Power Supply Compatibility With Motherboard

[Tyorik]

Current computer is a Gateway GT5028. I'm looking at getting a new video card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122244), it needs at least a 400W power supply, where my stock one is a mere 300W. Now, having looked through Newegg for a new power supply, I came across this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817171005. It's a 24-pin, as I believe my motherboard claims it requires when it says "Main Power Connector 24-pin".

Basically I'm just curious if someone can tell me if these components will work with my computer, as I'm eager to order these so that WoW will run more smoothly.

Thanks in advance.

[Tyorik]

And also: if you have a computer with an Nvidia chipset (or ATI), does that mean that your computer (Provided proper slots and PSU) can run any of the ATI/Nvidia model graphics cards?

[jlreich]

Personally I wouldn't go for anything less than this to run a 7900GT. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931

Also best to get a 20+4 pin connector. That way it can be used on either a 20pin or 24 pin mobo. The connector has a detachable 4pin part so it can be used on either type of mobo.

Both nVidia or ATI chipsets will run either brand of video chip. The only time you would have to worry about it would be if you have a dual video card mobo. nVidia is SLI, and ATI is Crossfire. They would both still run a single video card of the other brand, but if you wanted to use two video cards you would need to have nVidia cards for SLI chipset and ATI cards for ATI chipset.

[Tyorik]

Thanks alot. That's exactly what I was looking for. You cleared everything up for me.

I'll have to stick around here... It's good that there's somewhere on the internet where people actually know what they're talking about.

Oh, and one last thing to bug you; you're sure this will fit in the case? Or... How would one know?

Edit: I have a new setup, which includes the suggested PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814241009
+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817103931

Thoughts?

[Tyorik]

Alright, I'm posting way too much, but I have alot of afterthoughts. Instead of continually asking which video card is best - and me potentially not looking at the proper specs for it, perhaps you (Or one of you) can suggest a good gaming card for the $150 - $230 range.I've found a few that I think are worth the second glance, but another opinion would help.

[jlreich]

Actually I meant to post about making sure it would fit in the case but forgot. :o The link should have the dimensions of the new PSU, double check the measurements inside your case to make sure it will fit.

Have a look at Saphalline's ( our resident hardware guru) sticky (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=47398) for video card ideas. You can't go wrong with one from the list. All the cards on the list are PCIe x16, so any will work with your system.

I actually like your pick of the x1800GTO for the price range. The only thing is I am not familiar with the manufacturer at all. Also I know there are three manufacturers that offer lifetime warranties; eVGA, XFX, and BFG. There may be others that offer this by now but I am not sure.

[Tyorik]

Alright. This is pretty severely annoying. I ordered the 550W Antec PSU; http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817103931 and when it arrived, I noticed that it wasn't rear exhaust. Can anyone tell me if this is even meant to work in my tower (As a reminder: this is the computer specs: http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/5876/5876sp3.shtml | and this is the PSU: http://support.gateway.com/s/POWER/100929/100929sp2.shtml)

It's rather frustrating, since I needed the power supply to power my graphics card, and now I can't do either right now - PLUS I probably need to buy a different power supply - probably a rear exhaust - and wait another week or so for that to come while I wait for them to process my return. Or, my alternative if I get too frustrated, is to just plow some holes into the top of my case so it has a place for the hot air to go, and see if I can still manage to get this power supply to do the job.

[mjc]

I'd be very tempted to mod the case, myself...

[Tyorik]

But does that cause any problems with the functionality of the components? Is the PSU supposed to cool anything anywhere else, or is my only problem right now the direction of the exhaust? If the latter, then by all means, I'll save myself trouble and do myself some arts and crafts; but if there're complexities that i'm overlooking, I'd rather be aware.

[jmkeuning]

Hah! I ordered that PSU also and did not notice that it vents out the top! Looks like its time to take out the saw. Tyorik - you'll be fine with the top exhaust. Do you have any other case fan running? If not, I recommend at least one. You can get them for 10 bucks and use them to push air in and out of the case.

[mjc]

For the most part, the fans on a PSU are only to exhaust the warm air. It will draw air in from the rest of the case...already somewhat warm, and push it out the back (or top, in this case).

I would probably find a piece of PVC pipe about the right inner diameter and create a duct to go a long witht he extra holes.

[Tyorik]

Alright. You guys have been super-helpful; final worry:

No, I don't have any other case fans because gateway is... Well... Stupid. So, to take the initiative myself, I would then have to slaughter the case, right? What with cutting the sides and now the top as well. Heh, is this thing even gonne be mobile anymore?

[mjc]

Welcome to the wonderful, exciting world of case modding....while your at it, you may want to consider adding some lights, a paint job and maybe a viewport...

[jlreich]

I have that same PSU running my system right now. It doesn't vent out of the top at all. It is rear exhaust. The fan is on the bottom and sucks air in to the PSU and vents it out the back of the PSU. Newegg just turns the PSU upside down in order to show the fan in the picture.

Turning the PSU upside down like that has caused some confusion for other people as well. I wish they would make a note on the pic about that. It would save many a few gray hairs. :rolleyes:

[saphalline]

Thank you, jlreich, for clearing that up. I was about to post a remark about everyone tipping the bottle a little too much! :p

What are you guys thinking!? Standard ATX PSU's don't vent into a case, and they don't vent up, either! I think you all got a little confused by the pic, but the fact of the matter is that PSU's have had mug-shots like that for quite awhile now! Why take a picture of the top of a PSU? There's nothing there! Air goes into a PSU from the bottom and/or front, and it goes out the back. That's how ATX PSU's have been made for years now.

[mjc]

Well, I would still think about putting it in with the fan facing up...and have it suck cooler air into the psu....and add an extra exhaust fan to the case...along with a wild paint job or something. :D

[jlreich]

LoL! :D :D

[cadman013]

I bought a new mb to replace my aging one (5 yrs old). I switched to an am2 form factor, where I had intel before.

My new mb is a ati A780GM-A, and the power connector has 24 pins.

My current power supply has only 20 pins. If I stick with my current psu will it operate properly? If these 4 new pins are solely for soft power switching i can live without this until I have to get a new psu.

Will I have problems getting the mb to operate correctly using my current 20 pin connnecter with it?

I apologize ahead of time for not doing the due dill i should have before I bought my components. I was trying to make this as innexpensive as possibe. My money is waaaaay tight. But my old mb has several circuits fried. It had lost most of the audio function and some usb ports on it.

I chose the Ati mb for its price and functionality.