Community Newsletter: Q&A: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer?
- 10/6/05 4:08 PM
Good Advice
by kmashraf - 10/7/05 8:47 PM In reply to: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The only thing I don't agree on is the free availability (in a country like mine, India) of non-standard cpu cooling solutions. I know of the availability of aircons for cpu's and water cooling units. But am yet to see one in operation out here. Considering the vastly higher ambient temperatures out here, I am yet to come across many CPU failures due to under cooled units. Usually the failures result from improper installation of the cpu fan and inadequate cooling of the cabinet. AMD cpu's here have a reputation for overheating failures, but I ascribe it to improper installation of the cpu fan and improper cooling of the cabinet. As Greg suggests pass through cooling is a must. Keep the air flowing through the cabinet. Excellent suggestion the push-pull cooling system. One fan pushing out the hot air and the other to pull in the cool air.
told that Dell power supply shouldn't be replaced
by davevideolevin - 10/7/05 9:36 PM In reply to: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I recently determined that I had an insufficient amount of power and cooling in my home computer (Dell P4 2400 with 512mb RAM and an nVidia GE Force 6800).
And yet I was told by a local PC repair store that it was inadvisable to replace the 250W power supply that came with the machine.
I was told that unless I picked exactly the right power supply it could blow my motherboard (even though I was only planning to upgrade the power to 350-450W)
Dell support told me they discouraged customers from changing the power supply.
What's the reality?
Dells are special
by BlackGold - 10/10/05 10:03 AM In reply to: told that Dell power supply shouldn't be replaced by davevideolevinThey are right to tell you not to change your power supply. They are Dell, so they make their stuff different from everybody else. I don't know about other brands, but as far as PCP&C goes, they sell special, dell power supplies.
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/selector/dell_index.htm
Should help you out with their products. I don't know about other vendors, but ask them if it (the power supply you are eyeing) is dell-compadible, and get it in writing so if it fries your computer, you can blame them properly. 
Since this power supply cannot be transfered to another computer (unless another dell) try to go economical. Their 360 watt is $79, and what I would recommend. Any more may be a waste, unless you plan to upgrade this computer a whole lot.
How much Cooling and Power is enough
by ke6adm - 10/7/05 10:20 PM In reply to: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
One thing to consider in your scenario is whether or not your HP chassis will accept a different power supply and allow you to add fans. If it will allow you to change the parts, I have had really good luck using PS's from PC Power and Cooling. Their equipment is a rock solid design and performance is superb. Their supplies are a little pricey, but worth the cost.
Importance of the power supply
by haywoodwhy - 10/8/05 8:12 PM In reply to: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
One of the most important parts of your PC,usually the most underrated as far as performance is concerned. Most folks feel that the most important aspect to a powersupply is its output, but determining real vs advertised output is one difficult and impractical problem.
Clean, stable, and silent, with few, if any, spikes and/or surges is extremly important. The power supply you choose will be the core of your system. (The processor cannot even function correctly without proper electrical requirements being met) and this holds true for every other part in your PC.
Power supplies fail more than any other part of your PC, and when they fail they can take out the processor, motherboard, and other components. Do not buy a bargain basement power supply.
Remember that the form factor of the power supply should be matched to the form factor of the case (also the motherboard)This is very important.
A great power supply checks itself to make sure that it is adequately supplying the correct amounts of power (in volts and/or amps) to the individual electrical components. Purchase a power supply that implements the power_OK internal check system, (also called the power_good signal system).
Remember that electrical brownouts and electrical surges,lightning strikes and complete electrical outages will cause your power supply to act in an unhealthy way (very quickly) if it is not of the highest quality.Do not skimp on the power supply. Buy the best you can for your system. Also, proprietary systems often run MOBOS that are slightly different from the ATX general standard and you might be severly limited to what power supplys you can use.
Hope this helps
Bill
Power Supply & Cooling
by islandporgy - 11/1/05 1:51 PM In reply to: 10/07/05 How much cooling and power is enough for my computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
How do you tell if my power supply is putting out what it suppose to put out. I calculated how much watts I am using on my computer. And by what I have calculated my power supply should be sufficient. I plan on adding on more, like Haupauge 350 TV tuner and want to make sure that my power supply is realy putting out what it should, I have and Ultra 600 watt power supply I did not pay much for it, so I am thinking may be it is realy putting out 500 or 550 watts. I realy would like to purchase Thermaltake 680. A better brand power supply should put out close to what it truly says. I do have lot off extras on my computer.
Cooling I do not have to worry about I am pretty good in that department With all the Vantec tornados 3- 80mm
and 1- 92mm Vantec, on to of my Thermatake Pipe 101. all fans are handled by a Vantec nexus fan controler. I use the motherboard monitor to follow what is going on with it.
Power Supply & Cooling [islandporgy ]
by sunsound - 11/2/05 3:23 AM In reply to: Power Supply & Cooling by islandporgyHello Island
Your Ultra 600W is plenty powerful enough to run everything that you have in your box, but if you decide to install the Thermaltake 680, it's even more than you'll need, even with the addition of adding the TV Tuner card. I would say that "more is better", simply for "growing room" ie...more POWER in this case.
You're also very adequate with your fans and Motherboard Monitor is showing you this.
Kudos for Very wise planning
sunsound
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