Question to computer/hardware geeks
14 Apr 2004 07:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
karohemdThe 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)
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)
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Date: 14/4/04 07:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 14/4/04 07:30 pm (UTC)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