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General discussion

HP PSU upgrade

Mar 24, 2005 2:51PM PST

I recently purchased the HP a810n, I would like to upgrade the power supply so I can get a nice video card. I have read many different things about HP PSU's (They do not use standard connectors, etc) and was wondering if anyone knew how to find a compatible PSU upgrade for this unit.

Discussion is locked

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so, open it and look...
Mar 25, 2005 5:59AM PST

i'm only able to find the a810e on their site, which looks like a value system featuring the AthlonXP and AGP 8x

which makes it nice for upgrading (the gfx at least)

i'd say open the case up
and see

read the sticker on the side of the PSU

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=17-104-123-01.jpg/17-104-123-02.jpg/17-104-123-03.jpg/17-104-123-04.jpg/17-104-123-05.jpg&CurImage=17-104-123-03.jpg
should look something like that

the numbers with A in front of them won't be the same
the numbers above those, will be the same

what is the A number that goes with the:

+12v


what is the manufactuere of the unit? (i'd guess Delta or HiPro)

what is the max wattage output
not the +5v + +12v output + the +3.3 +12v, because that is adding the 12v in twice

you have to find the max output
or at least what it's rated too

should be something like "maximum output not to exceed:"

and then a number
somewhere between 150W and 550W (i'm guessing somewhere between 250 and 350)

as for video card upgrades
i'd suggest a 9600XT for AGP
a 6600nU for AGP
a 6600GT for AGP

or something from the 6800 series

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thx for response
Mar 25, 2005 6:14AM PST

It is actually an a810n with athlon 64 3300, It came with a 250 watt PSU, My main concern is that I have read that on many models HP used their own PSU, Much like Dell did in the past and that while you can find PSU's that will plug right in, It may fry the M.B. I am just attempting to make sure that doesn't happen. I have done a lot of searching and can really find no information on upgrading the PSU on this computer. I would really like to add a MSI 6600GT AGP card, However at this point in time I know the PSU won't run it. I will do as you asked and see what information is available on the current PSU.

Thanks for your time and help.

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um, i got an idea
Mar 25, 2005 6:31AM PST

alright...how about this

just get a new mother board, find out if the Athlon64 (it's either a 3200 or a 3400, there is no 3300 produced by AMD) is Socket 754 or Socket 939 (you just pull the HSF off, and read the socket, it'll read either Socket 754, or Socket 939 (there will be something like mPGA or something in front of it, you just need the number 754 or 939)

either way
get a new motherboard
new Socket 754 boards (good ones) are about $100
new Socket 939 boards (good ones, that support AGP) are about $120

i'm guessing it's Socket 754

you will have to re-format the system...but it'll give you basically full upgradeability over the system

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M.B. Info
Mar 25, 2005 8:51AM PST

Here is M.B info from the HP Website, Sorry that I am not real good on this type of stuff.

Form factor
Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in

System BIOS Supplier
Award

Processor
AMD Athlon 64 processor with HyperTransport support

Processor socket type
Socket 754

Processor front side bus frequency
1600 MT/s @ 800 MHz

Maximum approved processor

Athlon64 3700+
AMD Athlon64 3400+


Chipset "North Bridge"
SiS760

Chipset "South Bridge"
SiS964

Memory type
PC 2700 or PC 3200 DDR

Memory sockets
2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM

Maximum Memory
2.0 GB

It is listed as an Asus K8S-LA M.B. As far as no 3300 AMD processor. This is how it is listed and sold by H.P.


Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Desktop with AMD Athlon? 64 Processor 3300+

Model: a810n



With a robust 64-bit platform, 9-in-1 media reader and double-layer DVD burner, this desktop is a multimedia lover's dream come true, both today and into the future.


AMD Athlon? 64 processor 3300+* with 64-bit platform; 1600MHz system bus with Enhanced Virus Protection for Windows XP SP2, and HyperTransport? Technology

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i wouldn't doubt
Mar 25, 2005 9:21AM PST

that HP has some special line with AMD for odd numbered Athlon's, or that their BIOS OC's the chips...

thus far this is the 2nd Athlon CPU i've seen in an HP that is unavliable to the general public (the AthlonXP 3100+ and the Athlon64 3300+...idk)

hmmm
idk, i'll look that mobo up, see if it's really an altered board

my old HP's board uses normal ATX connectors...and a normal ATX PSU

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alright
Mar 25, 2005 9:27AM PST

found the MX version, it looks like a normal mATX board

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thanks again
Mar 25, 2005 12:18PM PST

A Sincere thanks for the time you have taken in answering my questions. I really want to be able to upgrade the graphic's, Yet, I sure didn't want to fry the mb.
I have to admit I was very surprised to find out how under powered the PSU was on the P.C. Time to check NewEgg,Zip Zoom etc for new PSU to order along with new video card.

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don't forget this guy
Mar 26, 2005 3:23PM PST
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Very good choices
Mar 26, 2005 5:52PM PST

Fortron/Sprakle were pretty much at the top of my list. I have really read no bad reviews on them. All the PSU's you listed are excellent. I just like the fact that Fortrons are a little less expensive, Yet a really well built unit.

As far as the video card, I am leaning towards the MSI 6600GT AGP card. From everything I have read it sounds like they are good cards and have a nice heatsink and fan combo for keeping it cool.

The funny thing is that my wife is the one that is the real "gamer" and will get the most enjoyment out of being able to upgrade the PSU and get a nice video card.

Sorry to be redundant, However I sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to answer my questions and make suggestions. It truly is appreciated.

Thanks again.