Dell PSU problem

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I have a Dell Dimension 8250 with a 250W power supply, but the gfx card I'm uprading to recommends a 350W PSU.

At first I just thought I'd replace the power supply but the back plate on my case would prevent most supplies from fitting in properly. I've also heard some nasty stories about how replacing Dell power suppplies can fry your motherboard.

What can I do here? Should I try and move everything to a new case? How hard would that be? OR am I just totally screwed?

DAMN YOU DELL!!!

- please no replies about how I should just buy/build a new comp. I can't afford that.

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Ham_fisT · Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:02 pm Post subject:

Cheapest way might be to contact Dell, and see what they recommend.
I'm sure they can sell you a bigger PSU
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HoseB · SirTweaksabit Joined: 03 Oct 2003 Posts: 260

Whoa Nelly... you're OK

The OLD problem with the power supply non-standard pinning went away before your 8250.

You can get any ATX standard P4 PSU, with the same pinning as the original Dell PSU, and it will plug in and hook up just fine (it's a good idea to measure and verify the PSU external dimensions anyway), except.... if you get a PSU with an on-off power switch, you will have to use a hacksaw to cut a piece out of the Dell case backplate to make room for the switch. (I know this for fact, as I have done it myself... on *this* very computer.)

Or, if you get one with no switch (like the Dell original), you should be able to just plug it in.

One thing to watch out for.... length of power leads. With Dell's clamshell case, some cheapo PSUs have short power leads and won't reach.

If you want a recommendation.... I bought a SilenX and would recommend the same to anyone. (There's a cheapo version... like a knockoff from someone who formerly worked for/with SilenX. Do not get the cheapo one... the power leads are too short.)

meobius · Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:29 am Post subject:

if you do that, make sure you change the pinout to match the old psu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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HoseB · SirTweaksabit Joined: 03 Oct 2003 Posts: 260

Unless there is something I'm missing, there is no need to "change the pinout". The 8250 uses an ATX standard P4 PSU with a 20 wire and a 4 wire connector.

The days of using a connector to change the pinning are long gone by at least 3 years.... or is there something else??

JayDubya · Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:

The layout, if i am not mistaken, is very different. If you compare a normal PSU (lets say from thermaltake or antec) and compare it to most dell psu's, the wires in specific spots are different colors - this means they carry different voltages and different functions.

You MAY have to get a new psu, case, and motherboard.
Do you have a digi cam that you can take a pic of the 20 pin connector pin layout?
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HoseB · SirTweaksabit Joined: 03 Oct 2003 Posts: 260

JayDubya · Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:53 pm Post subject:

^Excellent. Thanks for clearing that up
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Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

It's moot now anyway. I decided to go with a different card, and this one does not require me to do anything with the PSU.

In case you were wondering, I have just bought a pre-overclocked 256MB BFG GeForce FX 5700LE. The card I was considering (that would have required the new supply) was a 128MB GeForce 6600GT.

The 5700 is not as good of an upgrade, I know. But I am on a very limited budget and it sure as hell beats my current GeForce 4 MX card (which is basically a fancied-up GeForce 2).