The PSU in my PC makes a lot of noise at powering up and I think it needs to be replaced. Should I just replace the PSU or better off buy a new case that comes together with a PSU? Are PSUs compatible with any motherboard? The motherboard in my PC is Gigabyte GA-EP45T-UD3LR. Are there any not too expensive PSU or case that you can recommend?
PSU dying...
ubor on 26/06/2013 - 09:09
Comments
Definitly get a new PSU, go for something 80+ certified from a good brand. As Outlander has requested, list your components so we can help you work out the best sized unit for you.
Remember that you can always reuse your PSU on your next machine….and I have found that incrementally upgrading often keeps the prices down to a manageable level by spreading the pain.
New PSU is the way to go. Go for a reputable brand. I recommend Corsair PSU's, but Antec, Coolermaster, Thermaltake all make decent ones too.
For a budget PSU, the Corsair VS series is pretty good quality. Antec Neo Eco is a good budget choice too. Again it depends on what gear you're running, but based on your motherboard I don't think you have a massive power draining system.
Corsair/Seasonic are much better then Coolermaster and Thermaltake, and still a little better then Antec.
You sure it's the PSU and not a graphics card or CPU fan?
Anyway, as said, look for around $70ish for a new one… You can buy them for $25, but you'll probably be replacing it in a few months (assuming that your machine doesn't overload it immediately).
Yeah, get a new PSU like the others say. You can see the required capacity by looking at the current PSU label. Also note if it's a 80mm fan or a 120mm fan. Go for an efficient PSU. If you leave the computer on all the time, the cents will add up.
CPU Core 2 Duo E7400
Graphic card Gigabyte HD4550 512MB DDR3
128GB SSD (Windows 7 loaded)
2 X 1TB HDD (will get 1 2TB drive to replace these two later in the year)
DVD RWI am pretty sure that the noise comes from the PSU.
Are all PSU of the similar size and will fit in the existing box?
Thanks everyone.
No, you have to see where the fan is.
The fan is on the same side of the power plug. So I will have to choose those PSU having the fan on the same side of the power plug. Is that correct?
Does your power supply look like this?. If so, you need not worry. ATX power supplies are generally the same size and shape, and have all the screw holes in the same place.
It does not matter what kind of power supply you buy — they all conform to ATX standards and will fit in any ATX case.
Yes, scrimshaw, my PSU does look like this.
There aren't many like that anymore. The OEM Thermaltake PSU is like that: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…
Another Thermaltake PSU that would probably be more reliable: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…You only have to get a PSU with the fan on the outside, which would be a 80mm fan. The 120mm fans are on the inside and the airflow is different. But the mounting holes are the same for both.
looks like a good (80+ efficiency) 450-500W will be enough for your set up. Most PSU's will fit into your case (provided it is a ATX format case).
Have you tried opening the PSU case and cleaning the fan? I remember cleaning my laptop fans and it became extremely quiet.
But to be on the safe side, you can change the PSU. If you want power efficient, there is the Antec Neo Eco 80 Plus Bronze 450W for $63 at MSY. Ottherwise you can get a Corsair VS 450 which is also 450W for $48.Thanks everyone. I will buy a new PSU to replace the existing one.
Get the Corsair VS450. Its under $50 from most places, and will give you plenty of power. Most of the time that box will use less than 150w, and might go up to 250w under very heavy load. So realistically a yamcha 500w psu could run that with no trouble.
You could even drop in down to the corsair vs350, but the different is only $5 so why bother.
+1 on the 500w thermaltake as a good economical option.
Might pay to get a power converter from Molex To SATA Power Adapter just in case as the sata power plugs are all on the same cable.http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&p…
do what i did pull the psu apart, remove fan and oil the bearing. volia quiet
You can replace the fan if you don't want to replace the entire psu
Bought the Corsair VS450. The computer is so quiet now I couldn't tell it's turned on. Thanks everyone.
New PSU. If your case is anything but an antec, chances are you've got a shitty psu. If stability is important shell out about $70 for a good one. To work out the right size psu you will need to know how much power your computer consumes.
List your cpu, graphics card, number of hard drives and dvd drives, and I can give you an idea.