[HDCblGuy]

I'm running a Dell Dimension 4100 and I need a new power supply. Something around 400 watts would be nice. A quiet, but very good fan is needed too. I am trying not to have to purchase a new case, but if I have to I will.

Thanks


-Andrew

 

[xcel]

Hi HDCblGuy:


___You are about to find out why you should not have purchased the DELL in the first place because of proprietary HW … Call up Dell’s tech support and ask them if you can use a std. ATX 2.03 based PSU with their HW (motherboard)? You are going to be surprised what you are going to learn.


___Good Luck


___Wayne R. Gerdes

___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.

___ [email protected]

 

[scoobydoo]

Yep Dell power supplies can't be replaced by any ATX PS, you need to buy a new one from Dell to fit it at a hefty markup no less

 

[fcg_vi]

FYI
http://165.193.123.52/articles/upgrade3_01_01.asp


An adapter is available for $9.99 from http://www.centrix-intl.com/ under "OEM Replacement".

 

[gotapex]

Oh no, $10!

 

[HDCblGuy]

What would the cheapest solution be? Buy a new case and motherboard or purchase a power supply from Dell. Actually, to make it easier, what do you recommend I do?

Thanks


-Andrew

 

[HDCblGuy]

bump

 

[cord]

Buy the adapter that fcg_vi posted and then get a normal power supply. It would seem an easy decision to me.

 

[slau]

Are all Dells like this? I heard that more recent ones reverted back to standard PSUs.

 

[HDCblGuy]

I'm going to go with fcg_vi's suggestion (thanks). Now back to the original question . What is a good power supply that supplies about 400-450 watts and is quiet and will fit in my Dell case?

Thanks


-Andrew

 

[HDCblGuy]

I have heard good reviews about the Enermax power supply units. Would the 431 watt Enermax EG465P-VE ( found here ) work with my Dell? Would I need any other cables besides the $10 adaptor?

Thanks


-Andrew

 

[HDCblGuy]

bump

 

[Flying Kiwi]

Having owned an Enermax PSU (the exact same model you're considering) which failed taking the motherboard connector with it in a molten heap (connectors fused together), I suggest a different brand. I've been looking for replacements for the Enermax and the Enhance 460 Watt was recommended by my motherboard supplier. It is ATX 2.03 compliant so you would need one of those converter cables to make it work with a non ATX spec Dell motherboard. Interestingly, the supplier used to sell the Enermax PSUs but now he doesn't recommend them for use with my motherboard type (Tyan Tiger MP) because they can have problems maintaining the +5 Volt line voltage. Mine died precisely due to this problem. Just before it gave up completely, I noticed in Tyan System Monitor that the +5V line was actually reading about 4.4V (I had already contacted the local Enermax people by this point due to suspected PSU problems - spontaneous reboots/crashes). The Enhance 460 Watt PSUs are reputedly exceptionally quiet - more so than the Enermax whisper PSU (I found it listed on a website devoted to bits for quietening your PC). I've ordered one of these PSUs and it should be with me in a few days. I'll be able to hear for myself just how quiet it is.

 

[Want1394]

Call these folks tomorrow PC Power & Cooling and they will help you with what you need.