Upgrading power supply for my desktop?

I have an older HP Pavilion 511n desktop. It's on most of the day on most days (off at nights or when I'm traveling), and it's worked okay except it overheated and crashed a few times. When I opened it the thing was full of dust and everything was clogged up, including both fans had thick dust covers on them. I cleaned it best I could and sprayed pressurized air everywhere. I also removed the side panel so the insides are exposed to the cooler room temps and I put a small table fan there that I sometimes turn on if the HD temp rises into the high 40's or above. Like this it's been working fine - I just need it to last another year or two while I finish my studies...

Anyway, I recently upgraded a bunch of things. I added USB2.0 ports, maxed the RAM to 512 MB (PC100 SDRAM DIMM CL2), changed the CD-ROM drive to a CD/DVD-RW drive and I'm waiting for a 160GB internal hard drive to arrive. Not sure if I should be investing in a computer like this, but all the parts were pretty cheap individually so I went ahead anyway. But now I'm thinking I might need a better power supply too. Currently I have a ATX-1523D (150W), which came with the computer. Seems to work okay now that I'm keeping the side panel open and monitoring the HD temperature.

So should I upgrade the power supply and what would be a good upgrade that's on the cheaper side?

Thanks.

 

I posted this a while back might be of interest.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=117975

I wouldn't bother to change the psu until it fails. Keep an eye on Ebay for a cheap replacement. You could then keep it handy for if and when the present one fails. I seem to remember that Hps had small size psus (physical dimensions) check before buying. Keeping things cool / improving the cooling is the right thing to do. Your extra stuff will not add more than 15-25 watts to the psu load.


Studio T

 

Personally, I'd upgrade the PSU soon. 150w is too small for anything, and the last thing you need is the PSU failing right in the middle of a major download or data transfer or while your burning a CD or typing up your college term paper. Run down to the local PC store and pick up a good 350w- new they're under $40, used it shouldn't be more than $25. Even a used 300w is better than what you have now.

hopperdave2000

 

Studio T

 

Really? A PSU 'breaking' in my experience can take a few things with it.

 

I was thinking of this 250W replacement. It's $34 (free shipping) and the site says it's compatible with my HP Pavilion 511N. What do you think?

All the other similar units (same size, etc.) I found with google don't list the HP Pavilion 511N as one of the compatible computers. I haven't seen anything above 250W that was explicitly listed as compatible with my computer.

So would this be an okay deal, or could I get something better for about the same price or less and how can I make sure it's compatible before ordering unless they specifically list my computer among the compatible models?

Thanks for the help.

 

Yeah the picture sure looks like an HP SFX supply, which I thought you have.
The extra capacity will be more than adequate for your purposes and some future upgrades.
$34 is ok but not good but it is available now. If you wait you should be able to pick one up on Ebay for $10-$15 within a couple of weeks. Be shure to check the voltage setting for your area when you get it.

Studio T

 

I'll agree that 350w. PSUs are not expensive, but that has to be overkill for the HP Pavilion 511n. It's running a Celeron 1.3GHz chip, not a top-end 3.6GHz chip. HP figured it only needed 150 watts in its original configuration, and HP isn't known for cheaping out in the hardware it sells. I think that studiot is right in suggesting that the mods that On edge has added won't add more than 10-15 watts to the load on that power supply unit.

If a replacement is needed, I think 200 watts would be ample for the HP 511n. But if you want to check, use the PSU sizing utility here or here.