So it started as just the pc losing power completly at random times, now it hardly has power long enough to boot.

Some times it can make it to the desktop before loosing power, other times not even that far.

I immediatly thought PSU and upon checking it appears that the cooling fan on the PSU isn't turning.

Is the pc turning itself off because it knows it is too hot or is it going duff?

So i think i need a new PSU, any recommendations on what model or make i should get?

And any tips on how to do the swap?

Thanks Joe

Your system specs would be a good start??

In the mean time, here's an excellent read on the subject:

http://www.firingsquad.com/guides/power_supply/

Okay thanks,

Im running a 2.4 P4
Nvidia GF4 4600 Ti
2 optical drives
80 gig hard drive
1 gig ram
+ usb2 stuff

The one i have at the moment seems a bit under powered, its only 300 Watts.

what sort of wattage should i be looking at?

Is there a maximum wattage a system can take? or will it only take what it needs even if the PSU could supply more?

I don't want to blow up my system

Also is there any differences between PSU's for AMD and Intel setups?

I was looking at either a zalman or antec PSU, any opinions?

Thanks for all the help.

Joe

Antec always has my first vote. Excellent PSU's. I have no experience with Zalman psu's.

You should have more than enough power with a 400w psu. Even a 350 might be adequate (especially if it's a decent brand) but that won't leave room for much addons (extra drives, USB-stuff).

It is, as far as I know, not possible to have too much Wattage.

AMD or Intell doesn't matter as far as I know. Power connectors to the mobo are pretty much standardised.

I agree with Abbadon...An Antec "true power" is a great choice. And "overkill" is not a problem- (Except to your Wallet! :p ) Read over that article Whyzman gave you again, I thnk it explains about particular power needs.

And to answer another of your original questions:And any tips on how to do the swap? Changing it out is one of the simplest things you'll do in the "fun" world of PC's.
Usually just four screws, and just replace the new cables back where you found the old ones.
A couple of "main" Power connectors to the motherboard, (With a P4 you'll have an extra square ATX 4 pin conector ), possibly a fan header or two, and the rest just standard power connectors to your drives...You'll see while you're in there....Pretty easy.

Obviously, make sure everything is turned off and you are grounded before touching any sensitive Components inside the case.
(I like a wrist strap myself...But I get laughed at a lot by my friends when I'm wearing it). ;)

Changing it out is one of the simplest things you'll do

I'll agree with that, but add, just be careful that you dont allow the supply to fall onto any other components when you remove the screws.

Good point pave_..!!

They can be pretty heavy, so definitely hang on to it underneath while removing the screws.....Guess that's something you might not think about sometimes. ;)

So the new PSU finally arrives, its a Antec TruBlue 480 W

First job open the case and unplug all cables from the old PSU. Then unscrew the four screws holding PSU, all the while holding onto it so it doesn't fall.

Time to insert the new PSU and screw him in. The difference in quality is amazing. The new one has a nice reassuring weight to it.

With all the new wires connected up, and a few i haven't seen before, like the fancy fan connectors its time to turn on the power :eek:

3...2...1 it didn't go bang :) every thing is working perfect. Its entering windows.... Then NO POWER, OH NO :confused: maybe it wasn't the PSU that was the problem, maybe i connected the new one up wrong, maybe my CPU or Mobo is dead...

What can be wrong?

After a few desperate minutes trying to find the problem i realise i have knocked the plug out of the wall with my foot lol :rolleyes: ;)

So i plug it back in and everything works perfect. The new PSU emits a nice blue glow from the back of my system. And the difference in sound is amazing, its nearly silent :D

I would recommened anyone to buy an Antec PSU.

And thanks to you guys for all the help and advice, my PC has been running for 2 days now without a problem.

Sweet! :cool:

Thanks for posting back HNC_Comp....it's always nice to hear a happy ending. :)

I might add one more observation:After a few desperate minutes trying to find the problem i realize i have knocked the plug out of the wall with my foot lol Hopefully, you mean the plug to your Surge Protector or UPS unit. :)
Always a good idea to have your Computer plugged into some sort of device that controls and regulates any Power "surges".
Sure wouldn't want to see anything happen to that nice new "TruBlue" of yours.....Very nice Power Supply by the way!!!
Best of luck to you. ;)