PC Tech question - Upgrading Dell PSU

[thedonal]

Hey all,

I've got a Dell Optiplex GX270. I need to upgrade the PSU for it, so I can install a new graphics card (only has 250W power onboard).

I got an ATX 405W PSU from PC World, but it appears that the main power socket on the motherboard is too small for that of the new PSU.

I'm guessing that it is therefore incompatible with an ATX PSU.

Any suggestions? (yes- I know it's a really old PC, but can't afford a new one right now- so I'm improving what I've got!)

[beabert]

The main atx connectors usually have a bit that snaps on and off to make it longer for newer mobos with extra connections, and shorter for the older standard size. Has your psu got this?

[thefallenangel]

+1 look for a lip somewhere which 4 of the pins should slide off.

[thedonal]

Aha. Gotcha. Found that- cheers guys.

Was a bit annoyed at first, as I'd butchered the back of the case so it would fit the new PSU!

That'll save me some faffing then.

Have a virtual pint, on me!

[fastdruid]

There are two types of 'ATX' power supply, 20pin and 24pin 'server', now it seems everyone is going over to the 24pin and so the majority either have 4 pins you can snap off *or* may just overlap one end (I can't remember which). Here you go, have a nice little picture to make it clearer.

http://www.smps.us/atx-connector-20-24pin.jpeg

Modern PSU's also quite often have the 4/6/8 pin connector for decent video cards too.

Druid

[thedonal]

Cheers again for your help guys- it went in fine today, as did the new graphics card. All is working tickety-boo (though it was a tight fit to get the leads to stretch to the hard drives, but they did- with the case half closed!).

Got a gigabit ethernet switch coming, then I'm looking at getting a network drive and a cheap widescreen monitor. Nice! I'm just going to have to work out how to get a mac and pc talking to each other..

[Dave20046]

Cheers again for your help guys- it went in fine today, as did the new graphics card. All is working tickety-boo (though it was a tight fit to get the leads to stretch to the hard drives, but they did- with the case half closed!).

Got a gigabit ethernet switch coming, then I'm looking at getting a network drive and a cheap widescreen monitor. Nice! I'm just going to have to work out how to get a mac and pc talking to each other..
Is the lan socket on your machine gigabit speed too?

[beabert]

You can get extensions if its a bit tight, and spitters, convertors etc :) or just cut and bodge lol.

[thedonal]

Yeah- both machines have gigabit ethernet.

[Dave20046]

Yeah- both machines have gigabit ethernet.
cool, just worth double checking :)

[thedonal]

The switch is 10/100/1000, so it'll work at the speed of what's connected to it. My router is probably 100 baseT (BT Home Hub), but it makes sense for the rest of the network that I get the fastest switch I can. 8 ports- so plenty of space for an X-Box 360, network drives and suchlike...

[Dave20046]

nice, got a fat roll of network cable then?
Or if you're more bothered about mess than moolah those 'network over mains' kits are pretty cool.

[thedonal]

I've got a mate who can sort me out cat 6 cable, so that's no bother. Got a couple of short cables to get things started. Otherwise, it'll be on an as and when basis.

[Dave20046]

sorted :thumbsup: