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General discussion

Changing power supply

by brodmeister666 Apr 10, 2005 12:05PM PDT

I currently have a 250 watt power supply, and i want to upgrade it to a 400 watt so I can get a new graphics card. My question is, do I have to get a make and model specific power supply, or can I buy a generic one in the store and put it into my computer?

I have a hp pavilion a520n

3200+
512 mb pc2700 ddr sdram
160gb 7200RPM UDMA HD
DVD+RW/CD-RW
CD-ROM 48x

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Look at...
by Willy Apr 11, 2005 12:36AM PDT

Because you have an HP model, you need to verify that whatvere you get fits. The p/s unit itself is ATX12V class but it is physically different from typical generic p/s. You can check this website for truly hi-quality unit and one that can fit: http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com and yes they're expensive but worth it. Of course, google for any HP ready p/s units or check HP parts surfer website for a better replacement beyond 250W, I believe 320W can be found or better.

tada Happy -----Willy

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A link
by adkmom Apr 12, 2005 10:04AM PDT
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Can't find adequate supply
by brodmeister666 Apr 19, 2005 6:10AM PDT

The only one that has a520n in it is the standard 250w supply. Does that mean that it's not replaceable?

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Size matters
by Willy Apr 19, 2005 12:12PM PDT

I checked HP replacement parts and that's the only one for that model. The chancy part is using another model's part# that better wattage to fit, but you're on your own. I checked in http://www.sparklepower.com that shows various p/s uits, I correct myself as yours is a ATX-SFX which means a fan blowing across the cpu or air channel to direct air directly on the cpu, besides any cpu fan itself. Thewy try to better the system. The important thing is the measurements they give for the p/s unit. using that find a replacement which maybe an ATX type w/o a fan, but many are dual fan models, its the size that hurts, it bigger that the HP model, but I didn't do alot of checking. Of course if you "jerry-rig" it, that an option. Sad

tada -----Willy Happy

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