gonna say that somewhere

It's not that hard to do though I suggest letting someone who actually has replaced computer components before do this. Doing something stupid can break important components. Please read my disclaimer/warning at the bottom before following these directions. And read the entire set of diections before attempting this.

Anyway...
First make sure you computer is unplugged unless you feel like frying youself. Open up the box and inside it you should see a metal box in the top back corner. This is the power supply. (Note the front is the part w/ you CD-rom drive etc., the back is the part w/ the cords connecting to it. And I'm sorry if you already know this I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but better too much information than too little.)


Now before you start doing anything a few notes. First do not touch any of the components inside the computer without touching a metal part of the case before doing so or while doing so. Not doing this could cause static electricity in your body to discharge and do something horrible like fry your motherboard. Second make sure that your replacement power supply will work in your computer. Compare its wattage and voltage to the old one's. Finally make sure your computer is lying on its side.

First you need to unhook all of they cords going from the power supply to the various components such as the mother board. If any are stuck don't try and pull really hard because once again this could break things. In particular, a motherboard's cord is hooked into the socket so I suggest being very careful w/ this important component and studying it a little before just tugging it out. Make sure to note how the power supply is connected to the various components. Not putting the connections back in place perfectly will cause some problems and possibly melt a component or two. I have done this, and it sucks.

Now if you look at the back of the box, there will be four screws which hold the power supply in place. Unscrew them and lift the power supply out. Place the new power supply in the old one's place and screw it in. Reconnect the power cords to the various components. Close up the box and hook the power cord back into the power supply. Try to start it up.

Disclaimer: I don't advise that someone who has never replaced computer parts or built their own computer tries this. I have been doing this sort of thing for 8 years and I still destroy computers by mistakes occasionally. I really do advise calling your computer's manufacturer and having them do it. If you don't want to do that, find someone who knows how to do this well and have them do it. It is really easy to break a computer if you don't know what you're doing. Also if you break or destroy something, don't come and cry to me or blame me. I'm only trying to be helpful, I take no responsibility for any damages, and advise against most people attempting this operation.

<snip>

Disclaimer: I don't advise that someone who has never replaced computer parts or built their own computer tries this. I have been doing this sort of thing for 8 years and I still destroy computers by mistakes occasionally. I really do advise calling your computer's manufacturer and having them do it. If you don't want to do that, find someone who knows how to do this well and have them do it. It is really easy to break a computer if you don't know what you're doing. Also if you break or destroy something, don't come and cry to me or blame me. I'm only trying to be helpful, I take no responsibility for any damages, and advise against most people attempting this operation.

Heh, funny story. Last night I tore a strip of my dad for doing case mods when the mobo was still in the case. He's no stranger to computers having owned one since the days of the VIC-20. But yea, off topic thing over.

Heh, funny story. Last night I tore a strip of my dad for doing case mods when the mobo was still in the case. He's no stranger to computers having owned one since the days of the VIC-20. But yea, off topic thing over.

Not to be off topic for long, but I have to react to that real quick. <shudder> That could have ended poorly.