Question to computer/hardware geeks

[karohemd]

The fan of the PSU in my PC is now finally on its last legs. Previously I had to hand start it and it was a bit noisy but now it's just rattling slowly at times and not doing its job anymore.

1) If I simply buy a new PSU, what do I have to know about my computer so I get the right one?
Everything else is working fine.

2) Having looked at prices for cases/motherboards, I could spend a bit more, get a new case and a new motherboard. Can I just plug in my existing hard and CD drives and cards or will I have to reinstall Windows etc? The system (W98 SE) is stable enough, a bit faster would be nice, though.

3) Expanding with option 1), what can I do to my PC to make it faster apart from adding RAM? It's currently a PIII 450 on a motherboard that was new at the time, what sort of processor will it take? I have to dig out the specs but maybe someone can give me a rough idea.

Update: Thanks for all your comments.
I think I'll just replace the PSU for now as the comp is fine for what I need it for and I still have my laptop, anyway. I'll have a proper system upgrade when I have a long, free weekend in a couple of months or so. :o)

Comments

[toxicpixie.livejournal.com]

If you're going for a new processor, at that age you might as well get a new motherboard as well I think.

If you want a new PSU, check how much power you're various bits are drawing and get something comfetably larger :)

On that note, what you running?

Nathan, The Toxic Pixie

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods* Thought that might be the case.
I think I'm going to wait until I can comfortably afford a full system upgrade. Only need 500 quid max for what I'm looking for. However, I currently saving for a D70 with at least one good zoom lens, so the PC upgrade can wait for a bit longer.

So for the PSU, type of motherboard etc. isn't important, just power consumption? Cool.
I'm running two hard drives, CD drive and a CD-R/DVD combo drive.

[susanofstohelit.livejournal.com]

a normal power supply will work for that need (I don't even know how much power that is). physical dims, etc are the next thing. also, be very careful if you're replacing it yourself, because they can electrocute you if you're extremely un-careful.

[toxicpixie.livejournal.com]

Yup - what she says!

A bog standard 300 or 350 watt PSU will do you fine, I would think.

But be careful, and make sure you don't end up frying yourself or your machine!

Nathan, The Toxic Pixie