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General discussion

Help with buying a new & stronger power supply

by ippo Dec 30, 2004 3:10PM PST

Currently, I am running a 160w max power supply on my Gateway Mid-Tower Case I bought in September 2001...I would like to update this 160w to like 350w or 400w...but i do not know what exactly to get...there are alot of different products out there but can somebody help me choose the best one or one that you would recommend. I run a Pentinum 4 and win xp pro service pack 2, 512mb ddr ram, also i have updated my bios so it's not out of date.

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Just a guess

by Willy Dec 30, 2004 10:07PM PST

Offhand, your power supply is a ATX12v type, meaning its your basic p/s unit. If you have a local computer shop look at thier offering, most should be of this type. The newer fancier offering usually offer video card and/or extra connections which you won't need but it wouldn't hurt either, they'll just hang off the p/s unit unused. Because of your system age, 2001, it maybe possible you have a AT type p/s unit being only 165W one not an ATX type. If you bring in-hand the old p/s and show it at the computer shop, they'll match or give the required one. 350W is good but 400W+ is far better and usually cost isn't that different. Check this website for what you're in for:
http://www.sparklepower.com

Since, you have a Gateway system, its possible you have the build order at thier support website, check it using your serial or model# to reference it. Thus, it provide the specs of the build.

good luck -----Willy